Chapter 203: The Family Confrontation
Chapter 203: The Family Confrontation
(Aria’s POV)
The soft murmur of conversation and the gentle clinking of glasses filled the air as our guests mingled in the elegant reception room of the Blackwood estate. Baby Nolan slept peacefully in his ceremonial bassinet, wrapped in silk blankets embroidered with traditional werewolf blessings. The full moon celebration was meant to be a joyous occasion, formally introducing our pup to the extended pack community.
I stood beside Dominic, my hand resting protectively near Nolan’s bassinet, when I caught sight of Patricia Lewis approaching with her characteristic arrogant stride. Her sharp features were set with determination, and her expensive designer dress did nothing to soften the calculating gleam in her dark eyes. “Michael,” she called out to my father, her wolf’s scent heavy with entitlement as she pushed through the crowd of guests. “I need to speak with you about the Eastern Territory project.”
My father, Dr. Michael Lewis, turned from his conversation with several pack elders, his expression immediately guarded. “Patricia, this is hardly the time or place for business discussions.”
“The time is always right for family prosperity,” Patricia replied curtly, her voice carrying across the room. “I need you to transfer one million moon–silver to my husband’s account immediately. The construction of the new healing facility cannot wait.”
Several nearby guests turned their heads at her bold demand, their enhanced werewolf hearing picking up every word. I felt my wolf bristle with indignation at her inappropriate timing.
“Patricia, we’re celebrating my grandson’s blessing ceremony,” I said firmly, trying to keep my voice level. “Perhaps we could discuss business matters at a more appropriate time?”
Her cold gaze shifted to me, and I could see the disdain in her eyes. “Business doesn’t stop for celebrations, dear. Your father understands the importance of family investments.”
“The answer is no,” Dr. Michael Lewis said quietly, his Alpha authority evident despite his calm tone. “Not tonight, and not in this manner.”
Patricia’s expression darkened, her wolf’s dominance attempting to assert itself. “Michael, you’re being unreasonable. This project will benefit the entire Lewis family.”
“What will benefit the family is showing proper respect during important occasions,” Mrs. Caroline Lewis interjected, stepping forward with her maternal instincts flaring. “Patricia, you’re embarrassing yourself.”
The confrontation was drawing more attention from the gathered werewolves. I could see pack members from various territories watching the scene unfold, their expressions ranging from curiosity to disapproval.
“Embarrassing myself?” Patricia’s voice rose dangerously. “I’m trying to secure our family’s future while you coddle this… this illegitimate daughter who appeared out of nowhere.”
“How dare you,” Mrs. Caroline Lewis snarled, her wolf’s protective instincts erupting in full force. “Aria is my daughter, and she has every right to be here.”
*Does she?” Patricia shot back, her eyes gleaming with malice. “She hasn’t even been properly added to the Lewis family genealogy. How do we know she’s really who she claims to be?”
Chapter 203. The Family Confrontation
The accusation hung in the air like poison. I felt my wolf recoil at the open hostility, my hand Instinctively. moving to check on Nolan’s peaceful sleep.
“Patricia,” I said carefully, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me, “you’ve made it quite clear that you want us expelled from the family. Your words speak for themselves.”
“Perhaps that would be for the best,” Patricia replied coldly. “Since you refuse to contribute to family prosperity, maybe it’s time to reconsider your place in the Lewis pack hierarchy.”
“Is that a threat?” Mrs. Caroline Lewis demanded, her wolf’s fur metaphorically bristling.
“It’s a fact,” Patricia said with deadly calm. “My husband is the current head of the Lewis family. One word from him, and Michael’s entire branch can be removed from the pack entirely.”
The threat sent a ripple of shock through the nearby guests. Pack expulsion was a serious matter, effectively. cutting off all family ties and support..
“You wouldn’t dare,” Mrs. Caroline Lewis said, but I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.
“Try me,” Patricia replied smugly. “See how well your precious daughter fares without family protection.” Before I could respond, my father appeared at my side, his expression grim with determination. “Actually, Patricia, your threat is quite serious. It needs to be addressed immediately.”
“Michael,” Patricia began, but he cut her off with a sharp gesture.
“But first, I have a question,” he continued, his Alpha authority filling his voice. “Why hasn’t my daughter been added to the Lewis family genealogy? She’s been back with us for months.”
Patricia’s confident expression faltered slightly. “There have been… administrative delays.”
“What kind of delays?” Dr. Michael Lewis pressed, his eyes narrowing. “Who is responsible for maintaining the family records?”
“I… we’ve been waiting for proper documentation,” Patricia stammered, glancing around for support.
“You’ve been deliberately blocking the process,” my father stated, his voice deadly quiet. “Haven’t you,
Patricia?”
“That’s ridiculous,” Patricia protested, but her wolf’s scent betrayed her nervousness. “I would never-” “Yes, you would,” Dr. Michael Lewis interrupted, his Alpha power radiating authority. “And because of your interference and threats, I’m implementing an immediate solution.”
He turned to address the gathered crowd, his voice carrying across the room. “As of tonight, my family branch is separating from the main Lewis pack hierarchy. We will maintain our own independent line.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Pack separation was a drastic measure, effectively severing generations of family bonds.
“Michael, you can’t be serious,” Patricia said, her voice cracking with shock.
“I’m entirely serious,” he replied. “You’ve made it clear that we’re not welcome. So we’ll make our own way.”
(Mrs. Caroline Lewis’s POV)
My heart was racing as I followed my mate into the private rest room, away from the shocked murmurs of the celebration guests. The weight of his announcement was still sinking in.
Chapter 203 The Family Confrontation
“Michael, what have you done?” I whispered, my wolf whimpering with anxiety, Separating from the man pack… the social implications alone could destroy us.”
My mate’s expression was grim but determined. “Caroline, this wasn’t a rash decision. It’s part of Anal’s plan “What plan?” I demanded, my maternal instincts on high alert. “What are you talking about?”
“We’re using the family separation as bait,” he explained quietly. “To flush out the person who kidn*pped Ana
as a child.”
My legs felt weak, and I gripped the edge of the sink for support. “You’re using our family as bait? Michael, this is insane.”
“It’s necessary,” he replied firmly. “We need to expose the truth.”
Before I could argue further, Aria entered the room, her expression troubled but resolute. “Mom, there’s something you need to know. Something I should have told you earlier.”
“What now?” I asked, my wolf’s anxiety spiking.
“I found a voodoo doll hidden among the gifts from Alison Lewis and her adoptive mother, Aria said quietly. “It was designed to curse me or baby Nolan.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. “A voodoo doll? Aria, that’s… that’s attempted murder.”
“The doll had my birthdate written on it,” she continued, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words. “It was hidden in the egg basket they brought to the hospital.”
I stared at my daughter in disbelief, my heart breaking as the implications sank in. “Alison? But I treated her like my own daughter when she stayed with us. How could she want to hurt you?*
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