Chapter 162: Chapter 163

Chapter 0163 Chapter 0163 Despite her pleasant words and light tone, I couldn’t shake the tension in the room. I glanced at Alexander and noticed that his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Perhaps this was just polite civility masking deeper feelings, something they had already discussed privately. That seemed the most likely explanation.

I reminded myself to be grateful. Diana was greeting me kindly, and a difficult relationship with his family would only complicate things for us. For now, I should focus on making a good impression and not overthink the subtle unease lingering beneath the surface.

“Come on into the dining room,” Diana said, gesturing gracefully. “Everything is set for us.”

Alexander placed his hand on the small of my back as we followed her, a simple gesture that sent a slight shiver through me.

The dining room was large and elegant, centered around a long wooden table adorned with crystal glasses and fine china.

Alexander pulled out a chair for me, and I settled into it gratefully. He took the seat beside me while Diana positioned herself across from us.

“It’s a long trip from the Rowanwood pack all the way up here,” Diana began, her tone light but scrutinizing. “I hope it wasn’t too much for you.”

“Oh, not at all,” I replied with a polite smile. “I spent last night in the capital to make the journey less taxing.”

“I see,” Diana said, her eyes flicking to Alexander. “So, the two of you are spending the night together already?”

“Oh, no!” I said quickly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. No, I stayed in a small property owned by..., ather.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed,” Diana said with a light laugh. “I’m not some prude. I assume that the two of you have-”

“Mother, this is not appropriate,” Alexander interrupted in a low, firm tone.

I glanced at him in surprise. While Diana’s comment was prying, it felt strange to hear him address his mother so directly.

“Oh, lighten up,” Diana replied dismissively as a staff member entered to pour wine into our glasses.

Diana took a sip of hers before turning her attention back to me. “I have to tell you, I was quite shocked when I heard that you and Alexander were together,” she said, her words measured. “I knew he’d make a good match someday. The Rowanwood pack, the only child of Roman Rowan himself–it’s quite the catch. Your family is quite wealthy, aren’t they?”

“No more so than yours,” I said, keeping my tone steady and choosing my words carefully.

“Well, for a pack of your size,” Diana continued, smiling tightly. “Very impressive. Your father must be quite the leader.”

“He is,” I agreed. “He’s very dedicated to the pack.”

Diana took another, larger sip of her wine, setting the glass down with a forced smile. “Alexander couldn’t have done better,” she said. Yet, her tone lacked pride, instead carrying an undercurrent of place–annoyance, perhaps.

omething I couldn’t quite I kept my own smile firmly in place, doing my best to remain composed despite the growing discomfort.

Was I imagining things? Or was Diana’s behavior intentionally confrontational? Her questions were invasive and +25 BONUS Chapter 0163 bordered on rude, and she had to know it. Yet, the polished way she spoke made it impossible to call her out without seeming impolite myself.

Still, I couldn’t shake the sense that I was being tested–and that this test wasn’t one I could afford to fail. Diana looked directly into my eyes, her tight smile unwavering. “So,” she began, her tone deceptively light. “I wonder how it is that someone as upstanding and proper as a Rowanwood would end up in your situation.”

“Excuse me?” I asked, frowning in confusion.

“How did you end up with Alexander?” she asked bluntly. I hope you aren’t with him just to make David jealous.‘

My heart froze, the air in the room thickening around me. I stared at her in disbelief, my breath caught in my throat. The mention of David’s name felt like a slap–unexpected and disorienting.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. My mind raced, trying to comprehend her question, her intent, and what she could possibly know.