Chapter 77
Darius‘ POV
1288 Vouchers
Zora’s actions completely blew my mind! She fearlessly stood up for me and put those council members in their rightful place. It was like a divine intervention.
I glanced at Abelardo’s empty seat and couldn’t help but feel grateful that he didn’t show up. If he had been there, the hearing would have been a real challenge. Out of everyone, he was the only one who could disrespect me without facing any consequences. It’s not that I couldn’t handle him, but I had to consider my mother’s feelings and not cause her pain by hurting him.
Larry appeared disappointed, and it made me suspect that he had some kind of plan with Abelardo. I knew I had to dig deeper into that man. While we all knew Abelardo wasn’t clever enough to orchestrate something of such magnitude, I couldn’t say the same about Larry.
Zora hit the nail on the head when she asked them if they had traced the documents. Even though they desperately tried to divert the conversation towards attacking Elbert and Casey, I couldn’t agree to their request to end the meeting. I had to decline because there was more to uncover.
Pamela, fueled by her own agenda, actively pursued Casey’s
Dividing into pages now
m
Chapter 77
288 Vouchers
matter, strategically selecting her words to provoke a reaction from Zora. Deep down, I understood her intentions, yet I was confident that Zora’s affections were exclusively reserved for me, and her heart beat solely in sync with mine.
After a period of Pamela’s incessant remarks, the room fell silent, waiting for someone to break the tension. Finally, I decided to speak, sensing the need to address the issue at hand. As my voice resonated through the room, a hush settled over the gathering. Vino, one of the attendees, rose from his seat, assuming that I intended to conclude the meeting.
“No, we haven’t concluded, Your Lordship,” Vino stated respectfully, his assumption proven incorrect as I shook my head in disagreement. The room buzzed with curiosity as they wondered about the reason for my divergence from the expected path.
“Today is not a day for silence,” I declared with a sense of purpose, emphasizing the significance of the moment. Vino, visibly surprised by my statement, sank back into his chair, understanding that there were further matters to be addressed.
My gaze shifted towards Pamela, conveying a mix of curiosity and challenge. I aimed to understand the claims she had made against alpha Casey Grady, knowing that her words carried weight within the room.
“Could you enlighten me on the alleged crimes of alpha Casey
Dividing into pages now
Chapter 77
Grady?” I Inquired, my tone composed yet eager for clarification.
288 Vouchers.
Pamela proceeded to recount the rumors circulating about Casey’s collaboration with Elbert, which involved aiding the latter in the establishment of an army. The purpose behind their alliance was nothing short of audacious–to march north, seeking to overthrow my rule and seize power for themselves.
Pamela’s conviction only fueled my amusement. A faint smile appeared on my face, as I silently acknowledged the audacity of their aspirations and the unfounded confidence they held in their abilities.
“And where did you come across such intriguing tidings?” I inquired, causing her confidence to waver.
“We must remain vigilant, attuned to whispers that carry the potential to dismantle our foundation,” she expounded, and I couldn’t help but flash a knowing grin.
“In essence, you’re suggesting it’s nothing more than an unsubstantiated rumor,” I remarked, leaving her momentarily
I
speechless.
“So, you expect me to initiate an assault based on mere hearsay, lacking any credible source or evidence?” I reiterated, hoping to make her comprehend the foolishness of her plea.
“I also couldn’t help but notice your constant glances at my
Dividing into pages now
1288 Vouchers
mate while making this demand,” I added, my smile growing wider.
“Let this serve as a stern admonition to this assembly, never again to employ Zora’s former spouse as bait. It is an act of utter disrespect, displaying a shameful lack of intelligence, and I am profoundly dismayed by all of you,” I admonished with a tinge of disappointment.
“You gathered me here solely for a question–and–answer session rooted in groundless accusations. I would have been impressed if you had conducted your due diligence, but alas, you fell short,” I declared.
“While you’re all busy blowing things out of proportion, there’s actually an important matter we need to address,” | declared, capturing everyone’s attention.
“Can anyone tell me who authorized Enforcer Bryce Golubev to head east yesterday morning and demand development taxes from Alpha Caseynardo? Despite clearly stating to Vino that I didn’t issue such an order, why wasn’t he recalled? Why did he go as far as threatening the alpha?” I questioned, leaving them in stunned silence.
Zora, visibly taken aback, had just returned to our room last night, but I didn’t inform her. My anger towards the council consumed me, and I worried about the lengths they were willing to go to keep secrets from her.
It’s regrettable that Casey and I can never truly be friends
Dividing into pages now
268 Vouchers
because I took away something he valued greatly. Nevertheless, I have deep respect for the alpha’s mature response in reaching out instead of reacting with hostility.
“I’m in need of an answer,” I declared, and Councilwoman, Joan Clayman, rose to address me.
“With utmost respect, your Lordship, how did you stumble upon this information?” she inquired, and a smile graced my face.
”
“Alpha Casey possessed the courage to approach us and inquire about the so–called development tax. I’m relieved he didn’t rebel,” I responded, determined not to divert from the topic at hand.
“Allow me to reiterate my question,” I reminded them, but silence engulfed the room. I turned my gaze towards Marcel, who nodded in agreement.
Brian William escorted the enforcer into the room, rendering the council members speechless.
“Bryce,” Marcel called out, prompting the man to kneel with his head bowed. He understood his place and refrained from meeting our eyes.
“Who issued the command for your journey eastward
yesterday morning? Who funded your flight and assigned you the task?” Marcel inquired, and the enforcer remained silent.
Dividing into pages now
Chapter 77
288 Vouchers
“Should you choose to remain tight–lipped, you and your family will face charges of treason. Spreading false news in the name of the Wolf lord is a treasonous act,” Marcel cautioned him, and the man lowered his head in acknowledgment.
“I genuinely believed the order to be authentic. Lord Abelardo presented it to me,” he confessed, causing murmurs to ripple through the room.
“When did he deliver this to you?” I pressed further.
“Three nights ago. It bore your seal, and I had no reason to doubt it originated from your office,” he explained, eliciting more murmurs from the crowd.
Outrage and disappointment echoed through the chamber, reaching my ears.
Dividing into pages no
