Third Person’s POV


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    Adide smiled and said, “Since everyone likes my friend’s oil paintings so much, if I said no to selling, you’d surelyin about me behind my back.”


    “No, no,” Minister of Royal Military Affairs, Elias,ughed and then said seriously, “Even if you don’t sell, no one wouldin. I’d be the first to speak up if anyone bad–mouthed you.”


    Thedies exchanged nces.


    They knew Adide had military merits, but as a she–wolf, they doubted if royal officials truly valued her.


    Yet Elias’s tone was so earnest that those who had gossiped about Adide with Madison now regretted it.


    If their words got out and offended her, it could cause trouble for their mates.


    Lycan Erasmus looked at Adide meaningfully and pointed to a painting. “Adide, I’ll just take this one.” Adide curtseyed slightly. “If you like it, take it. I can’t ept money from you–it’s a gift.”


    Lycan Erasmus shook his head. “No, I insist on buying it. If I take it as a gift, how can you not give one to Cyrus and the other Royal Council members?”


    Everyoneughed and said, “We’ll pay. You can ept it as a gift.”


    “How can you afford it when I can’t?” Lycan Erasmus asked Adide, “How much for this one?”


    Adide replied, “Then I’ll set a friendly price–ten thousand dors each. Everyone here can take one if they like.”


    Everyone expected Adide to set a high price–Mr. Neil’s paintings were incredibly precious, likely starting at 100,000 dors.


    But when she announced the price as ten thousand dors, the atmosphere erupted. Some people were so excited that they let out involuntary gasps of delight.


    Suddenly, a hoarse voice broke through, “Hey, don’t take my paintings! I’ll take these three! Don’t push me -I’ll fall! Quick, Abigail, help me get the paintings inside!”


    It was Doug Watson, arms wide to protect three paintings, one of which was the one Cyrus had admired.


    As they nudged each other, Doug called to his granddaughter outside.


    Abigail acted swiftly, rushing in to roll up the paintings Doug wanted.


    Cyrus could only watch helplessly as Doug secured his choices, casting envious nces at his mate for not helping.


    Guests swarmed to pick paintings. Seeing Lance hadn’t chosen any, Elias asked, “Aren’t there any you like? Ten thousand’s a bargain.”


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    Lance, arms crossed and smiling, said, “You all go first. As Adide’s future mate, I’ll just ask Mr. Neil for a


    new one.”


    This remark drew numerous disapproving nces–just like his mother, he loved to show off as well!


    Thedies, though envious of Adide’s sess today, understood Craig was using his reputation to protect her.


    With Craig’s favor, officials valuing art would now court Adide’s favor.


    Art lovers like Doug would seek herpany for future Neil paintings.


    The attitudes of Lycan Erasmus, Cyrus, and Elias were clear; their support for Adide extended beyond Neil’s connection.


    She’d risen from a disgraced she–wolf to royal darling..


    After the buying frenzy, Cedric was introduced to Erasmus and officials.


    Adide deliberately presented Cedric as the future heir of the Frostfang Pack.


    Though small in stature, he stood ramrod straight, reminiscent of the former Alpha Bentley of the Frostfang Pack.


    Adide then guided Prisci and other she–wolves to the side hall. Conversations became pleasant, withpliments aplenty.


    Adide skillfully navigated the exchanges.


    Prisci scrutinized Adide for a long while. After today, she found Adide less annoying.


    Had it not been for Adide’s future role as Lance’s mate, Prisci might have even liked her.


    But that identity sh was inevitable.


    In her eyes, her son was exceptional. Even princesses seemed inadequate, let alone Adide.


    Prisci snapped back–Adide was almost winning her over.


    She should be angry. Today was her banquet, yet Adide stole the spotlight.


    That innocent smile must be hiding smugness.


    Especially those upturned eyes, truly captivating…


    “Prisci, do have some tea,” Adide’s voice interrupted.


    Prisci forced a smile. “Alright.”


    Adide sipped her tea, hiding her amusement.


    She found Prisci quite interesting–her arrogance, willfulness, and love for showing off were all genuine, making her easier to deal with than someone hiding behind a mask.