<h4>Chapter 552: Dennis Lashes Out</h4>
<strong><i>[Third Person].</i></strong>
Draven sat beside Meredith, his presence steady and unmistakable, as the women and children ate and drank to their satisfaction.
Laughter rose in small pockets, children clustered together with flushed cheeks and sticky fingers, the earlier tension finally dissolving into something warm and real.
Meredith watched it all quietly, her hands folded in herp, heart still taut but slowly easing. When thest bowls were set aside and cups emptied, she stood to her feet.
"Before you leave," she said gently, drawing the women’s attention back to her, "I want to remind you about the gift bags you will be taking home today."
She lifted one slightly. "Each item isbelled. Please follow the instructions as written. The teas are for headaches and digestion, and the balm is for wounds, joint pain, and tired hands. Use them carefully, and if something doesn’t suit you, stop."
Her tone was calm but firm, practical rather than indulgent.
Azul, Kira, Deidra, Cora, and Arya stepped forward at once, baskets in hand, moving efficiently among the benches. There were many women, but the servants worked smoothly, with soft smiles, and murmured exnations that were repeated patiently.
Meanwhile, Draven rose from his seat and offered to hand out the remaining candies to the children by himself, so a servant opened a smaller crate beside him.
"Children," one of the attendants called gently, "this way."
One by one, the children were guided toward Draven. He remained where he was, crouching slightly to meet them at eye level, handing each child a wrapped sweet with unhurried patience. Some stared at him wide-eyed. Others grinned boldly. One little boy bowed so deeply he nearly tipped over.
Draven steadied him with a quiet chuckle and passed him a second candy. Meredith watched with something warm blooming in her chest.
When thest gift was given and the baskets were empty, Draven straightened.
"Transportation has been arranged," he announced calmly. "Buses are waiting at the front of the estate to take everyone home safely."
The reaction was immediate. Voices lifted in gratitude. Smiles spread. Some of the women sped their hands together, and others bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Alpha!"
"Thank you, Luna!"
A few momentster, servants began guiding the women and children toward the front path, the clearing slowly thinning as the gathering came to a close.
Just before Meredith turned away, a young woman stepped toward her.
She was single. Meredith could tell that much immediately, but there was nothing timid about her. She was well dressed, her posture straight, her eyes sharp with intelligence rather than need.
"My Luna," the woman said warmly, extending her hand. "No Luna has ever done this for the poor women. Thank you."
Meredith epted the handshake, studying her more closely now. Beautiful, yes—but she was alsoposed and self-possessed. She didn’t look helpless or simple.
"What is your name?" Meredith asked.
The woman’s face brightened at once. "I am Helena, Luna."
"Helena," Meredith repeated, smiling. "I’m d you came today."
Helena bowed respectfully, then turned to leave. As she did, her gaze flicked briefly toward the path Dennis and Wanda had taken earlier—just a nce, quick and thoughtful, before she turned back, slipping her arm gently through that of an elderly woman beside her and guiding her away with care.
Meredith watched Helena until they disappeared from her sight.
When the clearing was finally empty, Meredith turned to the remaining servants. "Please tidy everything up. Thank you all."
They bowed and moved at once.
Draven took Meredith’s hand, and together they walked back toward the house through the rear entrance.
The moment they were out of sight, Meredith’sposure slipped just enough.
"I’m not happy," she said quietly. "Wanda had no right to be there. And what she did—"
"Don’t bother. You deserve an answer," Draven replied evenly. "And you will have one." Then, he led her into the sitting room.
Dennis and Wanda were already there, so both rose immediately when the door opened.
Draven and Meredith took their seats on the two-sitter sofa, side by side. Only then did Draven gesture calmly.
"Sit."
Dennis obeyed without hesitation, and Wanda followed a heartbeatter.
The room settled into heavy yet expectant silence before Draven fixed his gaze on Wanda with a weight that made the air in the sitting room feel heavier.
"You should know by now," he said calmly, "that I ce great importance on respect. Especially when it concerns my mate."
Wanda’s fingers twitched in herp.
"You were warned," Draven continued, his tone even, controlled. "Yet you chose to act as you pleased. So do not me me for what follows."
Immediately, panic red in her chest. Her expression shifted to hurt, confusion. Almost wounded.
"Draven... what have I done wrong?" she asked quickly, voice trembling just enough. "I came here to support your mate. I dered my intentions openly. I hid nothing from you."
She gestured vaguely behind her. "Fine—you told me to take the money back home with me. I listened."
At that, Meredith’s gaze slid to the heavy bag resting close to the sofa. And immediately, she realized Wanda’s initial ns.
A cold scoff echoed only inside her mind. If Draven hadn’t intervened, Wanda would have turned the gathering into a spectacle of greed and chaos. Meredith felt a sharp sh of anger at how close the event hade to being ruined entirely.
Wanda pressed on, desperation sharpening her words. "But if you are angry because I went to offer my support with my presence, don’t forget, I asked for permission. You never said no."
Dennis snapped. "Oh, stop it." Then, he stepped forward, his fury no longer restrained. "Enough of the act."
Wanda flinched, her eyes shing toward him.
"You really have no shame," Dennis continued, his voice rising. "Do you think we are fools? You wanted to destroy Meredith’s event. And you didn’t care if you disrespected the Alpha to do it."
He pointed at her sharply. "What do you take the Alpha for—your friend?"