Chapter 54 You Call That Leverage?
Leslie’s POV – Westview Governor’s Mansion, Elder Chamber
25
+8 Pearls
The Elder Chamber was solemn and quiet. Elder Drax sat in his chair, eyeing me with a gaze just a little too bold.
Asphodel, my wolf, let out a disdainful snarl. <i>This </i><i>old </i><i>mutt’s </i><i>stare </i><i>is </i><i>disgusting</i>.
“Miss Leslie, so young and aplished,” he said, gesturing to the seat across from him. “Have a seat.”
I didn’t bother with pleasantries. I sat down and waited for him to get to the point.
“With looks like yours, no wonder Lord Thorbane was willing to push past all opposition to put you in this position.” Right out of the gate, hebeled me a pretty face who had climbed the ranks through seduction.
<i>Figures</i><i>. </i><i>Never </i><i>expect </i><i>pearls </i><i>from </i><i>a </i><i>filthy </i><i>mouth</i>. Asphodel and I were long used to this sort of thing.
My smile deepened. I didn’t argue—I just kept smiling at him.
Seeing I wasn’t taking the bait, Drax finally snorted and got to the real reason for this little show. “This Governor seat was meant for Rowan. Did you know that?”
Trying <i>to </i>scare me?
I gave a deliberately surprised pause. “Oh? Rowan Beta is certainly capable. But I believe I’m better suited for the job.”
His face darkened at once. “Young wolves who are arrogant and disrespect their elders tend to learn things the hard way,” he warned.
I smiled, then stood up. “Then I’ll just have to prove myself through results. If there’s nothing else, Elder Drax, I’ll be on my way.”
“Stop right there!” he snapped, suddenly impatient. “Add Rowan to the Moon Goddess Relic Project team. That’s an order.”
“I heard you,” I said with a nod. His expression softened slightly–until I continued, “But I can’t
do that.”
“What did you say?!”
“It wouldn’t be fair to the others who’ve been working hard for the Pack.”
Chapter 54 You Call That Leverage?
25
+8 Pearls
“Leslie!” Drax’s face turned red as he raised his voice. “You think you’re untouchable just because Lord Thorbane favors you? You think I won’t rally the Council-”
“To impeach me?” I cut him off coldly, my eyes narrowing as I swept a calm, sharp nce over his stunned expression. “You think the Council would risk going after a Governor personally appointed by the King–just for the sake of Rowan?”
“If you don’t believe me, go ahead. Try to raise the motion. But you may find I’m not the only one who ends up under scrutiny.”
I watched the color drain from Drax’s face–red, then white, then a sickly shade of green- before turning on my heel and walking out without the slightest hesitation.
Putting leeches like him in their ce always put me in a better mood.
That weekend, Astrid invited me out for a shopping spree, and I dly epted.
We went to the most elite luxury district in Central City, tailored specifically for supernatural beings. Inside a jewelry boutique called “Tears of the Stars,” Astrid fell in love with a ne rumored to be the final masterpiece of the famous dwarven designer, Pierre.
Just as we were about to try it on, a shrill voice rang out from behind us.
“She’s trying that on? As if she could afford it. Salesgirl, be careful—if her cheap stink gets on it, no one will buy it!”
Slyvana. Again.
She strutted toward us with her little entourage, full of herself as always.
After what happened at the ceremony, I was surprised she even dared show her face.
“What’s it to you?” Astrid snapped, her smile instantly vanishing.
“It’s absolutely my business!” Slyvana said smugly. “Salesgirl, I want that ne. Don’t let anyone else touch it–I don’t want it getting ‘dirty.””
She shot me a smug look, clearly trying to reim some shred of pride.
The salesgirl hesitated. “But these twodies arrived first…”
“What did you say? I’m your top–tier VIP client! I have first pick, always!” Slyvana barked, ring at me with triumph.
The sales associate could only offer us an apologetic nce and reached out for the ne.
But I gently pressed my hand on the jewelry box, smiling faintly.
Chapter 54 You Call That Leverage?
25
+8 Pearls
From my bag, I pulled out a card crafted from pure obsidian and mithril, etched withplex royal sigils.
It was a gift from Carl on my eighteenth birthday–one of only ten “Royal ck Gold Cards” ever issued, jointly recognized by every major luxury brand worldwide.
The moment the salesgirl saw the card, she gasped, her entire expression shifting to something close to reverence.
She immediately gave me a deep, respectful bow. “Your… Your Highness! I’ll have it wrapped at once!”
Ignoring the ck–jawed Slyvana, the associate moved quickly and carefully to box the ne.
“This… this is fake! You’ve all been fooled!” Slyvana shrieked in disbelief.
The store manager rushed over upon hearing themotion. After confirming the card’s authenticity, he turned to Slyvana with a stern, professional smile and made a sweeping gesture toward the door. “Miss, I’m going to have to ask you and your friends to leave. We need to clear the floor and provide private service to our most distinguished guest.”
“Out of my sight,” Astrid added mercilessly. “She’s ruining the air in here.”
As security escorted her out, the furious humiliation in Slyvana’s eyes brought me the deepest, most genuine satisfaction I’d felt in days.
Send Gifts
138
四
Burn in the Alpha Princess’s Wrath