Chapter 224 Wasted Time


    <b>Leslie’s </b>POV


    +8 Pearls


    I thought it would be just a simple meal. Instead, Kirby led me clear across the capital to a private kitchen reserved only for top Alphas.


    The ce only epted fifteen guests a day, reservations booked half a month in advance. Extravagant beyond reason.


    He guided me into the VIP section and pulled out a chair with ridiculous courtesy.


    I sat down smoothly, thinking, <i>this </i><i>guy </i><i>really </i><i>knows </i><i>how </i><i>to </i><i>put </i><i>on </i><i>a </i><i>show</i>.


    He handed me the menu. “What do you want?”


    I pushed it back without looking. “Order the most expensive.”


    He didn’t even blink, just nodded and told the server a few dishes.


    <i>The </i>window framed a wless view of gardens, rockeries, streams, and wind chimes under carved eaves. Perfection everywhere.


    But I had no heart for it. My mind was fixed on Adler.


    “How do you know I’m investigating Damian and Adler?” I asked, sharper than I intended.


    He raised a hand, long fingers pouring tea, the scent curling through the air.


    “It’s not exactly a state secret. The moment your meeting ended, gossip spread. Half a dayter, it was in my ears.”


    I faltered. True enough–Rogue Pack rumors spread faster than light.


    “Crimson Moon Pack wants Adler too?”


    He arched a brow as if to say, <i>of </i><i>course</i>.


    “I’ll tell you what I know<i>,” </i>he said lightly, “but I’m not helping you. Leslie, if you lose, you’ll hand the West governorship of Rogue Pack to someone else. Will you cry about it?”


    Asphodel snorted in my mind, sharp as ws. <i>So </i><i>sure </i>of himself. As if <i>without </i><i>his </i><i>help </i><i>we’re </i><i>destined </i><i>to </i><i>fail</i>.


    I sneered aloud. “And if you lose? Will you cry?”


    9:13 Thu, <b>Sep </b>18 G.


    Chapter 224 Wasted Time


    His gaze softened, his smile tender. “If I lose, that means you win. I’ll be d for you.”


    Hypocrite. I rolled my eyes, thinking his mouth dripped honey.


    <b>82 </b>


    +8 Pearls


    “Seriously,” he added, “if you lose,e to Crimson Moon Pack. Any position you want, it’s yours.”


    Trying to poach me? My brows rose. “And what’s higher than your position?”


    “Luna,” he said smoothly.


    I froze, then let out a coldugh. “I was your wife for three years. The Beta receptionist wouldn’t even let me through the door. And you expect me to believe that? Maybe some gullible little Omega would.”


    The words carried no warmth—only scorn.


    The memories of humiliation were still vivid, and I would never again believe in his sweet lies.


    He fell silent, his eyes darkening as though something inside him stung. He lowered his masking whatever he felt.


    I sipped my tea, unwilling to waste another word. “Get to the point.”


    Kirby’s POV


    gaze,


    I dropped my eyes, smothering everything. When I lifted them again, only calm remained. “Lucian’s confidencees from Adler’s steward.”


    She frowned. “Steward?”


    I nodded. “A Beta. But Adler trusts himpletely. Sometimes a few words from him can sway Adler’s decisions.”


    Her eyes widened. “Like a eunuch whispering in the emperor’s ear?”


    A quietugh slipped from me. “This steward was an orphan. Lucian’s mother raised him. She saved his life<i>.</i><i>” </i>


    Shock flickered across her face as she understood.


    If Adler’s right hand owed his life to Lucian’s family, Damian’s sess was almost guaranteed.


    Her breath caught, the flicker of crisis in her eyes undeniable,


    The food arrived then, easing the tension. “Eat,” I said lightly.


    9:13 Thu, Sep 18 <b>G </b>


    …


    Chapter 224 Wasted Time


    I reached out with a fork to serve her, but she drew back her te. “I’ll do it myself?”


    My hand hung in the air for a beat before I lowered it quietly. “Alright.”


    (82<b>) </b>


    +8 Pearls


    Though she imed no appetite, she hadn’t eaten since morning, and ended up finishing more than a little.


    I barely touched the food. I only watched her.


    Her face was soft in the glow of themps, so achingly beautiful that I dared not break the


    moment.


    I had spilled every scrap of information I’d managed to dig up, just for this meal.


    Such pathetic terms–just to make her happy.


    Worth it.


    When she was finished, I stood. “I’ll take you home.”


    But she stopped me. “Kirby, don’t waste your time on me.”


    Her rejection was crystal clear.


    I straightened in my dark coat, my voice calm, almost casual. “I have plenty of time. If it’s wasted, it’s wasted. I don’t mind.”


    Send Gifts


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