Chapter 321 Secrets on the Table


    <b>Leslie’s </b>POV


    His words made my wrist tremble, a few drops of tea spilling onto the table. The golden liquid caught the light, sharp as sunlight.


    My heart skipped once before steadying again. My voice was cold as ice. “Outside of business, we’re strangers. Practically nothing between us. Alpha, how long is this ‘long time‘ you im?”


    Sweet words? Anyone could say them.


    I wasn’t some Omega to be coaxed dizzy with pretty lies.


    Adler met my gaze openly, not flinching. “Not even a year. But from the day I met you, I’ve quietly rejoiced that you were alone. Leslie, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Adler. Three years ago, my mate died. And I have a son.”


    He lowered his eyes with a faint, self–mocking smile. “On paper, I suppose my situation looks poor. But I am Alpha of Gold Empire. I own vast wealth–honestly, I’ve lost track of the numbers. If you need to know, I can have someone tally it, though it may take time; I don’t remember every holding. And…”


    He paused, his face turning serious, a glimmer in his eyes. “Eren is myte brother’s child. That brother once challenged me for Gold Pack’s Alpha seat. He lost, became a rogue, and died out in the wild. I honored hisst wish by marrying his mate, so she and Eren could stay in Gold Pack.”


    I froze<i>, </i>mind gone nk.


    Even Asphodel fell silent, stunned.


    His self–mockery disarmed me, but that truth–heavy as stone–pressed on my chest.


    Eren. That bright, citrus–sweet boy… bore such a burdened past?


    A knot of emotions twisted inside me; a sharp pang for Eren, and a weight at Adler’s blunt honesty.


    “I share this because it is my greatest secret,” Adler said, steady, gentle. “Don’t let it burden you. I always meant to tell Eren myself when he was old enough.”


    I pressed my lips tight, throat constricted. “I’m sorry. I never meant to pry.”


    But knowing didn’t bring me relief.


    <b>11:03 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>


    Chapter 321 Secrets on the Table


    A74


    His openness was like a mirror, forcing me to face my own guardedness, my own frost.


    +8 Pearls


    Adler’s smile softened, humble. “I simply want you to see me more clearly. I don’t want you to think I’m a man who acts on nothing but lust.”


    I stared at him, uneasy, walls still unbroken.


    Without replying, I lowered my gaze and sipped my tea. The fragrance covered the churn in my chest.


    His sincerity stirred me, but he didn’t understand–my heart had long since sealed shut.


    <b>Leiss</b>‘ POV


    From a corner table, Ruben and I watched them.


    Leslie and Adler sat across from one another, the atmosphere calm, almost too fitting. A beautiful pair, if one didn’t know better.


    But my stomach burned like coals. My fingers refreshed my phone again and again. No reply.


    Where the hell was Kirby?


    I’d already messaged him–Leslie, dining with Adler, alone. Still, not a word back.


    Could it be true, what he’d muttered before–that he was done with her?


    Impossible. She was his fated mate!


    <b>I </b>swallowed hard. No… maybe right now he was sharpening a de and on his way.


    I shot Ruben a look. When Leslie excused herself for the restroom, I leaned close. “Come on. Let’s feel him out. Kirby’s been too bottled up–someone’s gotta step in.”


    Ruben


    gave a terse nod, following me as we approached Adler’s table.


    I cleared my throat, forcing a grin. “Alpha?”


    Send Gifts