Chapter 335 A Tangled Morning


    <b>Leslie’s </b>POV


    <b>31 </b>


    Finished


    Surrounded by reporters, I watched Carl stammer through his answers. His awkward, fumbling manner made me speechless.


    Asphodel rolled her eyes in my head. <i>Leslie</i>, <i>this guy’s </i><i>pathetic</i><i>. </i><i>Look </i><i>at </i><i>him</i><i>–</i><i>can’t </i><i>even </i><i>string </i><i>a </i><i>sentence </i><i>together</i>. <i>What </i><i>an </i><i>embarrassment</i>!


    I nced at Carl’s face, the one that was supposed to resemble Kirby’s, but the longer I looked, the less I saw the simrity.


    Kirby stood there with his cold mint–scented pheromones cutting like des, his silence alone radiating dominance. One nce from him made his difference obvious.


    And Carl?


    An Omega, trying and failing to imitate the natural aura of an alpha. His eyes were full of fear and greed, shrinking like a rat caught stealing food.


    I had no patience to waste here. Lowering my head, I checked my watch. Right on cue, Liam stepped forward and spoke just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Leslie, you have a meeting with the director. It’s about time.”


    I nodded, not sparing another word, and walked off.


    Kirby followed, silent, keeping pace with me.


    Carl stepped aside respectfully, bowing his head as he gave way. The reporters saw it all. The difference between the real one and the stand–in–like heaven and earth.


    Kirby caught up to me in a few strides, his brow lifted, his tone edged with mockery. “Leaving already? That was a short visit.”


    I shot him a cold look. “Another time. You third wheels always get in the way.”


    I had no interest in entertaining him further. Without waiting for his response, I left.


    When I returned home, I pushed open the door and found Lars lounging in the sunroom, sipping tea while watching an action film. Explosions thundered from the screen, yet his expression was calm and indulgent.


    He raised an eyebrow when he saw me. “I heard Kirby came looking for you today?”


    I hummed in reply.


    18:55 <b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    Chapter 335 A Tangled Morning


    <b>31 </b>


    Finished


    Lars pressed his lips together, then added, “Rumor has it the Crimson Moon Pack is nning to ally with the Wave Pack through marriage. Did you know?”


    I froze for a moment. I didn’t. And I didn’t care.


    The Crimson Moon Pack’s troubles had nothing to do with me.


    But Lars’s words were a reminder. The bnce of power in the northern continent was shifting. Crimson Moon’s moves were no small matter.


    “It doesn’t concern me,” I said tly.


    Asphodel scoffed. “Exactly. Why bother? Those short–sighted fools in Crimson Moon will ruin themselves sooner orter.”


    Lars nodded slowly, his tone heavy. “Kirby has potential, but the Crimson Moon Pack values quick gain too much. It won’t end well. Marcus’s vision… disappointing.”


    I understood. They wouldn’t wait for me forever. But I had no intention of being tied to them again.


    “I know. I’ll keep my distance.”


    My voice was calm, my stance clear.


    Lars’s


    gaze


    softened slightly, as though he worried I might waver or get hurt.


    I didn’t say more. I headed upstairs.


    By dawn, the air outside had turned sharp with cold. Rain fell in a steady drizzle, dripping from the eaves with a rhythm that should have been soothing but only fed my irritation.


    I had tossed and turned all night, slept shallow and broken, weighed down by a stone of restless thoughts.


    Dragging myself out of bed, I got ready slowly. Too tired to drive, I came downstairs to find Carl sprawled on the couch, drinking milk while staring at a swirl of garish headlines on the entertainment news<i>. </i>


    I grabbed the car keys and tossed them onto hisp. “Take me to the Western Headquarters.”


    He choked, coughing as he looked up, ring at me with resentment. “Can’t you get up early and go with Thorbane? If you keepzing around like this, all of his hard work building the Western Territories will be ruined by you.”


    I arched an eyebrow, just in time to see Lars returning from outside, dripping rainwater from his coat and carrying fishing gear.


    <b>18:55 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b>Sep 22


    Chapter 335 A Tangled Morning


    4


    <b>31 </b>


    Finished


    <b>I </b>called out loudly, “Dad, Carl’sining I get up toote and won’t drive me to headquarters!”


    Lars’s brow shot up. He red at Carl. “You’re looking for trouble?”


    Carl stomped his foot in frustration, muttering under his breath, “Favoritism, always favoritism,” sulking like a child denied candy.


    I lifted my chin smugly. Hmph. After all this time, he still hadn’t figured out his ce in this house.


    When we reached the Rogue Pack building, I stepped out of the car. Carl mmed the elerator, the vehicle shooting off like he was a rebellious teenager throwing a tantrum.


    I gave a short, coldugh. Pathetic.


    “Leslie…”


    A voice I knew interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Mch running toward me, out of breath, carrying a long blue rectangr case.


    My eyes narrowed, irritation flickering in my chest.


    Kirby again.


    Asphodel groaned. “This guy’s clinginess is beyond shameless now.”


    Send <b>Gifts </b>


    208


    W


    <b>18:55 </b>Mon, Sep <b>22 </b>