?Chapter 859:


    He paused, looking troubled. “He likely won’t surrender it easily.”


    “Couldn’t Alden, with his position as general, acquire the ingredient?” I asked, recalling Alden’sposed demeanor.


    Jett shrugged resignedly. “I don’t know all the details yet. For now, we’ll have to take it one step at a time. No need to rush.”


    The next morning, the butler politely invited us to breakfast.


    Entering the dining room, I noticed Alden observing Jett and me with a contemtive gaze.


    I appearedposed, though inwardly I remained cautious.


    Fortunately, Maia didn’t detect the tension. She asked kindly, “Did you both sleep well? I apologize for the mistake—I didn’t realize you were a couple, so I arranged separate rooms.”


    I quickly waved my hand and smiled, saying, “Two rooms are ideal. We are quitefortable; thank you for your consideration.”


    Before I could finish, Alden interrupted sarcastically, “Oh? Are you really a couple? You don’t seem like it to me.”


    I fixed Alden with a pointed stare, a knowing smile ying at the corners of my lips. “You’re still young. Some nuances escape you now, but with time and experience, rity wille.”


    Maia reached over and yfully tapped Alden’s forehead. “Enough of your prying. Focus on your breakfast instead.”


    Alden merely shrugged, retreating into silence.


    Concern etched across Maia’s face as she turned to Jett. “Is there truly no substitute for this ingredient?”


    Jett’s shoulders slumped in defeat as he shook his head.


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    A soft sigh escaped Maia’s lips, weighing down the already stifling atmosphere that hung over the dining table.


    I shifted my attention to Alden. “For someone who holds the rank of general at such a young age, surely you have resources to obtain this ingredient?”


    Alden’s features hardened, as though my words had brushed against an old wound. “Since Cody arrived in Marehelm,” he replied quietly, “I’ve been absent from the battlefield. My hands are tied in this matter.”


    The abrupt entrance of the butler shattered our conversation. With a hasty bow, he announced, “Mrs. Pierce, Cody awaits outside, requesting an audience with the mayor.”


    His words fell like a stone into still water, instantly crystallizing the air around us as everyone froze, the tension palpable enough to slice with a de.


    Makenna’s POV:


    Maia’s eyes showed a brief hint of panic as she said to the butler, “Go and find an excuse to get Cody out of here.”


    Before she couldplete her instruction, a deep andmanding voice greeted her from the door, “Good morning, Mrs. Pierce, Alden.” Maia’s expression turned rigid instantly.


    Turning toward the source of the voice, I saw a man stepping into the room.


    The man was tall and strong, clearly in charge, but he bore a seemingly gentle smile. “Mrs. Pierce, I apologize for the intrusion. It’s been some time since Ist spoke with Mr. Pierce, and there’s an important matter we need to discuss, so I came unannounced.”


    As he spoke, his sharp gaze briefly swept over Jett and me. With a hint of surprise, he said, “Oh, you have guests. I hope I’m not interrupting something.”


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