?Chapter 900:


    Jett and I exchanged nces. I could tell that Jett was as worried as I was.


    When we got to Dayton’s study, the tension in the room was so thick that it felt like it could be cut with a knife.


    Dayton looked tired, and there were dark circles under his eyes. It seemed the recent happenings were taking a toll on him.


    Immediately, upon seeing us, he stood up and bowed, saying, “Mr. Burton, Mrs. Burton, I’m truly sorry. The rumors about Cody’s illness have spread and have put me in a very difficult position. Could you perhaps take a look at Cody’s illness and see if anything can be done, Mr. Burton? I’m prepared to pay ten thousand gold coins for this service.”


    Jett and I exchanged knowing nces. We both knew that Jett would likely not be able to avoid treating Cody.


    I was about to politely decline the offer when Jett spoke, saying, “There’s no need for all that. I’ll go.”


    It was then that I understood—Jett knew the only way to gain Dayton’s trust was by epting this difficult challenge.


    However, the next second, the door flung open with a loud bang, and Alden rushed in.


    “You can’t do this!” Alden screamed angrily. “Can’t you see? Cody clearly has an ulterior motive.”


    Makenna’s POV:


    Alden’s abrupt arrival only served to heighten the tension in the already charged room.


    Dayton exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples as frustration flickered across his face. His voice carried the weight of exhaustion and resignation. “Alden, I understand your concern for Edward’s safety—truly, I do. But my hands are tied. Rest assured, I’ll deploy only the most trustworthy people to guard him with everything they’ve got.”


    But Alden wasn’t one to back down easily.


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    He took a step forward, his gaze unwavering, his tone firm. “Dayton, you know exactly what kind of man Cody is. Cunning, deceitful—he never makes a move without some twisted agenda. These rumors he’s spreading? It’s a carefullyid trap. If Edward walks into it, he won’t just be in trouble—he’ll be in real danger. I can’t just stand by and let that happen!”


    Dayton let out another deep sigh, his expression grim. “I know the risks, Alden. But these rumors have already spread like wildfire across the city. If they reach the king’s ears… and knowing His Majesty’s tant favoritism toward Cody, I’ll be lucky if all I get is a scolding.” His gaze flickered toward the three of us, carrying an air of helpless apology. “A scolding is the least of my worries. If Marehelm’s power tilts any further in Cody’s favor, I’ll lose everyst shred of influence. I won’t even have the authority to oversee the werewolf forest—let alone protect the innocent children caught in the middle of all this chaos.”


    His voice wavered, thick with sorrow, his usualposure slipping. Alden fell silent at that, his eyes clouding over, his jaw tight. The fire of defiance in him dimmed, reced by something far heavier—something dangerously close to despair.


    Jett and I exchanged a nce, a silent understanding passing between us.


    Then, as if struck by sudden curiosity, Jett tilted his head and asked casually, “Mr. Pierce, now that you mention it… what exactly is in the werewolf forest that requires such strict oversight?”


    Dayton stiffened, the question hitting like a bolt of lightning. He said nothing.


    An eerie silence settled over the room, thick and suffocating.


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