?Chapter 940:


    A servant burst into view, his face a mask of rm. He stumbled toward Maia, breathless and wide-eyed, crying out, “Mrs. Pierce! Alden is in serious trouble!”


    Makenna’s POV:


    Upon hearing the news that Alden had be embroiled in trouble, Maia and I hastened to the tavern where the incident had transpired. As we crossed the threshold, the pungent smell of stale alcohol and the dissonant chorus of raised voices assailed us with startling intensity.


    The scene before us was a tableau of disorder. Upturned tables and chairsy scattered about, fragments of ss and porcin glinted among remnants of abandoned meals, and a palpable tension permeated the air.


    In one secluded corner, a slender woman had crumpled to the floor, her face buried in trembling hands, her quiet sobs barely audible above the din. Though her tousled hair concealed her features, something in her bearing stirred a flicker of recognition within me.


    Alden stood motionless nearby, hisplexion ashen, eyes wide with a mixture of terror and bewilderment.


    The servant had informed us that Alden faced usations of sexual assault within these very walls. My spirits plummeted as a creeping dread took hold.


    I cast a sidelong nce at Maia, whose countenance had hardened. Her brow furrowed deeply as she advanced, her voice unsteady yet resolute. “What on earth happened here?”


    Upon noticing our arrival, what little color remained in Alden’s gaunt face vanished entirely.


    “Maia…” he faltered, swaying precariously as the name left his quivering lips.


    The assembled onlookers hummed with morbid interest, their faces illuminated by the prospect of scandal. They conferred in hushed tones, asionally directing condemning nces our way.


    Irritation surged through me, and I pressed my lips into a thin line. Turning to Maia’s apanying soldiers, I directed, “Clear these spectators out. Prevent them from exacerbating the situation.”


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    No sooner had I spoken than the woman on the floor raised her head abruptly. Her voice cut through the air, sharp with indignation. “Why are you sending them away? Are you attempting to shield Alden from responsibility?”


    I stood transfixed, shock coursing through me.


    It was Evelyn! Months had passed since ourst encounter!


    My mind buzzed, and I sensed the situation slipping beyond any hope of control.


    Evelyn’s usation acted as tinder to a me, and the crowd’s sentiments ignited instantly.


    “She speaks the truth! We shall remain!” someone bellowed from the throng.


    “This establishment is open to all! By what authority do you dismiss us?” another voice joined the chorus.


    What began as murmurs quickly transformed into vociferous protest, a unified deration that they would not be removed.


    “We can’t let this slide! We need to stand up for this youngdy!” a burly man dered, his deep voice vibrating with conviction.


    “Exactly! Just because Maia is the mayor’s wife and Alden is her brother doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want! We demand justice!” another man chimed in from the crowd.


    Maia’s expression grew more troubled, Evelyn’s usation clearly cing her in an impossible position. Conflict etched itself across her features as she struggled with how to respond.


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