Free Web NovelChapter 362: Chapter 362
Aria’s POV
There was a pause before Chloe spoke. "From what Maria told you earlier, and from what we dug up, Patrick is playing the benevolent wolf. Her son was critical, and Patrick promised to use his influence to get him into Asterfell General."
Asterfell General Hospital and Hemsworth Group Private Hospital were the best in the country, they stood at the peak, they have state-of-the-art equipment, elite specialists, and resources even most packs couldn’t touch.
"Do you think Patrick would genuinely ensure proper treatment of the boy?" I asked, rising and handing Lana to Kara before moving toward my study.
"That’s the problem," Chloe replied coldly. "While Maria was visiting, I overheard the nurses." My steps slowed as she continued, "Patrick only secured admission but never followed through with the specialists he promised. If proper treatment had started half a month ago, the kid might have recovered. Now..." Chloe exhaled sharply. "It’s too late."
The words settled like lead in my chest as my wolf stirred, displeased. Patrick had always been calculating, but sacrificing a child’s life so casually, all to find a weak, desperate caretaker for Clarence?
My jaw tightened. "Can you contact the hospital and see if an elite team can still intervene?" Even as I said it, I knew the odds were thin, but wolves didn’t abandon a fight simply because it was unwinnable.
"I’ll try," Chloe said immediately, and then Amelia spoke again, her tone shifting. "One more thing...I listened outside Sophia’s room."
I leaned back against my desk, my fingers curling slightly as she continued, "Margaret and Sophia were discussing how to get that bracelet you are wearing back from you, it represents the Osborne family heir. Also, Margaret plans to use it to secure benefits from the Osborne family for Sophia."
Silence followed as I lowered my gaze to my wrist, my fingers brushing the cool surface of the bracelet.
I already knew the significance of the bracelet. I also knew Margaret didn’t like the fact that I had it. Now she wanted to steal a wolf’s family heirloom and hand it to an adopted daughter?
A slow, calm laugh left my lips. "I understand," I said, my voice steady and edged with ice. An adopted wolf had no claim to bloodline rights.
"Aria, dinner’s ready." A man’s voice drifted down the hallway, growing closer with each step, the sound carrying easily to my ears.
I lifted my head and saw Rowland standing in the doorway, a spatula in one hand and a pink apron tied snugly around his waist.
My shoulders stiffened instinctively as our eyes met, the air between us briefly taut like stretched wire.
His gaze flicked to the phone in my hand before he asked casually, "What’s going on? Did they call?" Not an ounce of embarrassment showed on his face.
I cleared my throat. "I’ll be there soon." freёweɓnovel.com
He didn’t seem to hear me properly and stepped closer, spatula still in hand. "What?"
"You go out first," I said, exhaling slowly. "I’ll come eat soon."
On the phone, Amelia finally broke the silence, her voice suspiciously cheerful. "We’ll head back soon, Aria. Since Alpha Rowland himself is cooking, you should go." There was laughter buried in her tone.
I looked at Rowland, who nodded once, entirely unapologetic.
"...Alright," I said, letting out a small sigh.
After I ended the call, Rowland pouted openly. "With me personally cooking, you should really hurry." The sight was ridiculous enough to make my wolf relax as soft amusement stirred in my chest, dissolving the lingering tension.
"I’ll come help you," I said, following him into the kitchen, only to stop short. The table was already set perfectly, every dish neatly arranged with steam still curling upward, scents rich and warm. Meat, herbs, grains, everything was balanced and comforting.
Rowland set the spatula aside and untied the apron with one hand, arching a brow at me. "Why would I need your help? You just need to eat."
I stared at the spread, then slowly looked him over. Someone like him didn’t need to cook.
My thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly stepped closer. "Oops," he murmured, turning slightly and shaking the knot at the back of his apron.
"I wasn’t careful tying it, it seems a little tight." He glanced at me sideways, eyes glinting with unmistakable mischief. "Anyone willing to help?"
I narrowed my eyes as my wolf scoffed internally.
Charmer, where did he learn that trick?
Still, I stepped forward. "Let me."
A grin spread across his face, lighting up his usually cool gaze.
"Thank you," he breathed, the word barely more than a whisper brushing my ear like a feather. I ignored the way my senses sharpened and focused on the knot, my fingers working deliberately while he kept sneaking glances at me.
I tugged harder on purpose and his face twitched. "Oh?" I said innocently, though my eyes danced with amusement. "Seems really tight. I’ll need to use more force." freeωebnovēl.c૦m
"N–no problem," Rowland said through a strained grin. "With Aria helping, no matter how... ah... strong, it’s fine." I pulled again, and his breath hitched.
"Then bear with it," I said, covering my smile as my hands worked at his waist while Rowland clenched his teeth, stubbornly swallowing any sound that threatened to escape.
"What’s wrong?" I tilted my head, deliberately softening my voice with mischief flickering in my eyes. "Are you uncomfortable?"
Rowland only had to turn his head slightly to meet my gaze, his eyes were bright, carrying that foxlike gleam that always made my wolf wary. He smiled, though his expression twisted faintly with a tight jaw.
"How could I be?" he said lightly. "It’s quite pleasant.."
The teasing lilt in his voice sent a warning ripple through my wolf, yet watching the way his eyes sparkled, I momentarily lost focus and my hands loosened without me realizing.
"Aria," Rowland grinned wider, mockery dancing in his eyes, "that’s too gentle. It’s uncomfortable."
I snapped back to myself. My jaw tightened, and I immediately increased the pressure, causing Rowland’s face to twitch as the muscles along his waist went rigid.
"Yes—yes," he exclaimed exaggeratedly, "that’s it. That pressure feels good."
Before I could respond, footsteps entered the kitchen, and Kara froze.
