Chapter 145 The Pull of a Bond He Should Not Feel
The moment Drake heard that Elena was inside the hall, his hands slipped out of his pockets as if pulled by an invisible tug.
Mrs Hamilton's voice dropped. “I never thought Elena could be this crafty. She actually found a way to get Dolphus to bring her to Gamma Raphael's birthday party. But Dolphus couldn't even invite his son, who is second in command to the Alpha. Now, it's very obvious that the Farringtons are still looking down on us when they know that my son, Drake, holds a higher rank in the pack than they.”
Marcus stepped forward, He answered with a calm voice even though his scent carried tension. “I believe it was actually the Gamma who asked that Elena be brought here. And from what I saw earlier, he seems to be quite fond of Elena.”
Drake’s mother paused as if struck. She forced out a whisper coated in annoyance. “So, she is already getting close to him. Elena truly knows how to climb higher.”
“Mother!” Drake’s temper snapped. “Elena is not like that. Do not talk about her like this. If you say one more word…”
“Drake.” Marcus grabbed his arm at once, pulling him close before his anger erupted. A few security guards had turned their heads, eyes narrowing with interest. Marcus lowered his tone. “Mrs Hamilton, you need to be careful with your words. The Farringtons surround this entire place. If the chief celebrant hears what you are saying, he will not spare you.”
Drake’s mother was startled by being challenged by her own son and warned by Marcus, swiftly fixed her shawl around her shoulders. “What is wrong with you, young people? I only said she is good at earning Gamma Raphael’s favor. I did not say anything else.”
Marcus looked at Drake firmly. “Once we go in, keep yourself steady. Do not look for Elena. If something goes wrong, you are on your own.”
Drake wanted to see Elena. The craving felt wild enough to drive him mad.
Every time he blinked, her face filled his mind. He imagined throwing himself at her feet, wrapping his arms around her legs, holding her tight, and begging for her forgiveness.
His Elena had always been soft toward him.
Drake knew he had made a mistake this time.
A huge one that felt impossible to repair.
But even so, he still wanted to try.
“I know,” Drake whispered. “There are so many reporters here today. And since I am still publicly known as Cassandra’s fiancé, I will not pull Elena into any scandal. I do not want to hurt her again.”
Tears slowly built at the corners of Drake's eyes. He pressed his fingers against his eyelids, swallowed the ache in his throat, and then forced a small reassuring pat on Marcus's arm. “Do not worry.”
He had already caused Elena enough wounds.
So before the deadline he had promised Cassandra, he would stay away from Elena. Even if his wolf howled for her. He would force himself to protect her from the hungry eyes of the press.
Mrs Hamilton watched her son’s unwavering loyalty and felt annoyance prick under her skin. Still, she smiled at Marcus. “Drake, let us go inside.”
Marcus guided Drake and his mother toward the entrance of the hotel. They stepped past the guards, through the decorated corridor, and into the hall where Gamma Raphael was already standing on stage, giving his speech.
Drake, Marcus, and Mrs Hamilton moved quietly to the back seats.
From there, they saw Gamma Raphael Farrington speaking under the lights.
They also saw Elena seated at the main table.
She leaned in slightly, speaking to a director of the Farrington Corporation.
The scene hit Drake like a memory clawing its way back from the past.
Drake shut his eyes briefly, then forced himself to look away.
On stage, Raphael Farrington lifted his microphone. His voice rumbled across the hall like an elder wolf.
“The main purpose of today’s birthday celebration is not only to honor this old man’s years. It is to introduce my granddaughter Elena to all of you. I will not list her abilities. She has been abroad, building her own business. Now, it is time for her to return and take charge of the family affairs with Dolphus.”
Yes, Elena Farrington
Gamma Raphael Farrington had already shifted Elena’s personal record into the Farrington bloodline, giving her the name Elena Farrington.
Elders close to him and long-standing directors nodded with warm smiles. Their reactions moved like ripples through the hall.
It was plain that Raphael Farrington was truly happy about it. His aura pulsed with the calm strength of an old wolf who had finally found peace. “I am also filled with pride that my daughter has such a kind and sharp child like Elena,” he said.
“Even when I shut my eyes for the last time, I will not be worried about how my daughter, Seraphina will be handled. Of course, my granddaughter Elena is already more than remarkable. I am honored to introduce my little granddaughter to all of you on this powerful day. I hope that all my old friends here and every elder who stands above Elena will guide her well. Elena … step forward.”
The moment the words rolled out, Elena rose. She pushed her chair back with silent grace and moved toward the stage. Every eye followed the sway of her gown.
Mrs Hamilton watched Elena lift the hem of her dress with quiet elegance. The moment Elena smiled and began to walk toward the stage, Mrs Hamilton's expression dropped.
How in the moon’s name had Elena become the powerful Gamma Raphael's granddaughter? How had a girl who once seemed harmless suddenly gained a foothold in the Farrington bloodline? Did this shift mean she now had a rightful path to the Farrington inheritance?
Panic raced through her chest. She clamped her fingers around Drake’s wrist, squeezing it
Seraphina Farrington was the Gamma's only daughter. Even if half of the clan’s wealth was split with Dolphus, when the old man dies, the other half would still fall to his daughter. And knowing Gamma Raphael very well, he might even protect Seraphina more fiercely because she was weak and often ill.
If Seraphina left this world without having other children... then everything under the Farrington name… would land directly in Elena’s hands.
That single thought struck Mrs Hamilton.
Her eyes slid toward Dolphus.
He sat near the head table, clapping with a careful smile.
Drake felt his mother’s claws tighten around his wrist. With a small jerk of disgust, he pulled his hand free. He gripped the glass before him and threw down the wine in one swift gulp.
Drake truly wished every good thing for Elena. It's such a blessing for the Farrington family to have Elena as their granddaughter.
Elena reached the stage and accepted the microphone. When she began to address them, her voice flowed out smooth and clear.
“Honorable members of the board, elders of the pack, I appreciate your efforts in attending my grandfather's birthday," Elena stated.
And the hall watched her… captivated… as she stood there glowing beside the man who had just claimed her as blood.