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Elinor's body jolted with surprise, her hand striking the table with force once again. Her heart wrenched in pain for her loved ones, compelling her to step forward and intervene. "Son, I implore you, reconsider!"

Alpha Xavier's eyes flickered red as he locked gazes with Elinor. "Mom, if you truly care for my son, you must return to our pack without delay. Leo's current condition warrants seclusion, and I cannot have you disturbing them. Bella and I will find a remedy for our child's ailment!"

"But how can we find a cure? This is not a mere affliction. How can I find solace?" Elinor strongly objected, unwavering in her decision to stay.

"We have a plan in motion. Bella is carrying my child, and when the time comes, we will perform a vital blood transfusion," Alpha Xavier explained.

"Bella is with child again? And it is yours?" Elinor gasped, astonished by the news of a grandchild and unsure how to express her overwhelming emotions.

"Yes, it is mine. I beseech you, depart swiftly. Your presence will only kindle further troubles," Alpha Xavier's tone softened, attempting to persuade Elinor to leave.

"I shall not retreat! As a grandmother, could I simply rest while my grandson is ailing? I must remain to care for and protect him," Elinor firmly declared, unyielding in her resolve. Meeting Alpha Xavier's unwavering gaze, she quickly added, "I vow not to disturb Bella. Have faith, I shall not cause her any distress!"

Alpha Xavier released a prolonged sigh. What could he say of his mother? She was not malevolent, possessing genuine empathy for him. Yet her fiery temper and sharp tongue posed significant challenges for him and Bella. Despite the complications, they would face their tribulations as a pack, bonded by unbreakable ties and unshakeable determination. Elinor's refusal to comply was met with stern determination from Alpha Xavier. He had no choice but to arrange a meeting with her, hoping to put an end to her relentless harassment of Bella and Leo. Elinor reluctantly promised to relent, but her wolfish heart had other plans. Upon learning that Leo was in the hospital, she couldn't resist the urge and secretly returned.

Bella, being in the ward, posed a challenge for Elinor's entrance. Unable to confront the situation directly, she could only watch from outside the door. Seeing Bella and Alpha Zachary laughing and conversing with Leo, Elinor felt a burning discomfort. Her own son had spoken joyfully of Bella's imminent marriage to Alpha Zachary, elated at the thought of them becoming a family. But how could Elinor resolve the predicament faced by her son?

Bella wouldn't easily surrender her rights as a mother. With Alpha Zachary's support, Elinor's chances of winning were slim. And to complicate matters further, Bella carried another child within her womb. Elinor couldn't just stand by and watch as Bella took away the Xavier family's children to the Zachary family.

Back at the hotel, Elinor brooded over her troubles. It was in this state of unease that Breanna unexpectedly paid her a visit. There was no joy between the two as Breanna had left a bitter taste in Elinor's mouth. Elinor hadn't forgotten the spiteful words Breanna had uttered while in the Zachary family. However, Breanna had a wealth of experience on her side, making her a more formidable adversary. With a smile, she seated herself without invitation, stating, "I'm here to help Mrs. Xavier resolve her problem."

Elinor scoffed at Breanna's pretended kindness. "How can you be so benevolent?"

"Mrs. Xavier, please lend me your ear before making any decisions," Breanna dismissed Elinor's hostility. "When it comes to Bella, I share the same sentiments as you."

"What do you mean?" Elinor inquired.

"Bella seduced not only my Alpha Zachary but also ensnared my fiancé. Do you think I would harbor any affection for her?" Breanna revealed.

This revelation struck true with Elinor, finally making her feel as if she had found an ally. "Do you have a plan to resolve this?"

"Of course, I have a plan. The question is, are you willing to cooperate, Mrs. Xavier?" Breanna's smile was frosty. "Ask Alpha Xavier to warn Bella that if she marries my cousin, you will fight for the child's rights. But, on the other hand, you won't contest her for the child's custody."

Elinor sarcastically chuckled. "Is this your grand plan, Ms. Hester? I have already thought of this plan, and it's useless. Alpha Xavier won't go against Bella."

"It's true that Alpha Xavier cares for his reputation. But if he won't go, why don't you?" Breanna reminded her. "You can warn her on his behalf. Let's see how she reacts. If it doesn't work, I have other means."

"What other means?" Elinor inquired.

Breanna whispered a few words into Elinor's ear, causing her face to pale. "No! I can't do that! My grandson is ill. It will affect him."

"Mrs. Xavier, when did you become so timid? I'm not asking you to harm him. I'm merely offering you assistance. Besides, you can hire a few doctors. What are you afraid of?" Breanna sneered, underestimating her.

Elinor still hesitated.

"It's just an option, an unfavorable one. You can try talking to Bella first. If she realizes what's good for her, you will save yourself a lot of trouble. But if she doesn't, well, you can employ my suggested method," Breanna urged.

Seeing the indecision on Elinor's face, Breanna sneered and warned, "Think carefully, for there will be no second chances. If Bella marries my cousin, you won't have any control over the child. This is America, and the child will never be raised by his mother."

After contemplating for a moment, Elinor finally agreed, "I will talk to Bella."

Elinor arranged a meeting with Bella. As Bella coldly faced her, she demanded, "What is the purpose of your presence, Mrs. Xavier?"

"I have come to inform you of something," Elinor carried her usual arrogance. "Alpha Xavier and I have come to a decision. We won't compete with you for Leo's custody, but I have a condition."

Bella sneered, defying Elinor's authority. "What gives you the right to make conditions for me, Mrs. Xavier?"

"It's not that we don't want to take responsibility, but rather you don't want to accept our responsibility. Bella, if I had known you were pregnant, I wouldn't have forced Alpha Xavier to divorce you..." Elinor's voice trailed off, regret tingeing her words.

"Now it's too late for such regrets. Mrs. Xavier, you can't stoop so low. As the saying goes, you seek to control countless lives for Alpha Xavier. I don't lack a grandson like Leo, but you, on the other hand, are different. Leo is solely mine. I won't let anyone take him away," Bella firmly declared.

"If Alpha Xavier had been willing to accept someone else's child, would I have come looking for you?" Elinor thought to herself, her heart filled with longing and sorrow. "If only Alpha Xavier would have listened to me, I would have had a cherished grandchild. How could I live such a desolate life?"

But voicing these sentiments to Bella was out of the question. If Bella discovered the truth about Alpha Xavier's parentage, the situation would only worsen. Elinor had to tread carefully. "Bella, I haven't come here to argue. I'm here to notify you. As long as you marry Alpha Zachary, Alpha Xavier and I won't sit idly by. We will fight for Leo's custody because neither I nor Alpha Xavier can bear to see the blood of the Xavier family identifying another man as their father."

"Then let's wait and see!" Bella snarled, rising from her seat. She detested being threatened more than anything. It was a delusion for Alpha Xavier and Elinor to believe they could intimidate her! As they returned to the hospital, their wolf senses were on high alert. When they entered the ward, they saw Alpha Xavier playing with Leo. The sight made Leo ecstatic. Bella sensed something off about Alpha Xavier's intentions but she didn't want to ruin Leo's happiness. She forced a smile as Leo ran up to her, excitement dripping from every word. "Mom, mom, Uncle Alpha Xavier said that he would take me to the park to row after I leave the hospital. Can you come with me?"

"Okay," Bella replied with a hint of suspicion in her voice.

"Uncle Alpha Xavier also said that he wanted to give me an aircraft carrier, an aircraft carrier that can blow up. Then I can play with the aircraft carrier in the swimming pool," Leo said, eyes shining.

Bella narrowed her eyes at Alpha Xavier. He was trying to bribe Leo, but she wasn't going to let him manipulate her son. "You forgot what I said. If you like toys, tell me. I'll buy them for you, but you can't accept things from strangers."

"But Uncle Alpha Xavier said that the aircraft carrier is a limited edition, and ordinary people can't buy it," Leo argued.

"If you can't buy it, you can let Uncle Alpha Zachary buy it. He's not an ordinary person," Bella countered firmly.

"That's right. Uncle Alpha Zachary is a very big president. He's not an ordinary person," Leo said, his eyes lighting up.

Alpha Xavier's smile faltered for a moment, but he tried to brush it off. Bella was unapproachable and it was frustrating. He had to find a way to get through to her. As Leo drifted off to sleep, Bella's mask of niceties slipped. "Alpha Xavier, please don't come again in the future, okay?"

"Why? Didn't you promise me that you would accompany Leo until he gets better?" Alpha Xavier replied with a hint of hurt in his tone.

"That was before, but things have changed now. Alpha Zachary and I are getting married soon, and Leo already sees him as his father. It's not appropriate for you to be here," Bella's voice was sharp.

"Are you afraid that I'll hinder you?" Alpha Xavier shot back, his eyes flashing.

Bella sneered. "Alpha Xavier, if you were a man, you would take responsibility for your actions. Don't push everything on your mother like a child."

Alpha Xavier's face paled and he left the hospital without another word. He had to have a conversation with his mother. When he confronted Elinor, she calmly explained, "Son, I did it for your own good this time. Bella and Alpha Zachary are getting married soon. I just wanted to stop her."

Alpha Xavier had nothing to say to his mother. He called Mark and told him to send a private jet to pick her up immediately.

"I'm not leaving!" Elinor protested.

"There's no room for discussion. You have to leave this time," Alpha Xavier said firmly.

The next day, Bella took Leo out of the hospital after he had stayed one more day. It was Leo's birthday, and Alpha Zachary held a small celebration for him at home. He invited many children nearby, and Leo was ecstatic. As they sang happy birthday, Leo made a wish silently. After he was done, Alpha Zachary asked him curiously, "Tell me, what did you wish for?"

Leo whispered something in Alpha Zachary's ear, and Alpha Zachary beamed. Breanna and Bella were curious as well. "What did Leo wish for?"

"If I don't tell you, it won't come true," Leo replied, with a hint of mischief in his voice.

"You've already told Uncle Alpha Zachary. Why can't you tell Mom?" Bella pressed.

Leo hesitated for a moment before finally relenting. "My wish is for Uncle Alpha Zachary to become my father immediately."

Alpha Xavier appeared at the door, holding a gift for Leo. He had also remembered it was Leo's birthday and had rushed to buy gift without stopping. As he walked in, he saw Leo making his wish, and the happiness on his face faded away. Breanna saw Alpha Xavier at the door and a cold smile played on her lips. "Leo, since you like Uncle Alpha Zachary so much, why don't you call him Dad?"

"No, I can't call him Dad. I made a mistake before," Leo replied solemnly. He had used to call Alpha Carl Dad, but that had led to disaster. "I have to wait until Uncle Alpha Zachary and Mom get married before I can call him Dad!"

For a moment, there was a tense silence in the room. Then, Leo looked at Bella expectantly. "Mom, when are you guys going to get married to Uncle Alpha Zachary?"

Bella glanced at Alpha Zachary, and her heart swelled with warmth at the way he looked at her. "Tomorrow," she replied, smiling.