Chapter 337: A known heart-breaker
Amelie gently guided the introduction. "Mom, this is Carlos’ grandmother. She wished to speak with you before they leave this afternoon."
Ravenna’s wise eyes softened as she looked at Samyra. "I only have a few questions, dear."
"I’m ready to answer whatever you wish to know," Samyra replied, never leaving Ravenna’s face.
"Give me your hand," Ravenna requested.
Samyra rose from her seat and moved closer. As she sat down beside Ravenna, she extended her hand.
As Ravenna clasped Samyra’s hand, her vision faltered. For a fleeting moment, the face of the High Priest emerged before her eyes, his voice echoing, reminding her of the curse he had once revealed, the one destined to claim the life of Amelie’s mate. But the vision didn’t stop there; fragments, fleeting glimpses of painful truths rushed in all at once.
Her grip loosened, and she slowly released Samyra’s hand. Her expression hardened, her tone carrying both sorrow and reprimand.
"The High Priest who once belonged to your pack did not lie about your daughter," Ravenna began. "But instead of shielding her, you let his words plant fear in your heart. You bound your child in restrictions, denying her the support she needed most. Tell me, why is it that certain wolves are treated as lesser? Why did you despise your own daughter merely because she was revealed as an omega and wolf-less?"
Her eyes narrowed with disappointment. "When she called you and confessed what Alex had done, you turned your back on her. You cast her aside when she needed her mother’s arms the most. That is not what a mother should do. No outsider could have harmed her worse than the wounds you inflicted upon her yourself."
Amelie gazed at her mother, who had lowered her head in shame. David, too, couldn’t utter a word and avoided Ravenna’s gaze.
"I hope none of you fall for the words of anyone who approaches you under the pretense of offering help," Ravenna warned. "For the next two months, you must remain extremely cautious. The charms within your bracelets will protect you, but vigilance is still necessary."
She then turned her piercing gaze toward her grandson. "You never told me your friend endured so much suffering in her own home," Ravenna said, her frown deepening.
"Ah, that..." Carlos scratched the back of his neck and gave a small, awkward smile, uncertain how to ease his grandmother’s rising anger.
"We deeply regret our actions, Madam," David interjected quickly, lowering his head. "I was the one who dismissed Amelie, who failed to see her worth... who treated her as nothing."
Ravenna’s expression remained stern, clearly unsatisfied with David’s response.
Sensing the tension, Gabriel cleared his throat and stepped in. "The flight time is drawing near. Grandma, don’t waste your strength on anger. Let’s leave before we get late."
Carlos gently took his grandmother’s hand and helped her rise from the couch. The others followed suit, standing as well.
Before leaving, Ravenna approached Amelie. Placing her warm hands on the young woman’s arms, she looked into her eyes with a softness that contrasted with her earlier severity. "Amelie, I’ll see you again after two months. Until then, take care of yourself." She patted Amelie’s cheeks with affection, then slowly stepped back.
"Mimi, don’t miss me too much," Carlos said with a playful grin as he pulled her into a brief side hug. Leaning close, he murmured, "I can’t wait to see the baby in your arms."
Amelie’s lips curved into a gentle smile with warmth. She turned emotional as tears emerged in the corners of her eyes.
"I’ll miss you both over these next two months. Grandma, please take care of your health," Amelie said softly, her voice tinged with warmth and concern.
Ravenna hummed in acknowledgment, lifting her head to meet the Queen’s gaze. Mabel’s eyes held humility and gratitude, and Ravenna offered her a small, approving smile before turning to leave.
Gabriel followed quietly behind her, giving Amelie a reassuring nod as he promised he would return soon.
Carlos lingered for a moment, waving at Amelie, and even at the Queen before finally disappearing from sight.
~~~~
Katelyn stepped out of the car as Sage brought it to a halt in front of a grand hotel in Moyéder City. An usher promptly approached, helping Sage unload the luggage from the trunk and carrying it inside, while a chauffeur arrived to collect the car keys.
"Room 1502. Drop the keys there," Sage instructed the chauffeur, then turned to Katelyn. "Let’s head inside."
They made their way to the reception, where Sage collected the card keys. The elevator was crowded, stopping at nearly every floor, but eventually, they reached the 15th.
"Take some rest," Sage said, his tone calm but commanding. "We’ll head to the meeting after you’re ready." With that, he entered his own room, leaving Katelyn to settle in her own.
After Katelyn entered her room, she removed her heels and went straight to the bed, tossing her purse somewhere on the mattress.
"I agreed to date Sage. Well, I have to bear his tantrums for a month, then I’ll be free," she murmured while smiling. Taking out her phone, she ended up seeing a message from Amelie.
"When you’ll be free give me a call."
Katelyn quickly dialed Amelie’s number. And thankfully, she picked it.
"Sorry, I was busy this morning," Amelie said. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"Not yet," Katelyn replied. "I came to Moyéder City for a business meeting. Have you heard about it?"
"I think I have... just the name, though," Amelie answered.
"Well, it’s a famous city of pearls," Katelyn said with a smile. "I’ll bring a souvenir for you. How’s everything there?"
"Everything’s good. When you return, come by. I have something to give you," Amelie said, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"What is it?" Katelyn asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"Umm... I’ll tell you once you’re here," Amelie replied mysteriously.
"Okay!" Katelyn chuckled, then paused briefly before continuing. "I have to see Sage for a month. I still can’t believe my father thinks he’s a good guy."
"Maybe he is," Amelie suggested gently. "You need to spend some time with him to really know him."
"He’s a player, Amelie. A known heart-breaker," Katelyn said, shaking her head. "I wonder what my father saw in him. His family is nice, sure... but he’s just too controlling."