Chapter 138

[Evelyn’s POV]

Alexander nodded his head. “That’s because Gregory wasn’t anticipating that we would actually be able to provide any real evidence. No doubt he was already aware of the issues that were going on between Michael and me, he probably thought that I was doing all of this purely out of spite.”

I shook my head and tsked. “Unfortunately, I believe you,” I said. “I noticed the way he was looking at you—like he had some secret lingering in his mind. His attitude was filled with arrogance and condescension. I honestly don't know how you managed to keep a straight face through it all.”

Alexander merely shrugged.

“The King’s behavior is nothing I’m not already used to,” he said. “His insecurities and worries toward me let me know that he still feels threatened.”

My brows drew together. “And that’s what you want?”

I couldn’t, off-handedly, understand why he would condone such behavior from anyone—even if that person happened to be the King. Alexander never seemed like the kind of person to tolerate such disrespect. The sheer, unbreakable loyalty that his own pack held for him was proof enough of that.

He nodded his head and took a sip from my wine glass.

“As long as he feels threatened and worried, it lets me know that I still hold the upper hand against him. His snide remarks don’t mean anything.”

Alright, that actually did make sense. If that was normally how Gregory acted around Alexander, then it was a good indicator that things weren’t boding too well for the Royals. From what I’d been told, the King was envious of Alexander on numerous counts.

He didn’t favor the fact that Alexander possessed a much larger army than him. Nor did he like the notion that everyone within Alexander’s pack was quite content where they were. Even if they were once part of a separate pack that ended up being taken over by Alexander, they still ended up well taken care of.

Another thing that undoubtedly pissed Gregory off was knowing that a majority of the public both liked and respected Alexander.

Even the reporters and the journalists knew when to mind themselves when Alexander was present. They were respectful and understanding, never pushy or demanding.

I wondered how much it annoyed the Alpha King to know that his biggest opponent practically owned the public’s favor.

Having reviewed some of the Political Science books before, appealing to the masses was just as detrimental as owning a sizable army. Without the public’s trust and approval, it isn’t easy for any commanding figure to remain in power.

“Alexander, do you...Do you ever anticipate going to war against the King?” I asked.

This time, Alexander let out a deflated sigh. “Honestly, it’s not something that I wish to see happen. Yes, our soldiers are ready and built for combat. But it’s not as though I want to see any of them brutally injured. Especially when I know it could be avoided.”

I bit the inside of my cheek and squinted my eyes. “If you don’t intend on fighting, how exactly do you plan on overthrowing the king?”

A devious smile gradually curled his lips. “By destroying his reputation and exposing his dirty dealings to the public,” he claimed. “I’ve had my eye on Gregory for a long time. I know for a fact that the bastard is involved in numerous illegal business trades and several underground rings.”

A cold shiver raced down my spine. I didn’t want to think that the sole man who was currently reigning over the region was involved in some kind of horrible, unseen business. The thought alone made me anxious and sick.

“Ahem...”

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the soft sound of someone clearing their throat. Both Alexander and I turned our attention to see one of the staff members holding a white envelope in their hands.

“Sorry to interrupt,” they said. “This just arrived.”

I got up from my chair to take the envelope. “It’s no problem, thank you.”

“What is it?” Alexander questioned.

My stomach rolled at the mere sight of the scrolled handwriting. Isabella.

“Nothing good, I’m sure,” I muttered.

Against my better judgment, I tore into the envelope, not having a single idea as to what bullshit message could be inside.

I should just burn the goddamn thing and tell those people to go screw themselves!

It wasn’t as though she was writing to inform me about Edward—not when I specifically ensured that she would never be able to get anywhere near him again. So, why the hell had she sent us a letter?

“It’s from Isabella,” I muttered darkly.

Alexander visibly grimaced and straightened up in his seat almost instantly. I unfolded the letter and read it aloud.

“It reads, ‘Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kingston, it would be our pleasure if you would join us at our home to celebrate your recent material announcement tomorrow evening. We are both shocked and pleased to know that you will be joining hands in matrimony once more. We would also like to congratulate the two of you on your recent win in court.’”

An unsteady breath released from my lungs. The room felt as though it was starting to spin. I aimlessly dropped into the nearest chair.

“We’re not doing this,” I said. “Whatever the hell this bitch has planned—I’m not having any part of it.”

Alexander came around the table to kneel beside me. He took the letter out of my hands and looked it over himself.

“You have every right to feel this way,” he said. “The fact that she mentioned the court case in this, is enough of a red flag.”

“Isabella basically runs in the same circles as Caroline. There’s no chance that this isn’t somehow tied to Michael being sent to prison.”

What if this was just some kind of setup to get revenge?

“I don’t trust Isabella any more than you do,” Alexander stated. “But...”

I turned my head to catch a glance at his furtive expression. Oh, no. My heart dropped into my stomach.

“You can’t be serious,” I hissed. “Are you actually insinuating that we go?”

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose while his forehead creased.

“Evelyn, think about this. If we didn’t accept the invite, it would look horribly suspicious on our part.”

“I don’t care,” I remarked. “I never want to step foot back in that horrible house.”

For Christ’s sake. That had been my home for as long as I could remember. It was the very house that I had grown up in and Isabella had managed to sully every part of it with her vicious insanity. There was no telling what would happen the second I’d set foot back into that place.

Alexander set the invitation down and took my face into his hands. “Listen to me. Nothing is going to happen. I’m going to be with you the entire time, I promise.”

I glanced up at the ceiling to keep the tears from rolling down my cheeks. My throat was burning and my lower lip trembled.

I really, really didn’t want to be subjected to another horrid night of having to deal with my screwed-up family.

Would it matter if Alexander was at my side?