Chapter 0139 Alexander held me close against his side as we fought our way through the crowd .
Neither of us spoke a single word to the reporters , and to shield my reaction from the relentless camera flashes , he pulled his jacket around me , effectively hiding my face .
Wor finally reached his car , and the driver pulled away immediately , leaving the reporters shouting futilely on the sidewalk .
The sudden silence in the car was almost suffocating .
I could feel Alexanders gaze on me as I stared down at my shoes , trying to process the news .
And then , to my own surprise , I started to laugh .
It was so c completely ridiculous .
After everything David had done to try to get me back , he was running to Amanda ? Her reputation had been utterly shattered , and hed worked so hard to salvage his own .
Yet , in the end , he went back to her .
After everything he had said and done , he ended up right at Amandas side .
Alexander placed his hand lightly on my knee , drawing my attention to him .
I looked up , doing my best to calm my laughter .
His eyes searched mine , full of concern understandable , given my sudden and inexplicable outburst .
Im sorry , I said , swallowing down the remaining giggles and trying to compose myself .
Its just so absurd .
It is absurd , I agree , Alexander said , his expression thoughtful .
To think he would make such a rash decision , given his situation .
I truly cant decide if hes a diabolical genius or a damned fool .
I fear it may be both , I sighed , This doesnt mean hes won , Alexander assured me , his voice firm .
I promise , Im not going to make it easy for him .
Youve done more than enough already , I replied , looking up at him with a grateful smile .
Im the one who owes you , remember ? I couldnt possibly ask you to help me with this … kind of mess .
Maybe my father will know what to do .
He and Alpha Derrick have been discussing Davids behavior .
Even if there isnt substantial proof yet , think Alpha Derrick knows , deep down , that its true .
The last thing he wants is open conflict with Rowanwood .
Hed be a fool to let that happen , Alexander agreed , but it may not be his choice for much longer .
David is clearly out of his fathers control .
I nodded .
Alexander was right .
Once , Id believed that Alpha Derrick had complete authority over David , but that illusion had shattered .
There was no way Davids father approved of the schemes his son was involved in , and yet , it was clear David was acting independently and dangerously so .
He must have powerful allies somewhere , Alexander mused .
Theres no way hes pulling all of this off alone .
We know hes capable of manipulating naive young women into thinking theyre doing the right thing , but that doesnt explain everything .
There must be people who are fully aware of Davids nature and are willing to commit real crimes for him .
I think youre right , I admitted , but we cant make those kinds of accusations without solid proof .
And I have no idea how wed even begin to find that .
My investigators are still working , he reminded me , his jaw tightening .
Im not going to let him get away what he did to you .
with I saw the fire in Alexanders eyes as he mentioned the hotel incident , and my chest tightened at the memory of Davids threats and the terror Id felt .
But even more vivid was the memory of how fiercely Alexander had protected me , how his rage had burned in my defense .
Chapter 0139 +25 BONUS A shiver ran through me , and I tried to push away the rising emotions .
I knew my feelings for Alexander were becoming more complicated , straying far beyond what they should be .
But I couldnt let myself believe he truly cared for me , too .
This was all for show , an arrangement .
I couldnt let it get out of hand no matter how much I wished otherwise .
I pulled out my phone and searched for Davids name .
Sure enough , the first result was an article about his announcement .
I skimmed over the words quickly .
Hes holding a public event , I said , looking up at Alexander .
All Alphas and Lunas of the Kingdom are invited .
What else does it say ? Alexander asked , leaning forward , is interest piqued .
I began reading Davids quote aloud : Im certain there are those who are confused by my decision to move forward with my fated mate , considering the hardship Ive aced in the past few weeks .

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At our public celebration , Im confident Ill be able to explain everything .
Ive come to realize that the mate bond is what truly matters .
And I was a fool to deny it .
Alexander scoffed and rolled his eyes .
So dramatic Hes going to sway people to his side with that argument , I said , my heart feeling unbearably heavy .
How was David always able to complicate my life ? There will always be people who take his side , Alexander said , offering me a reassuring smile .
But it wont be the majority , not after the way hes behaved and not after what Amanda did betraying her best friend .
Hes going to start showing off , I murmured .
This event will just be the beginning .
Hell do everything he can to win over the Alphas and Lunas .
Itll be difficult for him to show off , given his financial struggles , Alexander said with a confident smirk .
I frowned , puzzled .
I know his pack isnt the wealthiest , but they arent exactly struggling .
They will be , Alexander replied with certainty .
1 stared at him in confusion .
What do you mean ? Alexanders eyes gleamed with purpose .
You and I are going to that event together .
No , I said automatically .
I dont want to see the two of them together .
Itll be all right , he assured me .
Ill be by your side the entire time .
And we have to go .
Or have you forgotten about your contract with David and what happens if he betrays you again ? My eyes widened as I remembered .
After what happened at our engagement dinner , David had signed over a substantial amount of farmland to me , a safeguard in case he cheated or was caught lying again .
The contract , I said softly .
I had forgotten .
So you see , Alexander said , his smile widening , he will be in financial distress once you collect on his debt .
And what better place and time to do that than during his little announcement ? Laughter bubbled up in my chest , the absurdity of the situation once again breaking through the tension .
Alexander was right .
Not only would David be humiliated , but hed also be powerless to stop it .
Making our deal public would force him to follow through he wouldnt be able to lie or manipulate his way out of it , not with all the Alphas and Lunas of the Kingdom watching .
He would be forced to give me the farmland .
And with Alexander by my side , Id be safe .
David wasnt going to get the best of me again .
If he thought he could Chapter 0139 humiliate and betray me , only to move on as if nothing had happened , he was dead wrong .
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