Chapter 0209 Ella POV Our goodbyes with Diana were polite , but the relief on my mothers face was palpable the moment the car pulled away from the curb .
Her smile faded , replaced by a serious expression that made my stomach twist uneasily .
Just yesterday , she had seemed so fond of Alexander , and now it felt as though all our progress had been undone .
I couldnt let it end like this I needed her support .
Well , that was … interesting , I said , hoping to spark a conversation and gauge her thoughts .
It certainly was , she agreed , her tone neutral but measured .
I have to say , Diana is not quite what I imagined .
In what way ? I asked , genuinely curious .
Shes the daughter of an alpha and a Luna herself .
Were of similar status and age , so I assumed shed follow the social rules more carefully .
I found it surprising how forthcoming she was with her strong opinions .
I would have expected her to be more political and cautious .
I nodded thoughtfully .

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Yes , she doesnt seem too concerned about her opinions or comments being taken the wrong way .
She doesnt , my mother agreed .
But … I get the feeling shes trying a little too hard to be friendly .
Díana doesnt leave her pack lands often .
Perhaps shes just a little lonely .
I blinked , caught off guard by the insight .
It was a perspective I hadnt considered , but it made sense .
Beneath Dianas confident exterior , there might be a longing for connection a need to assert herself in unfamiliar company.
I hadnt thought about it that way , I admitted .
My mother gave me a small , knowing smile .
People arent always what they seem , Ella .
Sometimes , we just need to look a little deeper .
Her words lingered as we drove on , and I found myself wondering whether Dianas behavior was more nuanced than Id initially assumed .
Could it be that her sharp comments came from insecurity rather than malice ? Still , my mother said after a lengthy silence , her motivation and intentions dont really matter if what shes saying is potentially damaging .
She needs to be more careful , especially when it comes to her own childs reputation .
Thats exactly what I was concerned about , I admitted .
Alexander has worked so hard to calm your concerns about him , and I was afraid that Dianas words might have ..
Made me suspicious of him ? she asked , her voice gentler now .
Yes , I said softly .
If anything , its only made me more certain of Alexander , she replied .
Her expression was somber as she continued , Hes worked so hard for his family , even despite their less than gracious treatment of him .
She sighed , the sound heavy with disappointment .
I had hoped the rumors about the Black family were unfounded , but it seems theres some truth to them after all .
What rumors ? I asked , confused .
Her eyebrows lifted slightly .
How can you possibly be engaged to Alexander and not know ? 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0209 I shook my head helplessly , unsure how to respond .
Id heard whispers about Alexander over the years , but nothing specific about his family .
They had always seemed intent on avoiding the public spotlight .
Its an open secret that Alexander is an unfavored child of Dianas , she explained quietly .
Its been that way for as long as anyone can remember .
I had no idea about the rumors , I admitted , but I had noticed the difference in the way Diana treated Michael compared to Alexander .
Even in the short time Ive spent with them , its clear she favors her youngest .
And Alexander accepts that surprisingly well , my mother said thoughtfully .
He takes care of his family regardless .
Hes a good man , even if he doesnt seem to realize it himself .
He treats you well , and thats what matters most to me .
She sighed softly , I cant help but feel a little sorry for him now that Ive seen it all firsthand .
But I hope I hid it well hed hate to be pitied .