Chapter 163
For a moment, Queen Luna’s expression softened, though it was fleeting. “You’ve grown bold, Carlos. Perhaps it is time you learned to stand firm in your convictions. Very well.”
Her attention returned to me, her eyes sharp but not entirely unkind. “Doris,” she began, “I
have heard much about you.
“You are a guest in my palace, and as such, I expect you to conduct yourself with dignity
and grace. Do not forget that.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I replied, keeping my voice as composed as I could manage.
The Queen studied me for a moment longer, her gaze as penetrating as ever, before giving a slight nod. “There is something important I wish to discuss with you today.”
I straightened, keeping my tone steady. “I am all ears, Your Majesty. Please, proceed.”
“Doris,” she said, drawing my name out slowly, “I’ve been hearing things about your past.
In fact, I have looked into the Johnson PACK thing.”
“You were once the Luna of the Johnson Pack, weren’t you? Married to their Alpha?”
I swallowed hard, but before I could respond, she continued, her tone sharp. “And yet, heṛe
you are, divorced.
“What’s more, I’ve learned you caused quite a scene over Alpha Nathan’s second wedding.
Is that correct?”
I opened my mouth, but Carlos immediately jumped in. “Queen, it’s not what you think.
Doris was-”
“Carlos,” I interrupted, stepping around him and lifting my chin. “Thank you, but I’ll handle
7 this.”
Carlos hesitated but stepped aside, his eyes searching mine as if to ensure I was certain. I
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Chapter 163
nodded, taking a deep breath before turning back to Queen Luna.
With all due respect, Your Majesty,” I began, keeping my voice steady, “there’s more to the
story than you’ve been told. Nathan may be an Alpha, but he is not a noble man.
“After our marriage ended, I discovered his intentions had been far from honorable. There
was another woman involved, a third party who made it her mission to destroy our bond.”
Queen Luna’s brows furrowed slightly, but she didn’t interrupt.
“When the marriage ended, I tried to rebuild my life,” I continued. “But Nathan… he
wouldn’t leave me alone.
“He badgered me, spread lies, and made it nearly impossible for me to find peace. I didn’t disrupt his second wedding for attention.”
I continued, “I did it because he used that event to humiliate me publicly. My actions were a desperate attempt to protect myself.”
For a moment, the room was silent. I hesitated but pressed on, knowing I couldn’t leave *anything unsaid.
“And then there’s Cyrus,” I said softly, glancing at Carlos before turning back to her. “There’s something I need to clarify. Cyrus is not Carlos’s child. His genes… they came from my deceased son.”
Queen Luna’s eyes widened ever so slightly, her expression unreadable. “Explain,” she
demanded.
I nodded, forcing myself to stay composed. “After my son’s death, I was approached with an
opportunity to preserve his legacy.”
“Through scientific means, Cyrus was created using my son’s genetic material. Carlos helped me, offering his support and resources, but he is not Cyrus’s father.”
I glanced at Carlos again, expecting him to speak, but he remained silent. His gaze was fixed on the floor, his expression tight.
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Chapter 163
Queen Luna’s eyes flicked to Carlos. She had a complicated look on her face. “Carlos,” she said sharply, “didn’t you tell her about that incident?”
He didn’t respond, his silence stretching uncomfortably.
I felt a pang of guilt as I realized the truth. Carlos hadn’t lied to me; he had simply chosen to
shield me from something I wasn’t ready to hear.
I took a step forward, addressing both of them. “Carlos didn’t hide anything from me.”
I said firmly. “If anything, I should have handled this better. He only wanted to help me through my pain, and I willingly agreed to cooperate with his scientific research. This was my choice.”
Queen Luna studied me for a moment, her expression softening just slightly. “You are
honest,” she said finally. “And brave. But bravery won’t be enough in the days to come.”
“You have an exam approaching,” she continued. “Fail it, and you’ll be eliminated. You
won’t have the chance to proceed to the subsequent sessions. This is not a matter of
sentiment, it’s a matter of survival.”
I nodded, meeting her gaze. “I understand, Your Majesty. I’ll do my best to pass.”
Carlos, however, wasn’t as composed. He took a step forward, his tone turning defiant.
“Queen, this isn’t just about the exam,” he said. “I’ve made my choice. I don’t care about anyone else. Doris is-”
Queen Luna’s voice cut him off. “Carlos, enough.” Her words were calm but carried the
weight of authority.
“This is not a matter to be left to chance. You once had a perfect engagement to Odette. That
match was arranged with the utmost care, but you broke it off without our consent. Now,
you must deal with the consequences.”
