Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 27 The Battle of Pretenses

Mc Crawford

I frowned slightly, watching as Eleanor entered with Wendy’s hand in hers.

“Dad, how are you feeling? Wendy came especially to see you,” Eleanor said, looking at Richard.

+8 Pearls

“Hello, Mr. Holbrook.” Wendy put on her best good girl look. “I heard you were sick and wanted to visit sooner, but I didn’t want to disturb you.

Richard’s smile faded slightly as he responded with mild politeness.

I immediately noticed he wasn’t charmed by Wendy’s t and was well aware of her intentions toward Caden. It was clear to him that Eleanor favored Wendy and didn’t think I was good enough.

But she didn’t know that, in Richard’s eyes, I was worth thousand times more than her chosen candidate. He was the only one who knew my true identity, so he was set on getting me and Caden together.

Mom, what are you doing here?” Caden’s expression turned dark the moment he saw Wendy.

“Wendy’s just being thoughtful and wanted to check on Dad. She happened to be free today, so we came together, Eleanor replied with a warm smile, giving Wendy a subtle nudge closer to Caden.

Wendy wasted no time stepping between Caden and me, clinging tightly to him and practically shoving

me off.

I pressed my lips together. Eleanor didn’t like me; she brought Wendy here just to put me in my place.

And Wendy thought she could push me around? If I weren’t keeping my Alpha strength under wraps, a tiny shove would send this delicate young lady flying.

Wendy was practically melting against Caden, gazing at him with open admiration. “Caden, my brother’s coming back soon. Let’s all get together then, alright?”

Without missing a beat, Caden turned her down coldly. “I’m busy”

barely stop myself from clapping, and Freya barked a supportive “Yes!” in

disappointed but persisted, ‘Are you

unfold with no amusement, but before could react, Caden took a long stride forward, slipped an arm

I leaned into him with a playful smile. “You

me with ‘adoring‘ eyes and nodded. “Of course.”

What a fake!

advantage, are

back, but he didn’t even

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27 The Battle

16 Pearls

Richard watching, the act had to go on, and honestly, seeing Wendy’s forced smile was

her best to look geile and considerate. “Mr. Richard, this is the finest Vivara Snow. It’s very nutritious and perfect for somente your age. My

glance my way. “Ms. Sinclair. I’m not sure they have things like this up in Winterfell, way up north. You probably haven’t come across it before. I’d be happy

caught the snide remarklond and clear. I replied coolly, “No

finished. “Ms. Sinclair, did

to bring any gift at all. She was relentless in her attempt

was as clear as day: a little competition for gifts to show off who the real lady from a prestigious family was, the

dress to the thoughtful gift, everything was designed to win over Richard, leave me embarrassed, and position herself as

me? She’d seriously underestimated

Leslie, to bring over my case. I opened it carefully, took out a framed painting, and presented it

painting, examining it closely. “Picara Voss! A

eyes and golden hair flowing behind her–a piece of artwork capturing the pinnacle of Picara Voss’s genius.

With this world–renowned masterpiece in his hands,

locked trivial. Her face paled, and she blurted out, “Ms. Sinclair, what’s the meaning of

laughed. My grandfather himself had entrusted me with this gift–it was no fake. She just assumed

so poor he can’t tell real from

embarrassment. That’s not what meant. But Picara Voss’s