Chapter 71: Chapter 71: A Mere Woman
Estelle’s POV
Hayden’s friends erupted into laughter around the table.
“She really thought we believed her,” one of them wheezed between laughs.
“The Luna of Blackmoon Pack,” another mocked. “What’s next? Is she going to claim she’s the Lycan Queen too?”
I remained seated, my hands still folded calmly in my lap. Their laughter didn’t affect me. I’d heard worse from better people.
Hayden’s grin widened as he watched his friends mock me. “You see, Estelle, we all know the truth here. You’re still that pathetic woman who couldn’t even secure her position as Luna in a small pack like Moonveil.”
He leaned forward, his gray eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.
“Even after Asher became Alpha, he only announced he had an ‘acting-Luna.’ He didn’t even have the decency to mention your name publicly.” Hayden’s voice turned sickeningly sweet. “And now you expect us to believe that somehow, magically, you became the leader of one of the most powerful packs in the region?”
The friends nodded eagerly, feeding off their leader’s energy.
“It’s embarrassing,” one of them added. “She’s clearly delusional because she’s upset about her situation with Alpha Asher.”
“Can you blame her though?” another chimed in. “After years of marriage and still being treated like a mistress, I’d probably lose my mind too.”
I tilted my head slightly, studying Hayden’s face. He was enjoying this far too much.
“You know what I think?” Hayden continued, his voice growing louder and more confident. “I think you’re so desperate to feel important that you’re making up stories. A pack like Blackmoon would never be led by a mere woman.”
The word ‘mere’ hung in the air like a slap.
I felt Caleb tense beside me, but I gave him a subtle look to stay calm.
“Blackmoon needs proper leadership,” Hayden declared, straightening up. “Benedict Harper, for example. He’s James Harper’s true successor, trained for years to take over the pack.”
His friends murmured agreement.
“Benedict actually has the skills and experience,” one added. “He’s been groomed for this role his entire life.”
“Unlike some people who just showed up claiming to be family,” another said with a sneer. “Hannah actually truly thought you were James Harper’s daughter. You’ve fooled the poor girl!”
I wasn’t surprised to hear Benedict’s name. In fact, I wouldn’t even be surprised at all if I learned that Benedict was friends with Hayden and these other men.
After all, it seemed like they had been fed information about James Harper’s daughter returning to Blackmoon, but it didn’t seem like they were aware that my father’s will had named me the Luna and acting-Alpha, skipping over Benedict entirely.
I finally spoke, my voice steady and clear. “And she is right. Benedict is adopted. I am James Harper’s biological daughter.”
Hayden’s laugh was sharp and dismissive. “So what if you are or if you aren’t? Blood doesn’t matter when you’re incompetent. Benedict has proven himself time and again. He’s earned his position through hard work and dedication.”
“While you,” he pointed at me accusingly, “disappeared for fifteen years and suddenly returned expecting everything to be handed to you on a silver platter. Maybe you should just stick to being Moonveil’s acting-Luna and leave the big leagues to the men.”
The friends nodded enthusiastically, emboldened by Hayden’s speech.
One of them, a stocky man with brown hair, suddenly stood up. “You know what? I think our lovely ‘Luna’ needs to learn some respect.”
He walked around the table toward me, his intentions clear in his predatory grin. His friends started to cheer.
“Yeah!”
“You show them, Jasper!”
Caleb immediately moved to intercept him, but the man roughly shoved Caleb aside and plopped down in the chair next to me.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Jasper said, his breath reeking of alcohol. “We can teach you what real power looks like.”
He tried to sling his arm over my shoulder. I smoothly leaned away, avoiding his touch entirely.
“Get your hands off her,” Caleb growled, stepping forward.
Jasper’s face darkened. “Mind your own business, boy. The adults are talking.”
Caleb grabbed Jasper’s arm and yanked him away from me. Jasper stumbled, then whirled around with his fists raised.
“You want to fight me?” Jasper snarled.
The tension in the room spiked. Hayden’s other friends started to stand, ready to join in if needed.
“Caleb,” I said calmly and gave him a pointed look. “There’s no need.”
Caleb glanced at me, confused by my relaxed tone. Then understanding dawned on his face. A slow smile spread across his features.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, holding it up for everyone to see. The recording app was clearly visible on the screen, and the timer showed it had been running for quite some time.
The color drained from Hayden’s face instantly.
“You recorded us?” he whispered.
His friends looked at each other nervously, the reality of their situation sinking in.
“Every word,” I confirmed, my voice pleasant and conversational. “From the moment you started explaining how this was all revenge for Hannah, to your comments about my supposed incompetence, to your friend’s charming attempt at intimidation.”
I stood up gracefully, smoothing down my dress.
“I’m certain Alpha Hugo would find this recording fascinating. Especially the parts where you admit to lying to him about your reasons for coming here tonight.”
Hayden’s hands shook slightly. “You can’t—”
“Can’t what?” I interrupted. “Call your Alpha and inform him that his newly appointed Gamma prioritizes personal grudges over pack welfare?”
I pulled out my own phone, scrolling through my contacts. “I have Alpha Hugo’s personal number, you know. I’ve been settling trade directly with your Alpha and Luna even before you became the Gamma of the Silverclaw Pack.”
Jasper lunged toward Caleb, trying to grab his phone. But Caleb had remained completely sober while the others drank heavily. He easily sidestepped the clumsy attack.
“Careful,” Caleb warned with a grin. “Wouldn’t want to add assault to the list of charges.”
I looked around the room at their pale, worried faces.
“Now, gentlemen, let’s discuss how we’re going to resolve this situation.” My voice remained calm and professional. “Hayden, you have two choices.”
I held up one finger. “Option one: You properly evaluate the trade agreement I’ve presented, provide legitimate feedback, and sign the contract like the professional representative you’re supposed to be.”
I held up a second finger. “Option two: I send this entire recording to Alpha Hugo, along with a detailed report about how his Gamma sabotaged crucial negotiations due to personal vendettas.”
