Ethan’s words hit like a bolt of lightning, leaving everyone present momentarily stunned. Maggie looked helplessly at Aldrich, trying to understand why Ethan would say such a thing. Her main concern was whether Aldrich believed her.
“Don’t be afraid, Maggie. This is his usual trick,” Aldrich reassured her, patting her hand gently. He walked over to confront Ethan, his tall frame shielding Maggie from behind.
“Ethan Frostbourne, you’ve concocted this lie merely to secure your victory in the election,” he accused, his voice firm, his gaze unwavering as he locked horns with his opponent. Each word was carefully chosen, each syllable laden with righteous indignation. The air was thick with their intense rivalry.
Ethan wore a smug and self-assured smile on his face, exuding an air of false seriousness. His eyes sparkled with twisted satisfaction, as if he relished the chaos he had sown. “It’s you who deceived everyone, Aldrich,” he countered insincerely. His mild tone masked the venom beneath. “Your candidacy should be revoked.”
Arching an eyebrow, Aldrich’s tone held a mix of curiosity and skepticism. He leaned in slightly, his eyes filled with doubt. “So, how do you plan to prove that an unborn child is yours?” The challenge hung in the air, and Ethan dared to back his claim.
Ethan’s lips twisted into an evil grin as he relished the chance to present evidence. His voice carried a malevolent satisfaction, as if he were celebrating the impending revelation. “On the day of Maggie’s surgery,” he said with a malicious joy, “they used my sample during the procedure.” Victory gleamed in his eyes as if he were already toasting to his triumph.
When Maggie recalled the events of that day, the memories rushed back vividly. The sterile hospital room was etched in her mind-the faint scent of disinfectant, the beeping of machines, the hushed conversations of doctors and nurses. She remembered accidentally overhearing hushed conversations, subtle shifts in tone, and the movement of equipment. As she stared at Ethan’s cunning and deceitful expression, nausea washed over her, and this revelation brought a force that almost overwhelmed her.
Aldrich instantly enveloped Maggie in his arms, his strong embrace offering comfort and reassurance amid the chaos. His voice was filled with unwavering belief as he whispered in her ear, trying to calm her doubts. “I believe, Maggie. Our bond, our mind link, tells me that the child you’re carrying is mine. I don’t understand why Ethan is so certain, but I have confidence in us.” His words resonated deep within her, bringing solace to her troubled heart.
Maggie leaned against his chest, finding comfort in his words. She took a deep breath, allowing Aldrich’s unwavering belief to dispel her doubts and fears. In that moment, she chose to believe in the unbreakable bond they had forged.
The elders, wearing expressions of concern, urged Aldrich to provide a full explanation. They supported his candidacy not only for his power and leadership but also for Maggie’s unique ability to activate the Energy Orb. If it turned out that Maggie did indeed belong to Ethan, the votes would undoubtedly shift, potentially altering the course of the election.
Ethan’s words slashed through the air, laced with malice. “Do you think you can fool everyone, Aldrich? Your previous partners couldn’t conceive, and now you’ve artificially fathered a child. A true Alpha wouldn’t rely on science to fulfill his duty.” The room erupted into a murmur and gasps, as Ethan’s accusations weighed heavily. Aldrich’s standing as the North continent Alpha and The BlueMoon Pack Alpha hung in the balance, his honor and reputation uncertain.
Maggie couldn’t bear to witness the unjust attack on Aldrich any longer. She stepped forward, her voice trembling with determination. Flames of love and loyalty flickered in her eyes. “You’re wrong, Ethan! Aldrich’s ability to father a child has nothing to do with his worth as an Alpha. We used in-vitro fertilization due to my own circumstances. Don’t twist the facts to suit your agenda.” Her words carried power and conviction, resonating with those who knew the truth.
Ethan’s laughter sliced through the room like shards of ice, chilling and mocking their predicament. “But, Maggie, you two still sleep in separate rooms. Isn’t that a sign of Aldrich’s incompetence?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, every word intended to further wound.
“Why do you know all of this?” Maggie’s anger flared, her cheeks burning red. She clenched her fists, searching for the right words to shield her partner from Ethan’s malicious attacks.
She suddenly remembered that night when she returned from the banquet and heard strange noises in the bathroom. Someone had indeed broken into her room, and that someone was likely Ethan. Aldrich had chosen not to worry her, which was why he insisted they stay together and deepened their scent marks.
Aldrich protected her once again, and she wasn’t even aware of it. She wanted to confront Ethan fiercely, but Aldrich stopped her. “Let me handle this.”
As he faced Ethan, his words were tinged with vulnerability and unwavering determination. “Do you dare to question my love for Maggie? I chose separate sleeping arrangements to protect her and ensure her health during pregnancy. I will never disrespect her like others do.” The room fell into a stunned silence, and the weight of Aldrich’s words imprinted deeply on those who heard them. All eyes turned to Ethan, and women glared at him with disgust and anger.
Maggie’s gaze shifted to Aldrich, and she saw the truth behind his eyes’ gleam. She knew he was playing a role, pretending emotional distance for their safety. But she couldn’t deny the excitement in her heart, the excitement of a deeper truth, quietly declaring his love.
Aldrich continued, his voice steady and resolute. “If you genuinely believe Maggie is carrying your child, then let’s settle this once and for all. We’ll conduct a DNA test. If the child proves to be yours, I’ll withdraw from the race. But if the child is mine, you’ll be the one to forfeit your candidacy.” As everyone absorbed the gravity of Aldrich’s proposal, the tension in the room reached its peak. The truth would soon be unveiled, and their fates would be sealed.