In a bright and tidy living room, the Elder sat on one side of the couch, with Aldrich and Maggie across from him. In between them were two hosts, and the wolf in charge of the live broadcast sat at a table, enjoying his steak.
“It seems the chefs at Barrett Manor are top-notch,” the male host teased.
The live broadcasting wolf, enjoying his meal, raised an eyebrow and said, “I highly recommend trying it.”
Aldrich immediately responded, “Of course, we hope everyone treats this interview like a gathering of friends, casual, and follows your own desires.”
Elizabeth discreetly exited to the kitchen to find the highly praised chef who was soon to be very busy.
Thomas began his introduction. “The chef was specifically hired during the previous owner’s residence at Barrett Manor. He can prepare a wide variety of dishes, almost on par with human cuisine.”
“Mr. Barret is indeed very considerate,” the female host admired.
“Thank you for your compliments,” Thomas appeared even more satisfied than if he received praise himself. “After Mrs. Barret became pregnant, her dietary preferences changed dramatically. She developed a fondness for sweets, which presented a significant challenge to our wolf chefs. None of them wanted to soil their tools and dishes, but Mr. Barret convinced them to adapt and even learned to make desserts himself. As long as it made Mrs. Barret comfortable and ensured the healthy growth of the wolf pups, Mr. Barret was willing to do anything…”
Everyone looked at Maggie with admiration, and their praises for Aldrich grew even stronger. Maggie lowered her head and fiddled with the tie on her dress. She felt like she was being consumed. Undeniably, Aldrich had been very kind to her and had done many things that touched her heart, but this high-profile display of their relationship was perhaps overshadowing its genuine beauty.
Maggie’s thoughts began to wander, causing Aldrich to squeeze her hand tightly. Marvin’s words from not long ago echoed in his ears: “That’s because deep down, you’re cold and ruthless! All that talk of responsibility, justice, and the greater good is just a facade! Aldrich Barret, do you realize that your devotion to reason, your so-called best choices, is a merciless blade that deeply wounds those who genuinely care about you?”
Aldrich started to waver, believing that this was a publicity campaign or a political maneuver that was damaging his and Maggie’s relationship without any malicious intent.
As Thomas continued to describe how Aldrich had built a reading room for Maggie and the wolf pups, designed family activities, and even matching family outfits, all aimed at packaging Aldrich as a loving father and partner, the live broadcast showed that almost ninety percent of the viewers expressed admiration and support for Aldrich.
Everything was progressing towards the perfect direction, but Maggie’s responses to the praise and envy grew increasingly brief and awkward.
Aldrich suddenly put his arm around Maggie’s shoulder, interrupting the enthusiastic Thomas, and said, “Thomas, perhaps we can move on to the next segment and discuss other topics.”
The female host, still relishing the moment, said somewhat regretfully, “Mr. Barret is the ideal partner every female dreams of!”
“A beautiful romance paired with a delicious steak is a great experience. Thanks for the lovely hospitality,” the male host said as he gracefully wiped his mouth with a silky napkin.
The male host launched a verbal attack, “So, Mr. Barret, how do you view your ex and your current partner?”
The topic changed quite abruptly, leaving Thomas forgetting to close his smart notebook, the Elder pausing his enjoyment of the meal, and Maggie looking at Aldrich.
The Silver Wolf inside Aldrich roared in frustration, “Idiot! Why did you interrupt Thomas!”
“The expected always happens,” Aldrich responded to the Silver Wolf’s feelings. He gently rubbed Maggie’s shoulder with the hand placed on her, soothing Maggie, while rapidly contemplating his response.
“As you said, the ex and the current.”
The male host persisted, “Grace is an outstanding wolf, with abilities that rival top Alphas. She is highly capable in battle, possesses a strong sense of overall strategy, and she grew up with you. She can stand by your side and lead The BlueMoon Pack with you, an impressive female.”
“Grace has her merits; she is remarkable.”
“But you are very candid. Now, Maggie Nelson, aside from carrying your wolf pups, I don’t see any standout qualities in her. She’s like a beautiful but not very practical vase. Or is it that you only need her for her fertility?”
The male host’s words stripped away all the layers of adoration, admiration, and beauty, exposing the fundamental interests under the bright sunlight. The comparison between Grace and Maggie represented strength and fragility, strategy and nurturing, companionship, and procreation, all subtly denigrating Maggie’s qualities, but it was the undeniable truth.
Aldrich chuckled lightly, “How did you find the steak earlier?”
“It was good, but Mr. Barret, you’re blatantly avoiding the question. After all, this is a live broadcast, and the entire wolf community is watching.”
“When everyone at the table praised the steak, will it still receive one hundred percent positive reviews when you multiply the number of people by two, three, or four?”
“Of course not. There will always be people who don’t like it. There’s no such thing as a hundred percent certainty.”
“So, I am that one percent.”
The male host hesitated, realizing that Aldrich was using the steak to answer why he had chosen Maggie, but he said, “But this is clearly not cost-effective…”
“Please mind your choice of words. Different people have different preferences, and respect is the greatest courtesy.”
The Elder was very pleased with Aldrich’s response. He extended his hand to Maggie once more, saying, “Come over here, dear.”
Maggie sat on the couch beneath the Elder, contemplating what to say in response to the male host’s doubts, hoping to make herself appear not as bad as she had been portrayed. But she couldn’t help but admit to some of the criticisms, knowing she wasn’t as extraordinary as Grace.
The Elder patted Maggie’s shoulder gently, “Take your time, dear, you are growing.”
“Do you think I’m not a good match for Aldrich?” Maggie asked.
Aldrich immediately stood up and came to stand protectively behind Maggie.
The Elder smiled with satisfaction, “This decision lies mostly with Aldrich. He chose you, and that’s beyond questioning by others, isn’t it?”
Maggie felt Aldrich’s presence. “He also bears the responsibility of the wolf community.”
“If you were to part ways because of that, it would be a tragedy for the entire wolf community,” the Elder remarked.
At this moment, Maggie couldn’t quite comprehend the Elder’s words.
When she faced numerous challenges and stood at the peak alongside Aldrich, maintaining the stability of the wolf pack, she realized how insightful and wise the Elder was.
The Elder succinctly explained, “If a group relies on sacrificing the leader’s voluntarily chosen happiness to maintain stability, then the group’s thinking and class structure are already a dangerous building destined to collapse.”
He then turned to Aldrich and said, “Grace, is it time to return to a normal life? The competition field no longer features that agile and swift figure, and it’s missing quite a few thrilling moments.”
“I haven’t restricted Grace.”
“That child is just too honest, too concerned for the group. What you contemplate, she contemplates the same.”
“I’ll thank the Elder on Grace’s behalf.”
The atmosphere became harmonious once again. However, outside the door, a commotion was heard. Aldrich spoke up, “Thomas, could you please handle that?”
“Sure.”
Thomas stepped outside the living room, but before he reached the door, a runaway sports car crashed through the glass doors and into the living room!
The werewolves gasped in shock. Maggie recognized it as Alisa’s work car, and she immediately stood up, exclaiming, “Alisa!”