Chapter 45

The round table of Eric was filled with an unsettling silence, heavy and tense as Alpha Eric's question hung in the air. All eyes were on Aiden, waiting for his response. He remained quiet, his face composed and unreadable, as if carefully weighing his answer.

Slowly, Aiden leaned back in his chair, the faintest smile playing on his lips, a gesture that seemed to speak of amusement rather than anger. His relaxed demeanor only heightened the tension around the table, making everyone's nerves tightened just a little more.

Leo's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Aiden closely, every muscle in his body taut with anticipation. He knew Aiden's reputation all too well, the stories of his ruthlessness and the way he dealt with anyone who dared to cross him.

And now, Leo's thoughts were consumed with worry for Lucy. He couldn't bear the idea of her suffering because of a simple mistake, not after all that she had gone through. And the thought of Aiden deciding her fate filled him with a quiet, simmering rage.

``If Aiden chooses to punish her…`` Leo thought, his fists clenching under the table, ``I swear he'll pay for it.`` The vow echoed in his mind, fierce and unyielding. Leo's usually calm expression was cracking under pressure, his protective instincts flaring up.

He didn't care about the consequences, feeling like it wasn't this time he would keep calm. As he looked at Aiden, he imagined every possible way he could make him regret any harsh decision.

Ethan, seated beside Leo, noticed his growing agitation. He could see the uneasiness in Leo's posture, the way his shoulder tensed and his jaw tightened. Ethan placed a firm hand on Leo's hand beneath the table, a silent reminder to stay calm. 

He wagged his head sideways as Leo looked his way—a gesture that best conveyed the words, ‘don't do anything, no matter what happens, no matter his decision, don't lose your cool’.

He knew how reckless Leo could be when emotions ran high, and the last thing Ethan wanted was for him to act rashly, especially in front of Eric and Aiden.

Leo met Ethan's gaze, his eyes flickering with frustration. He understood Ethan's warning, but it did little to quell the storm brewing inside him. He hated feeling powerless, hated sitting there, forced to watch and wait as someone else decided his mate's fate. 

Leo's anger simmered just below the surface , a barely contained force that only Ethan's steady presence managed to keep in check.

Isabella, seated beside Aiden, her eyes darting between him and Leo. She could see the fire in Leo's eyes, the unspoken fury directed at Aiden, and it only fueled her own thoughts. She knew Leo's feelings for Lucy, and she couldn't deny the dark satisfaction that crept into her heart at the idea of Aiden punishing Lucy. 

In her mind, it was a fitting consequence, not just for Lucy's blunder but also for the silent rivalry she felt toward her. Isabella's lips twitched into a faint, barely noticeable smirk as she silently hoped that Aiden would make an example out of Lucy.

``She deserves it,`` Isabella thought coldly, recalling Lucy's defiance and the way she had drawn Aiden's attention. To Isabella, Lucy was just another maid—nothing special—and the idea of her being singled out by Aiden for punishment felt like the proper order of things.

It was a reminder of where Lucy belonged and a way to keep her in her place. The silence stretched but for a moment. 

Marie stood behind Isabella who was seated, the jar of wine still in her hand. She gulped and swallowed hard at the question. She hoped that Aiden wouldn't punish Lucy, knowing that Lucy was in no condition to take any beating.

Finally, Aiden glanced around the table, his gaze briefly flicking over Leo, Ethan and Isabella before settling on Eric. He took a moment, as if savoring the suspense, before his calm voice broke the quiet. 

“No,” Aiden said, his tone even and without hesitation. “There was no need for that. It was a simple mistake.” 

Aiden's answer was almost dissatisfying , spoken with a casualness that seemed to dismiss the entire incident as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. 

“Oh! I never thought you'd be this nice… not to a maid.” Eric shrugged. “Very well.” He nodded, accepting Aiden's decision without further comments.

“Yes, tonight should be a night for celebration, not for punishing maids… I guess, there's still enough time for that after tonight.” Aiden whoosed.

Eric gestured while Leo exhaled slowly, relief washing over him at Aiden's unexpected leniency. He hadn't been sure what to expect, but Aiden's restraint was not something he had anticipated. 

Leo loosened his clenched fists under the table and glanced briefly at Aiden, still cautious but thankful that the situation hadn't escalated.

Ethan squeezed Leo's arm one last time, his expression, that of a relief. “See?” Ethan whispered, keeping his voice low. “It's fine. Just let it go.” 

He was glad that Lucy wouldn't be punished, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this was far from over. There was still something about Aiden's demeanor that didn't sit right with him.

``How could he? I thought he would love to punish her? That's who he is, why now, why not Lucy,`` Isabella thought, less pleased with Aiden but forced a smile but inside, shd seethed. She had hoped for a different outcome.

Aiden leaned back in his chair and coughed , his smile still faintly visible, a quiet satisfaction in the way he had held everyone's attention. They all looked at him and at that moment, he opened his mouth to speak.

“I change my mind, Alpha,” He tilted his head to one side.

“What do you mean?” Leo questioned, demanding a response. 

Aiden smiled and turned his head to notice Leo. Leo, this time around, placed his hands on the table and leaned forward, his back distant away from his chair.

“Aiden, I don't understand… make me.” Eric requested.

“I'll have her punished… The maid.” Aiden said.