Chapter 452
452
Third Person’s POV
“Rest assured, a doctor has been arranged to treat your mother, and her meals have been improved . Whether she can walk out of the dungeon is up to you,” Dorothy said.
Ramona nodded obediently. “I understand.”
The convoy continued on its way. The members of the Eugenius Scout Team didn’t inquire about Ramona’s situation.
They were adept at reading people and knew Lance and Adelaide were in the loop.
Lynette, focused on caring for Marsh, was unaware of the intricacies.
She simply thought they had rescued a woman who was now heading to the capital with them.
Naive and inexperienced in the ways of intrigue, she saw no red flags in the situation.
She believed saving someone in distress was a virtuous act.
Thus, along the journey, Lynette, while tending to Marsh, extended extra care toward Ramona.
Aware that the group was predominantly male, she empathized with Ramona’s potential discomfort.
Neither Adelaide nor Paisley interfered. Lynette’s purity was her greatest asset.
Sheltered by the Hornbeam Pack, she was neither a power–holder nor involved in pack management, allowing her to remain peaceful and compassionate.
It was important not to let the world’s evils and dangers blunt all kindness and empathy, lest the world lose its charm.
One day, the convoy rested in a small forest by the main road.
About a mile from the forest lay a crystal–clear stream.
Drawn by the heat, everyone headed toward the water.
Ramona washed her hands in the stream, unable to join the men
for a swim.
Watching them enjoy themselves, she picked up a branch and began to practice her moves.
Though lacking lethal force, her movements were graceful, blending dance and combat in an aesthetically pleasing display.
‘Inspired, the men emerged from the water to join in the playful sparring.
Dorothy observed Lance’s gaze fixed on Ramona, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Satisfied, she exchanged a glance with the bodyguard William.
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As expected, Alpha Lance was drawn to women skilled in combat.
After a long while, Lance looked away, casting a somewhat guilty glance at Adelaide , who sat nearby conversing with Paisley, before approaching them.
Dorothy didn’t miss the guilty glint in his eye.
Despite some complications and Adelaide’s presence, Lance had taken the bait.
Sitting beside Adelaide, Paisley excused herself to talk with Ramona, “I didn’t expect you to wield a branch so skillfully.”
Ramona replied shyly, “It’s all for show, more style than substance. Otherwise , I wouldn’t need everyone’s protection to reach the capital.”
Paisley warmly invited, “Look me up in the capital, and we’ll have a friendly match.”
Ramona glanced cautiously at Dorothy, who, upon seeing this, approached with a smile and said, “It’s rare for you to take a liking to someone, Miss Stephens. Ramona will surely pay a visit. But might I ask where you’ll be staying? ”
Paisley shot her a sidelong glance, “A maid like you shouldn’t pry so much.”
Dorothy apologized with a bow, “My apologies for overstepping, Miss Stephens.”
“Typical of someone from a merchant family–such poor manners,” Paisley remarked with disdain.
Undeterred, Dorothy stepped back and stood with her head down.
Meanwhile, Lance and Adelaide spoke in hushed tones. “When I looked at her just now, I was actually looking elsewhere,” Lance said.
Adelaide rolled her eyes, “Honey, I’m not possessive.”
Honey?
Lance perked up at the endearment–it made them sound like a long–established couple.
Previously, she’d always called him by his name, lacking the intimacy of a mated pair.
He shyly revealed, “Actually, my nickname is Lanceykins.”
Adelaide feigned surprise, “I know that. But are you asking me to call you Lanceykins?”
“No, I just thought you might not know,” he said.
“Surely I know your nickname. You’re my mate.”
He grinned, his tanned skin making his teeth look especially white. “I never told you, nor has anyone called me that in front of you.”
This made Adelaide smile. “I didn’t need you to tell me. I investigated everything about you before we bonded. Plus, I’ve known you since we were kids. Your Lanceykins nickname was actually from my brother.”
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452
Lance recalled this and almost forgot about it but still asked curiously, “What did you investigate about me?”
“Age, height, personality, hobbies, health issues, any secret illnesses, other lovers or mistresses besides the one you mentioned, and whether you frequent brothels,” she listed.
“Secret illnesses?” he repeated, shocked.
“What secret illnesses? And brothels? Never.”