Chapter 0256

I made my way over to inspect the flowers. The roses were a deep, rich red, perfectly complementing the cream-colored lilies. Exactly what I ordered, and even more beautiful in person. “These are perfect,” I said, offering the delivery driver a sizable tip before returning my attention to my staff. “Please distribute them according to the diagram I provided.”

“Yes, Luna Hannah.”

As I turned to check the bar setup, I heard familiar voices echoing through the hall. Looking up, I saw Noah and Leonard entering, deep in a surprisingly animated conversation. Leonard was murmuring something under his breath and gesturing wildly while Noah listened with a bowed head. Leonard stopped, clearing his throat, as soon as he saw me.

No matter how much I despised Leonard, I approached them with a smile. “Noah, Leonard. What brings you here? I thought you had a suit fitting.”

“Got done early,” Noah said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Everything going well here?”

Before I could answer, Leonard’s gaze fell on a nearby centerpiece. “Interesting choice of flowers,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain as he plucked a lily from the vase and turned the stem in his hand. “A bit… bridal, don’t you think?”

I felt a flicker of annoyance but kept my composure. I wouldn’t let him get under my skin today, which I knew he was trying to do.

“You don’t like the lilies, Leonard?” I asked calmly, then turned to a nearby staff member. “Excuse me, could you please adjust the floral arrangements? Remove some of the lilies and make sure the roses are more prominent.”

The staff member’s eyes widened. “Are you sure, Luna? I thought you liked the lilies.”

I shook my head. “Plans have changed. If you don’t mind…” The staff member nodded and hurried off to make the change.

Leonard looked taken aback, clearly not expecting such a swift and professional response to his complaint. Smiling sweetly, I plucked the lily from his hand and casually chucked it into a nearby trash can. Leonard’s eyes widened.

Noah chuckled, a surprising sound that had both me and Leonard whipping our heads around to look at him in shock. “Well, it looks like everything’s under control here. The hall looks fantastic, Hannah.”

I beamed at the compliment. “Thank you. We’ve all been working hard to make it perfect.”

“I can see that,” Noah said, his eyes sweeping the room. “The Luna Queen will be impressed, I’m sure.” Leonard cleared his throat. “Speaking of impressions, are you sure about the seating arrangements, Luna Hannah? Some of the pack alliances are… delicate.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I’ve taken all current pack politics into account, Leonard. Trust me; I know what I’m doing.”

Noah placed a hand on my shoulder—a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Leonard—and one that secretly made my chest flutter a bit. “I’m sure Hannah has everything under control.”

I blinked in surprise. It was shocking to have him in my corner for once, but I had to admit it was sort of nice.

“Well,” Noah said, checking his watch, “we should probably head home to get ready. We’ll want to arrive together tonight.”

My stomach twisted at his words. Arrive together. Like a real Alpha and Luna. It was almost like old times, back before he showed up to events without me by his side.

“Of course,” I said, taking his offered arm. As we turned to leave, I couldn’t help but notice Leonard’s sour expression, and it took all my energy to not stick my tongue out at him.

We were almost at the door when Leonard’s voice called out, “Alpha Noah! Wait!”

We turned back, and I saw Leonard’s eyes flick between us with a strange glint. His lips almost seemed to curve into the tiniest of smiles as he said, “Don’t forget to pick up Zoe…”