Chapter 96

Noah strode into the conference room, his brow furrowed as he took his seat at the head of the long table. It was early, far too early for most, but his team had grown accustomed to his penchant for pre-dawn meetings. One by one, the others arrived—Simon, his head of security; Margaret, his chief of staff; and Leo, his lead event coordinator. They muttered good mornings and took their seats, blinking to stave off sleep.

Only once they were all seated did Noah break the silence, clearing his throat. “I’ve called this meeting to discuss the plans Hannah has been working on for the upcoming Lunar Festival celebrations,” he began, withdrawing Hannah's notes from his briefcase and spreading them on the table. “Take a look at these and let me know your thoughts.”

The others leaned in, scanning the pages covered in Hannah's handwriting. Detailed outlines, proposed event schedules, lists of potential vendors and entertainment—it was all there, meticulously planned.

After a moment, Margaret spoke. “These are… very impressive, Alpha.” She glanced at Noah over her glasses. “I had no idea the Luna had such an aptitude for this.”

Me neither, Noah thought. Where did this come from? It felt as if the Hannah he knew had been replaced.

A murmur of agreement rippled around the table as the others nodded, their expressions a mixture of surprise and respect. Even Leonard, typically one of Hannah’s most vocal critics, found nothing to criticize.

“Where is the Luna this morning?” Simon asked abruptly. “Shouldn’t she be here?”

“Yes, Alpha,” Margaret added. “With the Alpha Council choosing a host for the Lunar Festival soon, she should be here—after all, she seems to be taking an interest.”

“You think she should have a seat on my council?” Noah asked, disbelief coloring his tone, though he maintained a neutral expression.

Simon and Margaret nodded. Leonard remained quiet.

The idea hadn't occurred to Noah before. Hannah had only recently shown interest in pack affairs. Normally, she spent her time drinking, shopping, and socializing. But lately, something had changed.

Chapter 96 (continued)

Noah couldn't deny it: the plans were excellent, better than his team could have produced. If Hannah could maintain this dedication… He'd have been a fool to dismiss the idea, no matter how much she sometimes angered him.

“I must say,” Leonard interrupted, pulling Noah from his thoughts, “Luna Hannah has been improving significantly.”

A pause followed, Leonard's gaze unwavering. Noah knew what was coming.

“However…” Leonard continued. “I question giving her too much responsibility, too much power. Particularly concerning you, Alpha. If I may…”

Noah’s jaw clenched at the insinuation, but he nodded. “Go ahead, Leonard.”

“The rift between you and the Luna hasn't gone unnoticed,” Leonard said grimly. “Whispers of separation and divorce grow louder. Inviting volatility into your inner circle would be imprudent.”

The words hung heavy. Noah felt a muscle twitch in his cheek. Leonard was right. Despite Hannah's competence, their distance posed a serious threat. He hadn't been close to Hannah for a long time and didn't know her loyalties or plans after their three-month agreement. This could undermine their position with the Alpha Council.

Noah swept his gaze over his team. He saw the conflict in their expressions, the acknowledgment of Leonard's truth. His relationship with Hannah was a loose cannon, and rumors held significant weight, especially if true.

With a sigh, Noah placed his hands on the table and rose. “Thank you for your candor, Leonard,” he said. “I need to think. You’re dismissed.”

He watched them leave. Alone, he sank back into his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Hannah, Hannah,” he muttered, shaking his head.

Chapter 95

He knew what he had to do. If rumors of their impending divorce were spreading… He'd have to take drastic measures to salvage their public image—even if it meant deluding everyone, including himself, for a while. Just long enough to host the Lunar Festival, boost their approval ratings, and then divorce quietly and hopefully peacefully.

Peace. Noah wasn't sure what that meant anymore regarding his wife. But if she wasn't happy, people could tell—and people seemed to love her lately. If he wasn't careful, she might take the whole pack with her in a divorce. He'd be not only the Alpha who lost his Luna, but the Alpha who lost everything.

That couldn't happen. He knew what he needed: damage control, in public.

Shaking his head, Noah retrieved his phone and texted his assistant: “Book The Eclipse for this weekend. Invite everyone we know.”