Chapter 145. A Tied Vote

Elena’s POV

I pressed myself closer behind Evelyn, wishing I could melt into her broad shoulders and disappear entirely. The moment Eric spotted Lady Valentina, my chest tightened so sharply I thought I might suffocate. Every nerve in me screamed, and I felt my stomach twist.

“There you are, Lady Valentina,” he said, offering her a firm handshake. His voice was smooth, controlled, but there was a sharp edge underneath it.

Valentina took his hand with a polite nod, but I could hear the cool distance in her tone. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Alpha Thompson. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Likewise,” he replied, his gaze flicking past her entourage, and my pulse jumped. I prayed he hadn’t noticed me hiding behind Evelyn.

Then, almost casually, he added, “My girlfriend, Elena Grey, is from your pack. She’d have loved to meet you if she was here today.”

My stomach lurched. My hands went cold. I kept my head down, holding my breath, forc