His appearance ignited the awe that everyone had been suppressing in Mark’s presence into complete shock.
“My God… Adrian?!”
“The Alpha of Black Mountain Pack? I always thought he only existed in legends.”
“How is he also here… What kind of background does this Aurora have?”
Unlike Mark’s calm composure as a healer, Adrian carried the sharp oppressive aura of one born for battle.
And now, his gaze fell solely on me.
Adrian approached, sweeping his eyes around those who still maintained a spectator’s mentality, his thin lips curving into an almost cold smile: “It seems I’m not too late for this banquet.”
I was slightly stunned: “How did you…”
I knew Adrian was usually very busy, so when chatting with him recently, I hadn’t mentioned my grandmother’s birthday.
“Your grandmother’s birthday banquet – if I didn’t come, wouldn’t that be too rude?”
After speaking, he turned his head, his tone taking on a meaningful edge: “Moreover, I heard that recently some people have been trying to climb up by stepping on you. If I didn’t make an appearance, I’m afraid they’d really think you have no one behind you.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the guests who had been restless immediately backed down, even their gazes becoming more respectful.
Halfway through the banquet, I stood on the balcony with a wine glass, wanting to get some fresh air.
The scene where Adrian had stood up for me earlier, though seemingly graceful, left me with mixed feelings.
He was always taciturn, never easily involving himself in others‘ affairs, let alone publicly standing by my side with such a tone.
“What are you hiding out here for?” Adrian’s voice suddenly came from behind, low and gentle.
I paused, glancing at him sideways, “It was too stuffy inside. I’m not used to so many stares. What about you?”
Adrian stepped closer, standing beside me, our shoulders almost touching, “I came looking for you.”
I said nothing.
The wind lifted the hair by my ears, and he reached out to gently tuck it behind my ear. The moment his fingertips brushed my skin, it was so gentle it seemed to carry an electric current, making me tremble slightly.
“You’re very beautiful tonight,” Adrian said in a low voice.
I smiled lightly, “The dress is beautiful.”
“No, it’s you.” His tone was as calm as always, yet carried an undeniable sincerity from within.
I suddenly felt somewhat uncomfortable and turned my head away: “Don’t you always dislike crowds? Why did you come?”
“Because you’re here.” Adrian looked at me, “I came to tell you that no matter what happens, I’m here, and you can rely on me.”
“…I don’t want you to get dragged into this because of me,” I said quietly.
“Too late.” He chuckled softly, “I was already dragged in long ago.”
My duroat tightened slightly. Though they were just simple words, they felt like a silent embrace, surrounding me with gentle yet powerful strength.
Chapter 73
1 lowered my head and softly hummed in acknowledgment.
Adrian didn’t say anything more, just quietly stood with me in the wind, as if the entire world had nothing to do with us.
At this moment, another commotion arose from inside.
I hesitated, and just as I turned back, I saw Ferris’s figure appear at the entrance.
Under everyone’s gaze, he walked steadily to my grandmother: “Happy birthday.”
After speaking, he presented the gift box in his hands with both hands, saying:
“I wasn’t sure if you’d like the gift I prepared before, so I prepared another one. I hope you’ll like it.”
The gift in his hands was exactly the gift box I hadn’t accepted at the time.
