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Erin glanced at Lara, her amber eyes filled with suspicion, as she kept her hands folded tightly in front of her chest.
Once Lara settled into her seat, she flashed Erin a sly smile. “Have no fear, dear Erin. I am not the one Alpha Zachary favors. I am just an ordinary friend of his.”
Erin’s tense posture relaxed slightly, her caution turning into a sense of superiority. “Why have you come to me, then?”
Lara never expected Erin to be so direct. After a brief moment of contemplation, she replied, “Oh, nothing really. I had a conversation with Alpha Zachary before and learned that you were overseas. So, when I heard your call earlier, I was rather puzzled. That’s why I came here to see if I mistook your identity.”
Erin listened dubiously, her experienced eyes scanning Lara with skepticism. After living for so many years and encountering countless people, Erin knew better than to believe that Lara was there for a simple visit.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. “If you are friends with Alpha Zachary, then surely you know who the woman clinging to him is, correct?”
Lara stumbled over her words, unsure of how to reply. “Well, I do know, but…”
“Who is she?” Erin pressed.
Lara pursed her lips, struggling with her answer.
“It’s not you, is it? Your stutter gives you away,” Erin accused.
Lara shook her head fervently. “No, it’s not me. I truly am just a friend.”
“Then who is it?” Erin demanded, her gaze piercing into Lara’s eyes.
Lara furrowed her brows, feigning innocence and distress. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to disclose that information.”
“Do not worry. I will not breathe a word of it to anyone,” Erin assured with a smile.
“But…” Lara hesitated.
“Ms. Gareth, right?”
Lara nodded.
“If you are truly friends with Alpha Zachary, then I will not keep anything from you. Alpha Zachary has responsibilities to uphold. He cannot waste his time on her,” Erin declared gravely.
Lara frowned, unsure of how to respond. Eventually, she parted her lips slowly. “You know, I actually tried to persuade Alpha Zachary that the woman is unworthy of him. With his stature and position, he could have someone better. I just don’t understand why he is drawn to a woman with children.”
Erin’s expression darkened further at the mention of children.
Finding a woman is one thing, but getting involved with one who already has children? He is bringing shame upon the entire Lucas family!
Erin’s eyes grew colder as these thoughts consumed her mind.
Turning her attention back to Lara, Erin mustered a forced smile. “Ms. Gareth, to be honest, Zachary has kept this hidden from me all this time. However, he is already engaged to another woman. Now, for the sake of that woman, he insists on breaking off the engagement. That is why I need to gather more information about this matter. Please tell me everything you know and help Alpha Zachary.”
Finally, Lara sighed, relenting. “I see. So, that woman truly is… causing him harm. I never thought she would ruin someone else’s life besides mine, but it seems she will never change her wicked ways.”
“What do you mean?” Erin inquired sharply.
“I do know the one Alpha Zachary likes. She is an employee at Prosper Technologies, her name is Nelly Jackson. Her children are already six to seven years old. She tried to seduce my boyfriend while we were still together, and in the end, we broke up because of her. I never expected her to turn her attention to Alpha Zachary so quickly… I tried warning Alpha Zachary about her, but he would not listen. He believes she is a good woman, and because of her, he has started ignoring me…” Lara’s voice trailed off, a helpless look emerging on her face.
With each word, Erin’s grimace deepened. “It seems this woman is quite cunning.”
“You’re right. And she is beautiful too. She has men wrapped around her finger,” Lara muttered.
A pause ensued, as Lara seemed to remember something. She continued with a hint of hesitation, “Please, do not tell anyone I said this. I do not want to be seen as a terrible person! I genuinely consider Alpha Zachary a friend, and that is why I am sharing this with you!”
Erin offered a small smile. “Do not worry. I promised you I would not betray your trust, so I will keep my word.”
Only then did Lara nod in relief. “Thank you!”
“Why are you thanking me? I should be the one thanking you. You have done me a great favor.”NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.
“No, it’s all for Alpha Zachary’s sake. I just do not want him to have his life ruined because of that woman.”
Just then, Erin motioned for the server and ordered some food. “Ms. Gareth, I have just returned from abroad, and I am not well-versed in local affairs. Why don’t we continue chatting over a meal? You can enlighten me with more details.”
Lara eagerly nodded. “Of course. As long as you do not find me bothersome.”
“There is no chance of that,” Erin reassured her. The two continued their conversation as the food arrived.
Erin claimed she wanted to learn more about local matters, but her true intention was to gather information about Nelly Jackson.
During their conversation, Lara did not delve too deeply into Nelly’s background. But as Erin discovered that Nelly did not come from an esteemed family, a wicked smirk played on her lips.
Toward the end of the meal, Erin had learned far more about Nelly than before. While Lara excused herself to the restroom, Erin beckoned the server and handed them her card.
The server smiled gently. “Ms. Gareth has already taken care of the bill.”
Erin was taken aback.
Just then, Lara returned, her puzzled gaze focused on the server and Erin. “What happened?”
Erin turned to Lara and said, “Ms. Gareth, I cannot allow you to pay for this. Let me treat you to a meal.”
“Just think of it as my welcome gift, since you have just returned to the country. Besides, I often dine here with friends, so I have discounts. Please, do not worry,” Lara reassured her, beaming.
Erin returned the smile. “Very well then. Next time, it shall be my treat.”
Lara nodded eagerly.
“I must attend to some other matters now, so I must bid you farewell. Let us meet again soon,” Erin said.
“Absolutely!”
With that, Erin rose gracefully and slung her bag over her arm. After a polite nod, she left without another word, each step she took exuding noble elegance.
Lara’s smile slowly faded as she watched Erin disappear from sight.
‘Zachary, since you refuse to cooperate, do not blame me for resorting to your mother.’