Chapter 305
\nMarked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 305<\/p>\n
**Chapter 305: Silently Praying**<\/p>\n
**Deanna\u2019s POV:**<\/p>\n
With a gentle caress, my fingertip brushed against the screen as I answered the incoming call, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. \u201cMr. Faulkner,\u201d I greeted, striving to maintain a sense of calm that felt as elusive as the truth in this chaotic moment.<\/p>\n
Malcolm\u2019s voice poured through the receiver, warm and soothing, a lifeline amidst the storm. \u201cDeanna, I\u2019ve been following the rumors that have been swirling around. Is there anything I can do to assist you during this turbulent time?\u201d<\/p>\n
I paused, weighing my options carefully. The last thing I wanted was to appear weak or overwhelmed. \u201cThank you for offering, but I can manage this on my own,\u201d I replied, attempting to infuse my words with a confidence I didn\u2019t quite feel.<\/p>\n
His tone shifted, a thread of concern weaving through his words. \u201cI was at the hotel that day too. If it comes down to it, I can testify about that photo.\u201d<\/p>\n
His offer hung in the air, and for a moment, I was left speechless. Having Malcolm as a witness would certainly lend credibility to my side of the story. But ever since I had come to realize the depth of his feelings for me, I had instinctively created a chasm between us. I didn\u2019t want to entangle him in my chaotic personal life, a mess that was becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeanna, please don\u2019t push me away,\u201d he urged, his voice gentle yet firm. \u201cAt the very least, let me help a little. We\u2019re still friends, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n
For a fleeting moment, my resolve wavered, the walls I had built around myself beginning to crack.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright then,\u201d I conceded, taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart. \u201cCould you check if the hotel still has the camera footage from that day? Although, I have a sinking feeling that someone has already destroyed it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeave it to me,\u201d he assured me, determination lacing his voice like a promise.<\/p>\n
Just as I was about to end the call, Malcolm\u2019s voice reached out to me, rich with sincerity. \u201cDeanna.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it?\u201d I asked, my heart racing slightly at the intensity in his tone.<\/p>\n
His words were a soothing balm for my frayed nerves. \u201cI know this is a significant blow to your company. Whatever you need, just say the word. I\u2019ll be there to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
After we hung up, a flicker of hope ignited within me, but it quickly dimmed as I attempted to call Luis once more.<\/p>\n
Instead of his familiar, comforting voice, I was met with a cold, automated response.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number you dialed is not available at the moment. Please try again later.\u201d<\/p>\n
My grip on the phone tightened, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
Was it a bad signal overseas? Or was he caught up in some urgent matter that prevented him from answering?<\/p>\n
Suddenly, an idea struck me like a bolt of lightning. I remembered Luis\u2019s assistant, Aaron, and quickly searched for his number, my fingers trembling with urgency.<\/p>\n
Beep\u2026 beep\u2026 beep\u2026<\/p>\n
The ringing seemed to stretch on for an eternity before it abruptly cut off, leaving me with nothing but silence and a growing sense of dread.<\/p>\n
After a grueling day of holding myself together, fatigue washed over me like a heavy tide. I sank back onto the couch, allowing my eyes to flutter shut for just a moment of respite, hoping for clarity in the chaos.<\/p>\n
That was when the office door swung open, and in rushed my mother, her expression a swirling mix of worry and confusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeanna, what on earth is happening online?\u201d she exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. \u201cWho is this Mason guy, and how did you two end up at the same hotel? You were even photographed together!\u201d<\/p>\n
I stood up, moving towards her, striving to project calm amidst the chaos. \u201cMom, it\u2019s all a misunderstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe entire werewolf community is buzzing about you! Your reputation is in tatters. What are we supposed to do now?\u201d she demanded, her voice rising in a crescendo of panic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat witch! How dare she! I swear, if I see her, I\u2019ll tear her hair out!\u201d she fumed, her ire crackling like electricity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyway, are you okay? I\u2019m coming back right now,\u201d she insisted, her concern evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, don\u2019t. You\u2019re in the middle of filming, and even if you came, you wouldn\u2019t be able to help me,\u201d I countered, trying to keep my tone steady, though I could feel the tremor of anxiety beneath it.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I still want to be there with you,\u201d she replied, her voice softening, filled with genuine care.<\/p>\n
I forced calmness into my voice, even as my heart raced. \u201cLet me handle this first. You can keep me company afterward.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Mr. Eaton? Isn\u2019t this something he can resolve with a single statement?\u201d she asked, frustration seeping into her tone.<\/p>\n
I fell silent for a moment, the weight of the truth pressing heavily on my chest.<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t know that the true mastermind behind all of this was Ruth.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Don\u2019t worry. I\u2019m already trying to reach him,\u201d I said lightly, masking my unease with a facade of assurance.<\/p>\n
Once the call ended, the office was engulfed in silence once more, the stillness almost suffocating.<\/p>\n
I gazed out at the darkening night sky, my heart heavy as I silently prayed that Luis would see the news soon or that Malcolm would uncover some solid evidence to help clear my name.<\/p>\n
The following morning, Ferris burst into the office, his expression grave, the weight of bad news hanging heavily in the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Wiley, I\u2019ve got bad news!\u201d he exclaimed, urgency lacing his voice, sending a chill down my spine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-2387","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}