Chapter 207
Chapter 207:
I ate slowly, savoring the familiar flavors of the food, which I suspected Clayton had prepared himself.
Touched by his thoughtfulness, I was about to express my gratitude when Clayton asked me a question. “Makenna, how did you manage to hunt a brown bear?” His eyes sparkled with curiosity and a hint of admiration. “That’s something very few she-wolves could achieve.”
I hesitated briefly but decided to stick with the excuse I had.
“The bear was already injured. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
“I see…” Clayton nodded, considering my words.
A flicker of apprehension crossed my mind. Clayton was perceptive, not as easily deceived as Alice and Lily, and I wondered if he bought my explanation.
To steer the conversation away from further scrutiny, I shifted topics. “But how did a brown bear end up in the hunting grounds? The servants said there would only be small prey.”
A predator like a brown bear should not have appeared in such an area. It suggested someone might have manipulated the assessment to ensure I failed. If not for the strange surge of strength I had felt, I might not have survived.
Clayton’s expression grew serious. “Brown bears usually reside deep in the forest. It’s unusual for one to appear where your assessment took place. Don’t worry, my father is taking this seriously. He’s dispatched investigators, and we should have answers soon.”
It seemed like a deliberate act…
I clenched my fists slowly, a suspicion forming in my mind.
I managed a bitter smile and shook my head. “There’s no need for an investigation. I have a suspicion about who might be behind this.”
Clayton looked at me, intrigued. “Who do you think it is?”
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Suppressing my inner anger, I spoke the name clearly and deliberately. “Bryan.”
Makenna’s POV:
Clayton’s surprise was palpable as he processed my accusation.
My fists clenched tighter as I recalled Bryan’s threats that morning and the sheer desperation I felt when facing death in the hunting grounds. Any gratitude I had once felt for Bryan’s previous assistance had vanished. Who else but Bryan could have orchestrated such cruelty? Who else had the power to release a brown bear into my designated area?
I could scarcely believe his malice—wanting me dead simply to stop me from succeeding.
Was it because I refused to remain by his side that he wished me harm?
A cold fury gripped me, and I forced a bitter smile at Clayton. “He threatened me this morning, saying he hoped I wouldn’t pass the assessment—”
Bang!
Before I could finish, the door to the ward was violently flung open.
The door slammed against the wall with a resounding crash, startling both Clayton and me. We turned to see Bryan storming in, his face dark as a thundercloud.
“What are you doing here?” Clayton’s demeanor shifted instantly. He sprang to his feet, placing himself protectively in front of me.
Bryan’s presence only fueled my rage and a deep, indescribable heartbreak.
Tears brimmed in my eyes as I glared at him with scorn. “Your Highness, did you fail to finish me off in the hunting grounds and come here to complete the job?”
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