After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 156

Carlos’ POV

The news spread like wildfire, and there was no stopping it. Every paper, every whisper in the kingdom, carried the same story: I had left Odette, a noblewoman, for a divorced commoner.

The headlines were brutal, exaggerating the truth at every turn. My phone didn’t stop ringing. Reporters demanded statements, council members voiced their concerns, and even strangers felt entitled to an opinion.

The pressure was suffocating. I knew Grace wasn’t handling it any better. She didn’t deserve this storm, but here we were. I called her and told her not to worry about the news.

"Grace," I began, "we need to fix this." Her silence was brief, but I could hear the worry in her breath when she finally spoke.

"I can’t keep living like this, Carlos. I want it all to stop."

"It will stop," I promised her, then hung up the call.

A moment later, I saw a text from Odette saying we needed to meet King Alpha at 3 p.m. today.

When I arrived at her place, she was already waiting by the door. She had chosen a simple yet elegant dress that suited her perfectly.

The drive to the Alpha King’s palace was silent. Odette sat quietly beside me, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

I didn’t need to look at her to know she was nervous. I could feel it in the way she shifted slightly, her hands tightening around the folds of her dress.

We finally reached the Alpha King’s grand chamber. He sat on a throne that radiated power, looking dignified.

His piercing eyes fixed on Odette and me as we approached.

"Alpha King," I said, bowing deeply. Odette followed suit beside me.

He motioned us to sit. "You’ve caused quite the stir, haven’t you?" Odette shifted uneasily. "Your Majesty, I—"

"You will speak when I allow it," he interrupted, his gaze hardening. "Breaking off your engagement is one matter, but decisions like this should have been made privately, not in public. The press has found out, and now this fiasco is tarnishing the image of our royal family."

"And the press is dragging the royal family’s name through the mud. This carelessness is unacceptable."

Odette lowered her head. "I didn’t intend for this to happen…." "And yet it has," he said coldly. "You’ve embarrassed your lineage, Odette."

I couldn’t stand the tension. "Alpha King, if I may—" "You’ve already spoken out of turn once, Carlos. Be careful with your next words," he warned, his attention shifting to me.

I took a deep breath. "I know this is an urgent matter, but there is something else you need to know as well, Your Majesty."

"Go on."

I felt Odette’s sharp glance as I spoke. "Grace… Grace’s child is mine. It happened… during a drunken mistake. I wasn’t aware until recently."

Grace’ POV

Carlos appeared in the doorway. His expressions were tense. "We need to talk," he said. "What now?" I asked, already bracing myself for bad news.

"The Alpha King has summoned you to the Royal Noble Banquet," he said.

My heart sank. "What? Why would he do that? I don’t belong there!"

"It’s not a request," he said firmly. "But you won’t go alone. Odette and Faye will accompany you."

"That doesn’t make it any better!" I snapped. "Carlos, I’m not like them. I don’t know how to act around royals. I’ll make a fool of myself."

"You won’t," he said, his tone softening. "They’ll help you prepare. You’ll be fine, Grace."

I wanted to argue, but his eyes held a quiet determination that left me no choice.

The days leading up to the banquet were a whirlwind. Odette and Faye dove into teaching me everything I needed to know about aristocratic etiquette.

"Walk with your back straight," Odette instructed, placing a book on my head. "Don’t let it fall."

I took a few steps, wobbling before the book tumbled to the floor. "This is impossible," I groaned.