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Rhode was surprised by my visit. He didn’t look too good, but he still greeted me with spirit.

“It’s so late. What’s up?”

“Because the election ceremony is tomorrow night. I wanted to see how you’ve prepared.”

Rhode fell silent at the mention of the election ceremony.

“What’s the matter? Are you worried?” I asked despite knowing the answer. “If I can help with anything, just let me know.”

As expected, Rhode’s reaction was intense. He refused without thinking, “There is no need! I can handle everything on my own.”

After speaking, he realized his tone was harsh and wanted to find a remedy. He opened his mouth a few times, but nothing came out. Ultimately, he could only let his shoulders fall and sigh gloomily.

I didn’t hide anything and got straight to the point. “I heard you’re considering giving up on the election.”

Rhode didn’t expect me to know about this. He asked in a panic, “No, that’s not what I- wait, how did you know?”

I didn’t disclose that Emma had leaked the secret to me. Instead, I asked, “Why though? Is it because of me? Are you afraid that it’ll affect me negatively?”

“Perhaps it’s a little presumptuous to say this, but... I’ve heard a lot of rumors recently. Because of my relationship with you, many people think that I was able to get on the running list because of your manipulation. I don’t want you to be accused of nepotism. Moreover, I know that my words carry little weight, and my experience is still shallow. I don’t have the qualifications to compete with the seniors.”

Rhode was dispirited. No matter how I looked at him, his sighing hurt my ears.

The Rhode I used to know wasn’t like this. He was kind, upright, and fearless. In the past, many people talked about my ‘human’ identity behind my back and laughed at my adoptive parents who adopted me. Rhode’s attitude had always been neither servile nor overbearing, and he retaliated directly. He never let himself be wronged, let alone us.

What was wrong with him now? Why did he suddenly become so timid?

Facing his lack of fighting spirit, I said, “If that’s what you’re thinking, then fine, you can submit your withdrawal application tomorrow. But don’t get me wrong, you didn’t give up because of me but because you don’t have the qualifications to be a leader.

“You’ve given up after a little setback. If you become an Alpha in the future, in the face of greater challenges, will you still use the public as an excuse to give them greater benefits? The people won’t support a weak leader like you. Instead of collapsing because of more rumors in the future, you might as well give up on everything now.”

Facing my unkind words, Rhode was shocked. He didn’t expect me to criticize him so sharply. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond.

I pretended to leave. “Since you’re not going to participate in the election, I have nothing to say to you. Rest well. Good night.”

“No, wait!” Rhode pulled me back and said incoherently, “I didn’t mean it that way. I mean...”

“Then what do you mean by that?” I knew that now was the time to help him loosen the knot in his heart, so I had to be tough. “Today, you gave up your future because you were worried about me. What will you give up tomorrow? An Alpha must have a strong heart. A person who can’t bear a little gossip cannot bear the responsibility of the whole pack. If you’re willing to be a coward to avoid responsibility, then it’s fine. I can protect you, Mom, and Dad for the rest of your lives. You don’t have to do anything else.”

“I’m not a coward!” Rhode roared.

I shouted back without fear, “Then, prove it to me!” If you’re not a coward, then do what you should do! Don’t find any excuses for yourself!”

Rhode was stunned. After a while, he covered his face and fell onto the sofa.

“You’re right. I’m a coward. I said something nice like I don’t want to trouble you, but I don’t want to be a burden to you.

“It’s not that I don’t know who’s behind all these rumors. After assisting Benson for so many years, I’ve gotten used to these schemes. But Benson and I are different. He’s the one who’s bearing all the burden between him and me. I only have to follow his instructions. But when it comes to you, I’ve suddenly realized that I’ve become a weapon for those with ill intentions to use as an excuse. Not only can I not help you, but I’ve also become an obstacle for you.

“I love the Shadow Pack. I’ve been dreaming of it becoming better. But I love you more, my sister, my closest kin. I don’t want you to be hurt in any way, and I don’t want to be one of those who hurt you...”

Rhode choked with sobs. This tall and strong man seemed to be lost.

“I’ve seen a lot of such things. A stalemate will only lead to more intense fights. People without a bottom line will do anything for power. You’ve just been crowned the princess, and your foundation is still unstable. If the first election you’re in charge of causes trouble, people will inevitably be prejudiced against your ability and image.

“So, I was thinking, why don’t I take a step back? Even an assistant can contribute to the pack, right? ”

A person’s heart did not always grow with age. Experience did bring not only maturity but also more and more fear, cowardice, and concern.