The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 232: He's A Excellent Commander

Cindy's POV:

"Is that true?" Barbara asked in a low voice. "They really tried to scheme for your dowry and inheritance?"

"It's absolutely true." I nodded. "That's also why, when I severed our bond, I only took my own assets and never asked Duskfang Pack for a single cent in compensation. I wanted a clean break."

Carrie frowned, as if she was still digesting everything.

Suddenly, she changed the subject. "If he was really that bad, how would you judge him as a person? I mean as an Alpha and a man."

This was a trap.

If I tore him down, it would make me look bitter and petty. If I praised him, I'd seem like I still had feelings for him.

I stayed quiet for a moment and answered honestly.

"As for his private morals, I won't comment. Everyone has their own sense of what's right and wrong. But..."

I looked straight at Carrie. "If we put aside all personal matters and judge only his performance in the field, James is an excellent commander."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"He follows orders, doesn't fight for credit, and doesn't act recklessly. On the battlefield, he's both brave and clever, able to share hardship with his soldiers. As the daughter of a former marshal, I can say for sure that in terms of military ability, he deserves the title of general."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Clearly, Carrie hadn't expected me to give such an objective—even positive—evaluation of James.

She tightened her grip on her riding crop. The hostility in her eyes faded, replaced by a complex sort of respect.

For werewolves who valued strength, recognizing ability often mattered more than moral judgment.

"You ... are something else."

Carrie took a deep breath, her tone finally relaxing. "No wonder Prince Adam chose you. You really do have the bearing of a duchess."

Barbara, who'd been tense the whole time, finally let out a breath.

She took a sip of tea and looked at me with a complicated expression. "Duchess Spencer, thank you for your honesty. Honestly ... about this marriage—"

Barbara gave a bitter smile. "Carrie still carries her late husband's marking, and even though it's been removed, to those old traditionalists... And with Princess Margaret's pressure, there are just so many things beyond our control.

"Well, you see, we don't really have a choice."

Those words summed up just how powerless they were as pawns in a political game.

They weren't here to steal my ex-husband. They were just doing what they had to for their family's survival.

"I understand."

I nodded, my voice sincere. "Since Carrie is about to become part of Duskfang Pack, I wish you both all the best. As long as Duskfang Pack leaves me and Astra alone, we can stay out of each other's way."

As I sent them off, snowflakes began to fall from the sky again.

Before climbing into the carriage, Carrie turned back and gave me a proper knight's salute.

"Cindy, don't worry. I might have a bad temper, but I know right from wrong. From now on, Blackstone Pack will never give Silverpeak Pack any trouble."

I watched the carriage roll away and finally let out a long breath.

This battle had no smoke or blood, but I had won.

Not only did I defuse a potential enemy, I upheld the dignity of Silverpeak Pack.

Even after sending Carrie and Barbara off, I didn't feel much lighter.

Carrie and Barbara might be reasonable, but that didn't mean Duskfang Pack would back off.

Especially Evelyn. The woman about to lose everything was like a ticking time bomb.

Just as my mind was spinning, the guard came to report that Jessie Garcia, an elder of Duskfang Pack, had arrived.