CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Bella

The morning of the household review arrived sooner than I expected.

By sunrise, the Alpha House was already awake.

Servants moved quietly through the halls, making their final preparations.

I took one last look at the records arranged neatly on my desk before gathering them into a single folder.

Everything had been checked twice.

There was nothing left to prepare.

A gentle knock sounded at my door.

Come in.

The elderly housekeeper stepped inside.

My lady.

Is everything ready?

She smiled.

Everyone is waiting in the meeting hall.

Bella nodded.

I'll be there shortly.

After the housekeeper left, Bella took a slow breath.

Today wasn't about proving herself.

It was simply another responsibility she intended to fulfil. She straightened her dress before leaving her room.

The meeting hall was already filled when Bella arrived. The heads of each household department stood beside their records, waiting quietly.

Conversations stopped the moment she entered.

Bella greeted them politely.

Good morning.

Good morning, Lady Bella.

Several returned the greeting with respectful smiles.

Moments later, the doors opened again.

Harry entered.

Everyone immediately bowed.

My Alpha.

Harry acknowledged them with a nod before taking his place at the front of the room.

His eyes briefly met Bella's.

Luna.

My Alpha.

It was the first time they had stood side by side before the household staff.

The atmosphere grew noticeably quieter.

Harry spoke first.

We'll begin.

One by one, each department presented its report.

The kitchen. The storehouses. The servants' quarters. The guest wing.

Bella listened carefully, occasionally making a small note whenever something required attention. She didn't interrupt unnecessarily. She only spoke when clarification was needed. By the time the final report had been presented, the review had gone more smoothly than anyone expected.

Harry closed the last ledger.

Good.

The room remained silent.

He looked toward Bella.

Do you have anything to add?

Every pair of eyes turned to her.

Bella rose calmly.

There are only a few minor matters.

She opened her notebook.

The kitchen inventory should be reviewed twice each month instead of once.

Several servants exchanged surprised glances.

Bella continued.

It will reduce unnecessary waste.

She turned another page.

The guest rooms should also be inspected one day before expected visitors arrive rather than on the morning of their arrival.

The head servant nodded thoughtfully.

That would certainly make preparations easier.

Bella finished her final note before closing the notebook.

Other than that, everything has been managed well.

Silence followed.

Then Harry spoke.

Luna's recommendations will be adopted.

The department heads immediately nodded.

Yes, Alpha.

Bella looked at Harry for a brief moment.

She hadn't expected him to agree so quickly.

Before she could say anything, he addressed the room once more.

If there are no further matters

He looked around.

No, Alpha.

The review is concluded.

Everyone bowed before quietly leaving the hall.

Within minutes only Bella and Harry remained.

Bella gathered her notebook.

I'll have the updated records prepared.

Harry nodded.

Very well.

She inclined her head respectfully.

If you'll excuse me.

She turned to leave.

Bella.

She stopped.

Yes, Alpha?

Harry hesitated for only a moment.

The recommendations

Bella waited.

They were well considered.

She looked at him in surprise.

It wasn't praise. But it was the first time he had acknowledged her work without being prompted.

Bella lowered her head.

Thank you.

She quietly left the hall.

Harry remained standing where he was. His gaze lingered on the closed door for several moments before Lucas entered.

My Alpha.

Harry looked away.

What is it?

Lucas glanced toward the door Bella had just walked through.

Then back at Harry.

The household staff seem pleased with today's review.

Harry gave a small nod.

So it would seem.

Lucas smiled faintly.

I think today answered a question many people had.

Harry frowned.

What question?

Lucas met his eyes.

Whether Lady Bella is truly capable of being the Luna

Harry said nothing.

Because after today's review the answer had become obvious to everyone.