Ava's POV
It was Emma who had just spoken.
She had been silent this whole time, but now, as she stepped forward, everyone watched her carefully.
Emma smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
“I had no idea my husband, Mr. Oliver Hale, ever took Ms. Stone as his apprentice,” she said lightly. “His favored disciple? His most beloved student?”
Her eyes flicked toward Laura, sharp as claws.
“What a joke.”
A few wolves shifted uncomfortably.
“She’s never even stepped foot inside the Hale family home.”
The words landed like a slap.
“You’re talking nonsense! Our Laura…”
“I didn’t know my dad took Laura as a student either.” Dylan’s voice cut in, laced with mockery.
I glanced at him. Warmth spread through my heart at how every one of them stood by me, defending me.
“I still remember whe
