Chapter 1015

Elias could have chosen to side with Gerard. But with the Roe family already allied with Gerard, doing so would've been a major blow to his pride—and to the Carpenter family's reputation as the leading house among Tarthy's four most prestigious families. It would make them look weak and undermine their influence. More importantly, there was no guarantee Gerard would even accept the offer. After all, their entire plan hinged on carving up the Carpenter family assets. If Elias tried to get a seat at that table, who would be left for them to exploit? In any power play, someone has to be the sacrifice. The Carpenter family, with its vast resources and power, was the most profitable target. There was more than enough to go around. Given Elias' pride and his long-standing feud with the Roes and Trevells, there was no way he'd lower himself to grovel before an alliance. Hence, it was better to join forces with the Lycans than to disgrace himself. The Carpenters had deep roots in Tarthy Ci