Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby
Chapter 35: Meeting with Mayor Grant

Chapter 35: Meeting with Mayor Grant

When Eleanor reached Stockport Town Hall, it was almost time for her meeting with the Mayor. She stepped out of her car and gave a firm nod to her security team, instructing them to remain outside. With measured steps, she walked up to the reception desk.

"Hello, I have an appointment with the Mayor in ten minutes. The name is Eleanor Langford," she said, her voice composed and professional.

The receptionist quickly made a call to the Mayor’s office to confirm her appointment. After a moment, she smiled politely and handed Eleanor a visitor badge.

"You’re all set. One of our security personnel will escort you to the Mayor’s office," the receptionist said.

The uniformed guard led her through the wide corridors of the historic building. When they arrived at the designated office, a woman at a desk stood and approached.

"Are you Miss Eleanor Langford?" the woman asked.

"Yes," Eleanor replied, her tone polite but reserved.

"Please follow me. Madam Mayor is expecting you."

The woman led her through the door into a spacious, well-lit office. It had an air of old-world charm, with oak furniture, a towering bookshelf, and a collection of framed accolades and photographs. Behind the desk, a woman was scribbling something into a notebook. Though the lines beside her eyes and streaks of white in her hair spoke of her age, her aura was vibrant and commanding.

As the footsteps reached her ears, the Mayor glanced up. Her eyes landed on Eleanor’s face and widened slightly with recognition. A smile tugged at her lips as emotion flickered across her expression.

"You almost look like sister Esmeralda when she was young," the Mayor said softly, her voice touched by nostalgia. "I had my doubts when Elliot called me last night... but seeing you now, I would’ve believed you were her daughter even without the call."

Eleanor bowed her head slightly. "Greetings, Madam Mayor. I am Eleanor Langford... currently known as Eleanor Elizabeth Raynor. It’s an honor to meet you."

The Mayor stood and gestured to a chair in front of her with a smile. "You can call me Aunt. Your mother was like a sister to me. Please, have a seat."

Eleanor took the offered chair, her posture poised but relaxed. "Thank you."

The Mayor turned to her secretary and said, "Please close the door... and make sure no one interrupts this meeting."

"Yes, Madam," the secretary replied and left, gently closing the door behind him.

The Mayor turned her attention back to Eleanor. "I still can’t believe sister Esmeralda had a daughter and that everyone kept you hidden from me. Even my foolish brother didn’t say a word until yesterday."

Eleanor’s expression remained calm. "That’s because my mother made them promise to keep my existence secret, out of fear of the Langford family. She wanted me to grow up independently, without the influence or danger that came from her past. After I asked Uncle Grant to contact you, he finally told you the truth."

The Mayor laughed quietly, a wistful sound. "That does sound like something your mother would do. She nearly hated her father back then," she said, then quickly corrected herself. "Forgive me... I’m speaking too freely. It’s just... I’m overwhelmed."

"It’s fine," Eleanor said gently. "I’ve learned a few things about the Langfords from Uncle Grant. I know the situation was... complicated."

The Mayor nodded thoughtfully. "You said your surname is Raynor. Are you related to the Raynor family by blood?"

"No. I was adopted into the Raynor family," Eleanor replied.

"I met Ethan Raynor yesterday," the Mayor remarked. "Do you know him?"

Eleanor’s eyes flickered for a moment. She hadn’t expected his name to come up. "Yes, we know each other. He’s close to me... and he’s aware of my connection to Uncle Grant. That means he knows about you, too. He won’t do anything to harm you. But if you ever need anything, feel free to reach out to me directly."

"Ethan must be playing with Freya right now," she thought with a slight smile. She herself didn’t know how her mood changed upon hearing his name. But the Mayor observed it all. After all, dealings with people were her main job.

The Mayor smiled. "It was just a business meeting, nothing to worry about. I simply remembered him when I heard your name."

Eleanor took a deep breath. "Actually, one of the reasons I came today was to learn more about my grandparents and the Langford family. I’ve never visited my mother’s grave. I’d like to do that now... so many years have passed. Uncle Grant told me my grandfather is still alive. I want to meet him, if possible."

The Mayor’s eyes softened. "The Langford Castle is well-known; you can easily find it online. They have a private cemetery within the estate, and your mother was buried there. As for your grandfather, I haven’t had much contact with the family recently. The last time I saw him, he was the Leader of the House of Lords. He’s since retired, and his younger brother was nominated as the Earl of Birmingham. They’re not politically active anymore... just handling ceremonial responsibilities. I do still have your grandfather’s number. I’ll send it to you."

She saved Eleanor’s contact information and forwarded the number to her.

"You’ve been a great help," Eleanor said, smiling softly. "Before I go, there’s one more thing. I heard you’re planning to run for the next General Election from this constituency. Is that true?"

The Mayor leaned back and folded her hands. "Yes. I’ve been working on it for the past three years. The current MP’s popularity is waning. I think I have a real shot."

Eleanor’s demeanor shifted subtly, her tone becoming cooler and more serious. "If you decide to run, I can help you behind the scenes. But you have to fight for the home office. I need someone there. Just remember, politics can get dirty. Your opponents won’t fight fair. I can protect you from them."

The Mayor raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift. She studied Eleanor for a moment before asking, "What’s the catch?"

Eleanor met her gaze. "I only want one thing in return... an introduction to MI5. That’s all. No financial favors, no strings attached. You don’t have to worry about my motives."

The room fell silent for a moment as the Mayor considered the proposal.

"Please give me some time," she said at last. "I hadn’t planned that far ahead. I was only preparing to run for MP, not for something of this scale."

"Take your time," Eleanor said, standing. "I’ll be leaving now. I intend to visit Birmingham next."

The Mayor stood as well and walked her to the door. "I hope this won’t be the last time we meet."

"I’m sure it won’t be," Eleanor replied with a polite smile.

Once outside the Town Hall, Eleanor stepped back into her car. "Heimdall Tower," she instructed the driver.

As the car pulled away, she checked her phone, which had been on silent during the meeting. Several missed calls flashed on the screen... one from Teresa, and two from Elliot Grant.

She called Elliot first to reassure him and gave him a brief overview of her discussion with the Mayor... omitting the part about her offer.

Next, she dialed Teresa. The call connected almost immediately.

"Boss, we found her," Teresa said without preamble. "Isabella Thomas. The match is perfect based on your description. She’s currently in Balsall Heath, Birmingham. Lives alone. Her only son works at the Department for Work and Pensions in London. My people are watching her now. Do you want us to bring her to Manchester?"

Eleanor’s voice was firm. "No. I’m coming to the office now. Get the Range Rovers ready... we’re going to make a grand appearance in Birmingham. I plan to visit Langford Castle... and I want the Langford family to know that Eleanor Langford has arrived."

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