Sebastian’s pov
I turned to face Cecilia, lowering my gaze with deliberate gentleness. My voice was respectfully soft as I asked, "I heard soone trashing your reputation and couldn’t resist speaking up. I hope I haven’t caused you any trouble by butting in without your permission."
I watched her carefully, noting how she struggled to contain her surprise at my support. My wolf, Soren, stirred inside , pleased by her reaction. He had been restless since the mont we’d encountered her scent in that hotel corridor.
"I’m the one who’s put you in an awkward spot, Sebastian," she replied, her voice asured despite her obvious tension.
"Would you like to fill in the details?" I offered, giving her the choice.
"...If you wouldn’t mind," she answered after a mont’s hesitation.
I could practically hear her heartbeat going crazy.
Turning back to address the crowd, I spoke with calm authority. "I was the one who rescued Cecilia Moore last night."
The room went dead silent as I continued, "I was at the hotel in a business eting. As I was leaving, I ran into Cecilia in the hallway, clearly disoriented. The individuals with her looked suspicious, so I had hotel security investigate. Together with hotel staff, we intervened in ti to prevent any harm from happening to her."
I deliberately kept my explanation thorough but precise, carefully omitting any details that might add fuel to the gossip fire. The situation was delicate enough without making things worse.
Cecilia looked at with gratitude and sothing else—curiosity. She was probably wondering why soone of my status would bother getting mixed up in her problems. I caught her studying , her gaze lifting to et mine in a way that hit sothing deep in .
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Xavier’s fist clenching. His wolf was responding to mine—sensing competition, perhaps. Or maybe just acknowledging the presence of a dominant Alpha in what he considered his territory.
The White family had clamd up. The guests were buying my account. My word carried weight here—no one would dare contradict .
Even if Cecilia had been assaulted by a dozen n, even if there had been solid proof, these people would have turned a blind eye rather than contradict . Challenging my statent would be challenging my position as Alpha of the Silver Peak Pack. No one in this room was that foolish or brave.
Cecilia’s pov
I couldn’t believe Sebastian Black was actually going to bat for . The way he explained everything so precisely, leaving no room for misinterpretation or rumor—it showed experience and consideration I hadn’t expected from soone I barely knew.
Before I could properly thank him, Xavier stepped forward, placing his arm around my shoulders like he owned .
"Thank you for saving my mate!" he declared, claiming his territory as clearly as if he’d physically scent-marked .
Without hesitation, I shook off his arm, my expression cold as winter. "Alpha Xavier, you have zero right to thank anyone on my behalf! Besides, I wasn’t joking about the divorce. You’ve already signed the papers, and tomorrow at noon we’re officially done!"
The shock on Xavier’s face would have been hilarious if the situation weren’t so painful. His voice ca out panicked and rough. "You’re really going through with the divorce?"
He still didn’t believe it. After all his betrayals, all his lies, he still thought I loved him too much to leave. That I was just having a ltdown, letting off steam.
But the only emotion in my eyes was icy determination.
I glanced at my watch. "The cops will be here any minute. Instead of worrying about our divorce, maybe you should be concerned about your precious Cici and your mother. Although you’re screwed too—your darling ntioned last night that you were in on this sche as well."
Xavier’s eyes widened with horror. "You believe I would do sothing like this to you? I would never hurt you!"
I stared at him silently for a mont before breaking into a bitter laugh. "Never hurt ? How can you say that with a straight face?"
"Did you think I just found out about you and Cici? I’ve known forever about every date, every hotel room, every vacation..."
My voice remained calm and controlled, but each word was loaded with years of accumulated pain. "Have you ever felt what it’s like to have a knife pierce your heart—not enough to kill you, but enough to torture you day and night? It’s like living in hell. And what did I do to deserve it? How did I let you down?"
Xavier seed to struggle to breathe as my words landed. Each syllable was a needle to his conscience, and I could see regret washing over him. Too little, too late.
I noticed that Sebastian had positioned himself between us and the crowd, whether intentionally or not. His broad shoulders shielded from view, allowing a private mont of vulnerability without becoming a circus act.
Just then, a group of uniford police officers entered the room. They approached the Green and White families, produced an arrest warrant, and took Cici, Dora, and Xavier into custody.
Cici scread bloody murder as they led her away, but even the White family couldn’t intervene. The evidence was rock-solid.
And with Alpha Sebastian backing my version of events, there was nothing they could do except frantically call their lawyers.
The dramatic scene finally wrapped up. The main players were exhausted, while the spectators had gotten their money’s worth. For the next week, this would be all anyone talked about, with those who missed it kicking themselves for not being there for such juicy drama.
Soon, the banquet hall began to empty. Sebastian and his assistant Beta Sawyer were among the first to leave.
I deliberately waited until Sebastian had gone before making my own exit. Instead of imdiately grabbing a cab, I walked to the park behind the hotel and collapsed against a tree.
The ground lighting was dim, and in my red dress...
The truth was, I had already figured out exactly who had masterminded the attack and who had rely assisted. I knew Xavier hadn’t directly participated, and that Dora had only helped lure to the hotel at Cici’s request. But I deliberately didn’t set the record straight with the police. I wanted them all to be arrested, to be questioned.
I hated Xavier. This was payback!
"Click, click, click..." Footsteps approached.
As they drew closer, I detected a sophisticated woody cologne in the air.
I lazily looked up.
Soft light from the garden lamps fell upon his figure, half-illuminating his already sculptural profile. His downcast eyes revealed little emotion, and the night shadows made him look even more imposing. His presence was almost overwhelming.
"Now that your revenge is complete, shouldn’t you be celebrating? Why are you hiding out here alone?" Sebastian asked, his deep voice carrying through the quiet park.
"...I’m tired," I answered simply.
And why are you following ? I didn’t dare ask that question aloud.
Sebastian remained silent for a few seconds before responding. "If you’re tired, you should go ho and rest."
His suggestion prompted to stand imdiately. "You’re right. I’ll head ho right now. Goodbye, Alpha Sebastian!"
I took a few steps in my high heels, then turned back to add, "And thank you for today!"
Sebastian remained expressionless as I left.
I took a taxi back to my new apartnt building. I hadn’t driven, so I entered through the main lobby and took the elevator.
When the doors opened, I froze.
Sebastian was standing inside.
I reluctantly entered, pressing my finger against the biotric lock. Looking up at him with an awkward smile, I attempted small talk. "You must be beat too, Alpha Sebastian."
"Yes, going ho to crash," he replied.
" too."
"And?" Sebastian tilted his face toward , his expression cool and unreadable.
"..."
I was completely stumped by that simple question. What was I supposed to say to that?
The air between us was thick with tension as the elevator continued its ascent.
My heart began pounding so loudly I was certain he could hear it.
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