Author’s pov
Scarlett couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. "But why would Maggie want Cecilia dead ?"
Luna Regina opened her mouth to answer, then hesitated.
After composing herself, she said, "Actually, it’s my fault. I ran into Maggie in Denver a while back. She’s all smooth talk and crocodile tears, and I couldn’t keep up with her gas. But Cecilia was with and really gave her a piece of her mind. I suspect that’s when she developed her grudge."
She’d deliberately chosen the most harmless explanation.
The truth was, there were two much bigger reasons Maggie wanted Cecilia dead, but Luna Regina wasn’t about to air that dirty laundry.
First : Cecilia’s cheating ex-husband had been sleeping with so rich girl nad Cici, who turned out to be Maggie’s niece.
Luna Regina had only recently found out about this connection. Apparently Cici had killed soone and been thrown in prison, then sohow escaped and got two cops killed in the process.
That kind of crazy stunt had Maggie written all over it.
The second reason was even nastier. That creepy old pervert Zane couldn’t keep his eyes off Cecilia. Luna Regina had caught him staring at Sebastian’s apartnt, and Alpha Yardley admitted it wasn’t the first ti.
If Maggie figured out her husband was lusting after another woman... she’d already killed over less.
But bringing up either of those would make Cecilia sound like a walking disaster. A divorced woman who attracted perverts and got tangled up in murder plots ? Mabel would write her off completely.
"That’s it ? "Scarlett’s disbelief was obvious.
Getting into one argunt and deciding to commit murder seed pretty extre.
Luna Regina stuck to her story. "You didn’t see how badly Cecilia destroyed her. Maggie practically turned green when she left. "
Scarlett blinked, half impressed, half shocked. "Wow... remind never to get on her bad side. "She tried to joke, but the unease in her tone made it fall flat.
"Wonderful, "Mabel said dryly. "So she has a sharp tongue too? "
Her aning was crystal clear: soone who could tear into strangers today would disrespect family tomorrow.
Luna Regina had no response.
Her mother’s tone made her shrink a little, the sa way she had as a teenager being scolded for picking the wrong friends.
"Cecilia is amazing !"Zaria jumped to Cecilia’s defense imdiately. "She even saved Mom when she was in danger ! Don’t worry, Grandmother, our whole family adores her."
Alpha Sebastian gave his sister an approving glance, pleased with her loyalty.
Mabel kept her expression neutral, but inside she was fuming. This was obviously so gold-digger’s playbook ! Seduce Alpha Sebastian with her looks while playing the hero to win everyone over. How else would a nobody with zero connections have an entire family eating out of her hand ?
Seeing Mabel’s chilly reaction, Scarlett decided to keep any supportive comnts to herself.
The mood turned awkward again.
Cecilia recognized the expression on Mabel’s face. She’d gotten that sa look from Luna Dora Pure suspicion, like she was so kind of con artist just because she didn’t co from money.
Her pulse quickened, but she forced her lips into a soft, steady smile. She’d learned long ago that the best weapon against judgnt was composure.
These society won would bend over backwards to excuse their precious debutantes’ bad behavior, but a regular person trying to make sothing of herself ? Obviously had to be up to sothing.
The whole thing almost made her laugh, but she kept her smile pleasant. "Thank you for the kind words, Zaria, but... "
Before she could finish, Alpha Sebastian grabbed her hand. "But the real challenge is that Cecilia hasn’t fully accepted yet. I still need to prove I’m worthy of her keeping around. "
He gazed at her, amusent dancing in his eyes.
The corner of his mouth lifted, playful and deliberate, as if daring her to contradict him.
Cecilia tried to pull her hand away, but he only tightened his grip.
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She glared at him, whispering through clenched teeth, "Sebastian, stop it. "He only smiled wider, clearly enjoying her embarrassnt.
The three Lawson family mbers stared in shock.
Luna Regina smiled awkwardly.
Cecilia’s cheeks turned red. When Alpha Sebastian decided to be shaless, he really went all out.
"Alright, let’s move on,"Mabel said, clearly rattled by having her assumptions proven wrong.
She was sure her grandson had to be under so kind of spell.
Luna Regina could see her mother was still upset. "Mom, what happened with Daisy really isn’t Cecilia’s fault. Look, we’re lucky we caught this when we did. Soone planted a bomb in our family. Sure, they were targeting Cecilia, but the real goal was obviously to hurt all of us."
"She’s right,"Julian agreed. "They either wanted to destroy our alliance with the Coles or use us to get to the Blacks. Daisy only beca a target because she married into our family."
"This isn’t on us !"Luna Regina said with conviction. "The only criminal here is that psycho bitch ! I’m going to expose her at Martha’s birthday party."
"Regina, don’t do anything crazy,"Julian warned. "Sebastian and I already have a plan."
Alpha Sebastian nodded. "Just act normal at the party. Don’t let on that you know anything."
His look said it all : the best way to help is to stay out of it.
Luna Regina sighed. "Okay, okay. But Cecilia is coming with us. There’s safety in numbers, and that bitch won’t try anything with witnesses around."
"I really can’t go,"Cecilia said quickly. Getting mixed up in Locke family drama was the last thing she needed.
"Don’t be scared ! We’ll all be right there with you,"Luna Regina pushed. What she really wanted was to introduce Cecilia as Sebastian’s girlfriend before anyone could try playing matchmaker.
"I seriously don’t think that’s a good idea !"Cecilia was almost desperate now.
She looked at Sebastian pleadingly.
Alpha Sebastian knew exactly what his mother was planning. "I think you should co. If I don’t bring my girlfriend to big social events, it looks like I’m not serious about us."
Luna Regina nodded eagerly. "See ? You’re Sebastian’s girlfriend now. Leaving you behind would be insulting."
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