Author’s pov
The tension in the room grew heavier as Cecilia’s thoughts spun.
This wasn’t just so regular appointnt. Sothing about it felt wrong and maybe even dangerous.
"Who’s so important the doctor has to greet them in person ? "she asked, keeping her eyes on her grandmother for any sign of hesitation.
"You’ll see soon enough, "Helena replied with a mysterious smile, patting Cecilia’s hand.
A sinking feeling hit her.
"Grandma, "she said slowly, trying to steady her voice, "you didn’t arrange to et Martha Locke, did you ? "
Helena chuckled softly and tapped Cecilia’s nose. "Smart girl. You figured it out. "
The air left Cecilia’s lungs.
She looked at her parents, waiting for shock or at least so concern.
Their faces stayed calm. Too calm.
[ Why aren’t they reacting ? ]
she thought, her pulse picking up.
[ Doesn’t Mom get what this ans ? Isn’t she even a little worried ?
And Dad—why isn’t he saying anything ? Did he already know ? ]
None of it made sense.
Her expression hardened.
"Mom, Grandma, I’ve told you both how dangerous this is. Why won’t you listen ? "she said, her voice sharp now.
"You think I’m overreacting ? You think everything’s fine just because Martha’s involved ? She can’t even protect herself. She was almost killed a few days ago. "
Helena’s eyes widened. "What ? "
Esther gasped, her face draining of color.
VanDyck gripped his wife’s hand and turned toward his daughter. "How do you know that ? Who told you ? Is this true ? "
Cecilia leaned forward, trying to make them understand. "I saw it myself. I’ve been at Martha’s mountain retreat these past few days. If Sebastian hadn’t shown up from Denver that night, sothing terrible could’ve happened. "
Her voice hardened. "Cassian said it was safe, but look what happened. And Zane showed up later and did nothing. He couldn’t protect his wife before, and now he can’t even protect his mother. He’s useless. "
She wanted them to feel it, the danger and chaos that always seed to follow the Lockes.
Helena and Esther sat frozen, trying to process everything. VanDyck’s expression darkened by the second.
They had believed Martha’s presence ant safety, that Zane would protect his long-lost daughter, that with both Zane and Sebastian involved, Maggie wouldn’t dare make a move.
But if even Martha wasn’t safe in her own ho, what chance did Cecilia have ?
Esther’s voice trembled. "Mom, maybe we should rethink this. "
"Let’s leave while we still can, "Cecilia urged, seizing the mont.
Helena said nothing, lost in thought.
Esther’s composure broke. The image of her daughter’s body lying poisoned in so grand estate flashed through her mind. "Mom, let’s just go, "she whispered. "We’ll pretend we never ca here at all. "
She stood, and VanDyck rose with her.
Seeing her parents getting ready to leave while her grandmother still hesitated, Cecilia stepped closer and took Helena’s hand.
"Grandma, please, "she said gently. "Let’s go back to the hotel for now. You can see Martha later when things settle down. There’s no rush. "
It was a stalling tactic, but it seed to work.
Helena sighed. "You take your parents back. I already promised Martha I’d et her, and I won’t stand her up. "
Cecilia’s frustration simred beneath her calm exterior.
After a mont’s thought, she nodded.
"Alright. I’ll leave the bodyguards with you. I’ll drive Mom and Dad back to the hotel. Just... keep it brief, okay ? They’re expecting Martha at the gala. "
"I know, "Helena said, giving a faint smile. "Don’t worry. I won’t tell her who you really are. "
"Good, "Cecilia said, relieved.
Cecilia gave quick instructions to the two bodyguards, making sure they stayed close to her grandmother, then led her parents out to the car.
As their vehicle disappeared down the quiet road, another car rolled to a stop outside the house.
Cecilia’s pov
In the car, I asked my dad for the hotel address and had Tang set the navigation.
At the sa ti, I booked flight tickets for my parents to leave early the next morning.
The hotel was only about a ten-minute drive away.
When we arrived, I walked them up to their room.I’d planned to wait for Grandma to return before heading back, but Tang quietly reminded that we should leave for the Lawson estate soon.
I told my parents to stay in their room and explained that I’d go back to Denver with Sebastian. They could remain at grandmother’s for a few more days, and once things settled, I’d co back to get them.
The truth is, I’m not ready to tell them I’m pregnant, or that I’m planning to raise the baby by myself.
"Cece, "Mom sighed, "don’t push yourself too hard. And about Sebastian... "she hesitated, "if things don’t work out, it’s okay. We’ll still support you. "
Dad frowned. "Why would you say that ? Sebastian’s a good man. He’s always been respectful to all of us, especially you. He’d be hurt if he knew you were doubting him. Just let things play out. "
Their words ca from love, but I could hear the tiredness underneath.
It was the quiet frustration of parents who wanted to protect but couldn’t really do much.
That thought twisted painfully in my chest.
After leaving the hotel, I paused by the fountain outside, watching the water shimr under the afternoon light.
For a few minutes, I just stood there, trying to shake off the heaviness pressing down on .
"Cecilia, we should get going, "Tang said gently.
I nodded and slid into the passenger seat. Just as Tang reached for the ignition, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and his face went pale.
"Shit, "he muttered. "It’s Alpha. "
"Relax, "I said, keeping my tone calm. "He doesn’t know we’re here. He’s probably just checking in. Tell him you’re with , taking a walk in the garden. "
Tang took a deep breath, trying to match my composure.
He answered with forced ease."Hello, Alpha. "
"Where are you ? "Sebastian’s voice ca through the speaker, low and cold.
Even over the phone, it had a weight that made the air in the car feel heavier.
Tang stiffened instinctively.
Still, so of my calm seed to rub off on him.
Tang straightened his back and answered, "We’re taking a walk in the garden. "
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