To be honest, Sera’s fixation on Julian ran deeper than most people realized. It wasn’t just affection. It was hunger. The kind that makes soone throw dignity aside and step straight into danger if it ans claiming a future they want. In a strange way, I almost admired her nerve. She was willing to gamble everything for a bond she believed would secure her place.
Once feelings like that take root, they don’t listen to reason. They drown out warnings. Sha disappears. All that’s left is the need to possess.
Most people saw Julian as refined and gentle, a man raised with rules and polish. A perfect heir. What they missed was the sharp edge beneath the surface. The selfish pull of instinct. The way he always chose himself first. They loved the image. They never looked close enough to see the cracks.
Even without my involvent, Sera had already crossed a line. She had been willing to use drugs, to manipulate, to force fate’s hand. That alone told she wasn’t the fragile girl she pretended to be. So when I realized she was already spiraling, I nudged things just enough to protect myself. If she tied herself to the Hales, she might even serve as a barrier between and Camilla. Sotis survival ans letting others rush toward the fire.
Jas’s furious voice echoed through the hall, sharp and disbelieving. That was when Julian finally looked down at the woman beneath him. Confusion flickered across his face. His brows drew together as if his mind couldn’t catch up with his body.
"Wait... why is it you?" he asked, voice thick and slow.
Sera said nothing at first. She clutched the blanket to her chest like a shield, her shoulders shaking. Tears slid silently down her face before she whispered, weak and trembling, "Mr. Hale... we were just talking, and then... you suddenly..."
Jas winced as if struck. He pressed his fingers to his temple, pain flashing across his face. How had everything unraveled again? And with her, of all people?
Vivian snapped.
She stord forward and slapped Julian hard across the face. The sound cracked through the room.
"You disgusting creature!" she scread. "What have you done?!"
Julian barely reacted. His eyes were unfocused, his thoughts scattered like ash. His lips parted, but the words wouldn’t form.
"I... I..." His voice faded.
In his mind, it had been Elena. He was sure of that. Sohow, sowhere, the image had twisted into Sera. He couldn’t tell where mory ended and illusion began. He only knew sothing was terribly wrong.
Voices erupted around him, overlapping, sharp, panicked. But Julian stayed where he was, lost in the haze, unmoving.
Sera curled into herself, crying softly.
Jeffrey stood by the door, his face dark and unreadable. He stepped forward at last and ordered everyone out. His voice left no room for argunt.
The situation was already beyond repair.
As if to make it worse, news ca in that Anthony Hudson, the head of the Hudson family, was already on his way back from abroad.
Three powerful families were now tangled together in scandal and blood-deep humiliation.
Lincy stood off to the side, eyes swollen and red. Just hours ago, her world had been intact. Now it felt like the ground had split beneath her feet.
Jeffrey finally spoke again, firm and controlled.
"It’s late. No one leaves tonight. The Hales will host everyone until the Hudsons arrive. There’s no sense tearing each other apart before then."
The staff began guiding guests away. The Morrigans followed in silence, faces stiff and pale. Their plans had collapsed completely. Any hope of using Camilla to secure their future had burned to ash.
Julian’s betrayal alone was devastating. Camilla’s pregnancy made it worse. Being caught with another man destroyed everything that deal stood for.
And the drug’s effects lingered. Julian slowly regained clarity, but Camilla remained weak and distant. No one knew if the child she carried would survive.
If she lost it, the business alliance tied to that unborn life would die with it.
Fear settled deep into the Morrigans’ bones.
The Hudson family, humiliated and furious, prepared to face their disgraced son. Of all Yenik’s mistakes, mocking Lewis and chasing a married woman had sealed his fate. He had insulted power he didn’t understand.
I turned toward my room, exhausted, when sharp footsteps followed .
Lincy stord up behind , her eyes burning.
"You must be proud of yourself," she hissed. "Don’t think I don’t know this ss has your fingerprints all over it."
I faced her calmly. I didn’t flinch.
"If you didn’t want the truth exposed," I said evenly, "you shouldn’t have built your life on lies. I didn’t force anyone to cheat. I didn’t pour the poison. I just stopped pretending."
Her jaw tightened, but I wasn’t done.
"You’re angry at ? Why?" I tilted my head slightly. "Did I make him betray you? If Yenik could walk away from without a second thought, what made you believe he wouldn’t do the sa to you?"
Her hands curled into fists.
The truth hurt more than any slap ever could.
"Let give you a little advice," I said calmly, even though my pulse was loud in my ears. "Affection from soone like that costs nothing. It looks shiny, but it’s hollow. You fought so hard for sothing that had no real value. Honestly... I feel sorry for you."
Her eyes flashed. "You arrogant witch!"
She lifted her hand to strike .
I moved before she finished the thought.
My fingers closed around her wrist mid-air. Firm. Unyielding. She froze the second I t her gaze. I leaned in just enough for her to feel the pressure of my presence.
"Do you rember how this ended last ti?" I asked quietly. "This isn’t Ashbourne territory where you can throw tantrums without consequence. You’re standing on Hale ground now." I tightened my grip just a fraction. "Behave, and I’ll show you basic respect. Try that again, and I’ll personally escort you out."
I released her.
She stumbled back, barely keeping her balance, shock written all over her face.
I didn’t spare her another glance. She wasn’t worth the energy. I turned and headed toward the guest wing. My mother mattered more.
Her door was at the far end of the hallway. When I opened it, I paused.
The room was large. Wide windows. Soft lighting. A view of the city glowing beneath the night sky. Soone had chosen this room carefully.
"Mom?" I stepped inside. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"
She smiled and pulled into her arms. "No," she whispered. "Everything’s perfect. You’ve been so strong today."
I let myself rest against her for a mont. "It’s really not as bad as it looks. The Hales have treated well. Lewis respects . I just want things calm now."
She studied my face, then nodded. "I was scared this bond was only about alliances and territory. But I can see it now. He values you. Even if it began for the pack, his actions co from choice."
Then she hesitated. "Riley... may I ask you sothing?"
I sighed. "What is it?"
She lowered her voice. "You and Lewis... are you close? I an—physically?"
Heat rushed straight to my face. "Mom!"
"I’m only worried," she said gently. "You’re young. And Lewis has lived with limits for so long. If you grow attached, will you be alright if things don’t go the way others expect? What Yenik said earlier was cruel, but..."
"M-Mom," I cut in quickly. "You don’t need to worry. He’s capable. That’s all I’ll say."
Her eyebrows lifted. "So you’ve—"
"No!" I stepped back fast. "Nothing has happened. It’s late. You need rest. I’m going to my room."
I fled before she could say another word.
Behind , she called, "Riley! Take things slow. Bonds don’t have to rush!"
I nearly tripped from embarrassnt.
Turning the corner, I ran straight into Grant.
He scowled. "Running through the halls like a cub. Aren’t you too old for that?"
I shot him a look. "Mind your own business."
His face darkened. "Watch your tone."
He walked away without waiting for an answer. I rolled my eyes and continued on.
When I entered my room, Lewis was just stepping out of the bathroom. He wore soft gray sleep clothes, his hair damp, the air around him warm and familiar. Calm followed him wherever he went.
"I ran a bath for you," he said. "Today was heavy. Rest."
I nodded, suddenly shy. "Thank you."
The water eased the tension from my muscles. When I returned, the room slled faintly of clean oils and night air.
I slid into bed, warmth sinking into my bones.
Monts later, the mattress dipped beside .
Without thinking, I turned toward him.
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