LOGINAuthor's povZane, standing beside Maggie, frowned and shook his head."That doesn't make any sense, "he said. "Why would Cece and Sebastian ever hurt Daisy ? She's family. They were staying at the estate as guests. What motive could they possibly have ? "Maggie hesitated, her face perfectly arranged into an expression of reluctant sorrow. "As for the reason… I can't say. "Zane's patience snapped. His voice came out sharp and commanding. "What do you mean you can't say ? Speak ! "Maggie lowered her gaze, her tone dropping to a trembling whisper meant for maximum effect. "I really can't. It's about Daisy's… reputation. "The implication hit Cecilia like a punch to the gut. Her heart sank as the meaning clicked.[ She's hinting that Daisy had feelings for Sebastian. She's trying to smear him. ]A wave of panic filled Cecilia's chest.If Maggie changed the story in front of everyone, especially the Coles, it would be a disaster.A rumor like that could spread very fast and destroy more
Author's povThe tension in the room shifted instantly.Members of the Cole family exchanged uneasy looks, their expressions darkening with every word out of Maggie's mouth.The Lawsons sat stiff and silent, their backs straight, faces tight.Alpha Sebastian stayed still, his expression unreadable, every line of his face calm. Beside him, Cecilia remained quiet, choosing not to respond to Maggie's accusations.Most people in the room shared the Cole patriarch's doubt, but curiosity flickered through the crowd.[ Why bring Daisy into this at all ? ]Even in Colorado Springs's close-knit elite circle, no one mentioned a name like that for no reason. Everyone knew the local gossip was rarely made up out of nothing."Cecilia and Daisy are cousins, right ? "someone whispered, the words carrying in the strained silence.Daisy's mother straightened her shoulders before anyone else could answer. Her voice was steady but tight. "My daughter couldn't attend because her child has been sick. She's
Author's povThe Cole patriarch finally snapped. With a roar that froze the air, he hurled his crystal tumbler at Zane's feet, glass exploding across the polished floor."You two disgusting creatures should rot in hell ! "he shouted, his voice raw with decades of buried rage.The room went dead silent. Philip Lawson, who'd tried to grab his arm a moment too late, stood frozen mid-motion.No one blamed him. After losing both his daughter and grandson, watching Zane and Maggie flaunt their twisted affection was more than any father could take.The Coles had already lost everything. Those two should have been begging for forgiveness, not performing their love story for the people they'd destroyed.Martha lowered her head, shame stiffening her shoulders. Her voice came out small, almost mechanical. "Please forgive my son, "she murmured. She couldn't meet anyone's eyes.Maggie had turned pale, her usual calm and graceful look completely gone.Zane wiped the spilled drink from his pants and
Author's povCecilia's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She clearly saw through Maggie's act.Maggie's perfect mask cracked for half a second. Her lashes fluttered, her smile stiffened, and that tiny slip was enough to ripple through the room.A few people pressed their lips together, trying not to laugh.Martha didn't even bother hiding her amusement; she let out a deep, genuine laugh that bounced off the high ceiling, sharp as crystal.The sound made Maggie's expression freeze completely.But years of social training kicked in. In the blink of an eye, she smoothed her face again, her tone syrupy and calm."Cecilia, I truly apologize for my behavior, "she said, voice trembling just enough to sound heartfelt. "I misjudged both Zane and you terribly. I was foolish and wrong. Thank goodness everything has been cleared up now. Cecilia, welcome home ! "Every word was identical to what she'd said before, only this time she layered on even more emotion.Her voice broke a
Author's povAn hour later, the celebration was officially over.Most of the guests had been politely shown out, leaving only the Blacks, Coles, and Lawsons behind.Why were they still here ? Because the night wasn't finished yet.Martha had gathered everyone in the main house's grand receiving room.Some announcements needed witnesses, while others were better kept private.The room was huge, with high ceilings, polished wood floors, and enough seats for a hundred people.Four elegant sofa sets stood in the center, and Martha gestured for the Cole patriarch and the other elders to take the main seats."Please, sit wherever you like, "she said to the rest, though most instinctively grouped up with their own packs.A huge crystal chandelier hung above them, spreading light over silk dresses and diamond jewelry.The room looked like something from a luxury magazine, perfect on the outside but tense inside.Everyone sat up straight, pretending to stay calm while curiosity and doubt filled
Author's povMaggie flinched as if she'd been slapped.She stumbled back and bumped into Liora, who looked just as stunned.The entire Locke family froze, faces pale, eyes wide, as if a ghost had walked into the room.An illegitimate daughter trying to claim a piece of the Locke fortune would've been scandalous enough.But this ? A real heiress, thought to be dead for years, was suddenly standing right in front of them.It wasn't just shocking. It could destroy the family power structure they had worked so hard to build.Who among them would welcome that kind of chaos ?Only Cassian looked genuinely pleased, but that was because he'd never cared about being the heir. He'd always preferred his freedom to boardroom battles.But Zane was the real winner tonight.The dream he had buried years ago came back to life. When his mother confirmed what he had secretly hoped for, he couldn't speak. His chest tightened with emotion."Cece... "He stepped forward, arms open to hug his daughter.Alpha
Sebastian's pov"I'm not exactly the generous type," I said, folding my arms across my chest. "And I don't usually give free rides to strangers."Alpha Xavier's jaw clenched on instinct. I caught the twitch in his cheek, the way his hands flexed at his sides. "But since you're also from Denver,
Cecilia's pov"Cecilia, I know I was wrong," Xavier pleaded, his voice breaking. "I truly know I made a terrible mistake. Give me one more chance to make it right. I swear on my life, on our bond, I'll never betray you again."His words oozed with what seemed like genuine remorse, his eyes glisteni
Cecilia's povA strong arm shot out, catching Amara mid-fall before she could land across Sebastian's lap."Amara."His voice was low, sharp as broken glass."I know you're not drunk. Enough of this charade."The air in the car shifted—tightened.Amara blinked once, then slowly straightened. Her eye
Cecilia's povI rose early, the sky outside still painted in soft shades of gray-blue.Amara remained asleep, her breathing slow and shallow beneath the sheets.My stomach growled—sharp and insistent.I hadn't eaten since that single bite of cake on the yacht. By three a.m., I'd been wide awake, hun







