ANMELDENCecilia's povI watched Maggie’s perfect mask start to crack, and satisfaction warmed my chest.The fury in her eyes told me I had hit my mark.I casually tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and let a slow smile curve my lips as quiet laughter spread through the room like a soft current of amusement.Zane stood frozen for a moment before recovering, his expression twisting into an awkward smile."I’ll consider it, of course," he said, his voice too smooth to sound honest. "You’re my daughter. I would never disappoint you."The sweet talk rolled off his tongue like cheap booze at a dive bar, easy to serve but hard to swallow.I could see right through his little stalling act.He smelled of fear and guilt, faint like iron and smoke.Maggie was too angry to stay calm. With one quick motion, she pushed over the antique vase stand near the door. The porcelain crashed to the floor, and she stormed out.The sound echoed through the hall like a gunshot.The carpet softened the fall, but the
Author's povMartha’s accusation froze the room.Maggie stopped mid-step, her expression stiffening as every eye turned toward her."Cassian," Alpha Yardley said sharply, his voice echoing through the hall. "What in the Goddess’s name happened out there?"The weight of his Alpha aura rippled through the air, pressing down on every wolf present.Zane stood by the wall with a blank face, as if he had lost his spirit.Cassian started to speak in a calm voice.He told them everything—the ambush, the gunfire, the chase.When he talked about his encounter with Cecilia and Tang, Cecilia stepped forward.Her voice was steady and strong."They were waiting for us," she said. "Trained soldiers. Military precision. They knew exactly where we’d be."Alpha Yardley and Luna Regina exchanged uneasy looks.Regina’s eyes dropped to Cecilia’s stomach, her instincts as a mother kicking in.Alpha Sebastian ’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening like stone."If not for Cassian and Cecilia," Martha said
Author's povAlpha Sebastian's voice filled the hall, deep and firm like a final verdict. The power coming from him made Maggie tremble.She straightened her back and forced a weak smile. "I couldn't reach her, so I just assumed... ""Assumed ? "Cecilia cut in, her tone cold as frost. "Let's call it what it really was, certainty. "Her eyes locked on Maggie, sharp and unblinking. "Everyone here saw how you reacted. That wasn't worry, it was confidence. You wouldn't have made that bet unless you were sure Daisy was dead. "Cecilia leaned forward a little. Her voice stayed calm, but the calm was more dangerous than anger. "Only two kinds of people are that sure about death: the Grim Reaper or the killer. "Maggie tried to look calm and said, "I was just emotional. People act strange when they're scared for someone they care about. "Alpha Sebastian pulled out his phone, every movement deliberate, the kind of confidence that comes from knowing the trap is already closed. "That's a pretty
Author's pov"So what are you planning to do ? "Maggie lifted her chin, her voice dripping with mockery. "You said Daisy is still alive, didn't you ? Then bring her out. "A faint smile crossed Alpha Sebastian's lips, his eyes calm and steady. "Mrs. Maggie , why so impatient ? Are you afraid she might actually show up ? "Maggie's tone turned sharp. "Stop dodging the question. If she's really alive, I'll apologize in public. But if she doesn't appear, you'll admit your lie right here. ""Deal. "Alpha Sebastian's voice was steady, almost too calm. Not a hint of hesitation showed.Zane quickly stepped in, trying to ease the tension. "Everyone, maybe we should take a breath. Daisy could just have poor signal or something came up. "No one listened. The air was heavy, every second stretching tighter. People were waiting to see who would break first.Maggie met Alpha Sebastian's gaze, her lips curling in challenge. "One minute, then. If she's alive, you win. If not, you'll kneel and apologi
Author'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
Cecilia's povAfter a moment's silence, Alpha Sebastian arched an eyebrow."Are you deliberately punishing me?""I swear to God!" I clutched my chest dramatically."I'm trying to save you!Do you think hauling all this ice up here was easy? Your lack of appreciation is honestly heartbreaking!"Alpha
Cecilia's povI flopped back in my chair on the terrace, stuck listening to what felt like hours of crazy rumors about me.Apparently, some people thought I had bedroom powers that could charm any man—especially powerful Alphas.The wildest one? That I'd mastered some long-lost seduction technique m
Cecilia's povAlpha Sebastian and I stood frozen, watching the fortune-telling charade unfold to its conclusion. I had to admire Harper's dedication to the performance—she was really milking this for all it was worth."Such compassion! The Madam Amber is truly merciful with her boundless love! How b
Cecilia's pov"Tell her to stop calling you that," Alpha Sebastian said firmly.I stared at his back, incredulous. "Fine, I'll tell her to stop."Seriously? His wolf hearing was that sensitive?What crime had I committed by letting a former colleague call me Secretary Cecilia on the phone? Or by acc







