Mag-log inAuthor'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
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
Cecilia's povTo make things easier, the four of us gathered around a small round table in the corner of the waiting room.The air was thick with incense and quiet murmurs from the consultation booths nearby, but our corner felt oddly tense—like we were planning a heist instead of a rescue.I'd writ
Cecilia's povI clamped my hand over Harper's mouth with lightning-fast reflexes, and pulled her into the elevator before she could say another word.My eyes shot daggers at her, warning her to stay silent - or else.As if my life wasn't complicated enough without her adding fuel to the fire!Harper
Cecilia's povAlpha Sebastian's mockery grew more pronounced. "Isn't his awakening coming a bit too late?"Cassian laughed. "Late doesn't even begin to cover it. If there truly is an afterlife, when they reunite—mother and both children—they'd be justified in tearing him apart piece by piece.""Why
Cecilia's povMy phone started ringing just as I was pulling out of the parking garage.It was Alpha Sebastian.Please don't tell me there's more work...I sighed, pulled over, and answered. "Hello, Alpha Sebastian.""Come back up," he said. His voice was calm, steady—and not really asking."…Of cou







