Chapter 29

The moment when I signed the last page of the document, Kane had no excuse left to reject the money I sent him. If only I’d taken one more second to actually look at what I was signing. I thought I was accepting a simple, struggling little restaurant. But what I didn’t know… was that this was no small shop.

After dessert, Kane and Neville slipped into an easy conversation. It was only then that I realized I’d shown up empty-handed. I had no idea that Neville, the man behind all those incredible meals, was so close to Kane. It felt rude not to bring even a small gift.

As they chatted, I wandered around the courtyard, hoping to find something I could quietly purchase—something to give as a small gesture of thanks.

That’s when I ran into them.

Selene stormed in, eyes flashing with fury, Avery trailing behind her. “Where the hell have you been all night?” she snapped. “I had people searching high and low for you!”

If she hadn’t found me, I wouldn’t have put it past her to shove a random maid in front of a camera and pretend it was me. She looked livid, like she was ready to claw me out of existence.

“I didn’t ask you to look for me,” I said flatly.

Selene huffed, waving her manicured fingers. “Fine. Whatever. I’m not here to argue. Come home for dinner. Justin’s back, and the two of you haven’t officially reconnected.”

“We’ve met plenty of times,” I said. “On the show.”

“That doesn’t count. Besides, Lilith wants to apologize for what happened with the social media posts.”

“If she wanted to apologize, she would’ve done it on social media. Publicly.”

“You—” Selene’s mouth twitched, her expression darkening. “Justin, talk some sense into your sister!”

Avery stepped forward, his voice soft. “Sis, come with us. Please.”

I was about to tell him where he could shove that fake concern—until I saw Zack approaching from behind. If they caught wind that Kane had sent Zack for me, they’d latch on like parasites again. So, instead, I texted Zack: Take Kane home. I’ll go back to Snow Moon Pack alone.

Avery’s eyes lit up like a puppy who’d finally earned a treat. Was she forgiving him? Had it been this easy all along? he wondered, practically glowing.

Zack reported the situation to Kane immediately.

---

The moment I stepped into the house, the dining table gleamed with polished silver and an array of lavish dishes. My presence silenced the laughter.

Justin scowled. “Why are you back?”

I ignored him, turning to Lilith. “Your mother said you wanted to apologize. Let’s hear it.”

Lilith blinked, stunned. What? She never said that. Selene quickly stepped in. “What’s the rush? We can talk after dinner.”

“Justin, show Mia to her seat,” she added, her tone syrupy. “Standing around like that—so improper.”

Justin acted like the perfect gentleman, pulling out a chair for me. “Sis, let’s put the past behind us. From now on, we’re family. No more tension. Give Mom and Dad a chance—they’ll see how amazing you are.”

His words made me nauseous. I didn’t care about their affection. It all felt… fake. Like rotting fruit painted gold.

“If there’s no apology, I’m leaving.”

“Oh, stop being dramatic,” Selene said, smiling. “Eat first. Then go.”

Right then, Shawn entered the dining room—with Richard.

And everything suddenly made sense.

Here we go again.

Richard’s greasy eyes immediately fixated on Lilith. “You must be Lilith,” he said, practically drooling. “You’re even more stunning in person.”

Lilith squirmed under his stare but offered a shy, awkward thank you. Justin’s face darkened.

“I thought this was a family dinner,” Justin muttered. “Why is he here?”

Shawn shot him a cold look. “What outsider? Richard’s about to be family. He’s here to discuss the blood oath contract.”

Dead silence.

Lilith, Justin, and Avery all turned to me. Of course they did. Shawn and Selene would never sacrifice their golden girl Lilith to a creep like Richard. It had to be me.

Justin opened his mouth to protest, but Shawn lifted his wine glass before he could speak.

“We can discuss the contract later,” he said casually. “For now, let’s toast.”

“Mia, have a drink,” Selene added, pouring me a glass. “This wine was flown in from Davis Pack. Thousands per bottle.”

I locked eyes with her and raised the glass.

Then I downed it in one smooth gulp.

Satisfied, Selene poured me another, but turned to Lilith and said sweetly, “Don’t drink too much, dear. You’re still recovering. Avery, you either—your stomach is not fully healed.”

The message couldn’t have been clearer.

I smiled.

“I’m tired,” I said, standing. “I’ll rest upstairs.”

They didn’t stop me. Of course they didn’t. I drank the wine. Their trap had been sprung.

Justin made a move to follow. “I’ll check on her.”

Selene grabbed his arm. “Let her be. What could happen?”

---

The moment when I shut the door to my room, I raced to the bathroom and forced the wine out of my stomach. After rinsing my mouth, I curled up on the edge of the bed, listening. Waiting.

It wasn’t long before I heard voices just outside the door.

“She drank it?” a woman whispered.

“Yes, Luna,” another voice answered. “She did.”

Selene’s voice lowered to a hiss. “Do we really have to give her to Richard for free?”

“Stop being soft-hearted!” snapped Shawn. “If the company’s projects stall any longer and the scandal from the banquet isn’t resolved, we’ll bleed money! Millions, Selene!”

So that was it.

Sell me off to save their failing empire. Disguise it as tradition. And they thought I’d go down quietly?

Let them try.

They weren’t ready for what I was planning next.