Chapter 5: When the Wolf Finally Let Go.

"We have entirely cut off connections, just as everyone wished," Elena said.

Outside the hospital room, Drake was staring at her. Even though Elena spoke calmly, the hatred in his blood was too strong to ignore.

Ezra was worried that Elena had gone to the authorities with the motive to earn Drake's sympathy or attention. But her words made it clear that this wasn’t about Drake.

Ezra adjusted his boots from where he was standing. His eyes softened as he observed Elena.

“How about we withdraw the case?” Sneered asked as his words broke the quiet room.

Elena looks straight into Ezra’s eyes as she speaks. “I didn’t report it because of Drake,” she replied. “I did it because I was the victim of what your friend did.”

“I'm not from a strong lineage,” she went on, her fingers gripping the corner of her dress.

“If my reputation is ruined, what’s left for me? How do I finish my education? How do I build a life? How do I survive?”

The photos from the night before had already rippled through the pack university's network like wildfire. No alpha or elder could muzzle the gossip, no matter how hard the Hamilton family tried. If the police didn’t clear her name, even being the top-ranked student wouldn’t shield her from the pack’s judgment.

Without her academic future, she was nothing. Just a lone wolf.

Ezra was aware that Elena had no powerful family behind her. No backup in the pack, and no allies. Just herself. And that made her dangerous in a different way.

So, he tried again with a careful voice “Then how about this? Join our company. We’ll sign you to a lifetime contract. You pick the branch that you want to stay in, and name your salary. We will pay whatever you want.”

His eyes searched her face. “Of course, it’s just an offer. “Regardless of your agreement, I will ensure Arthur provides all the details to Drake.”

The offer from Ezra sounded tempting, but it wasn’t freedom. It was a gilded cage.

“I don’t want your compensation,” she said flatly, eyes reopening. “Or your arrangements. I just want to quietly finish university.”

She shifted her back, disregarding the pain in her ribs.

“If Drake makes a public apology and vindicates me,” her voice sliced through the room, “I’ll withdraw the case.”

The door swung open and Drake walked in. His eyes were shining with restrained rage.

Elena met his gaze. But her pulse betrayed her.

Drake's eyes swept across Elena, halting at the bruises along her throat. Anger was winding through his body.

“If you want to conclude our divorce at the courthouse today,” his voice was gritty, “and vow to keep your distance from me and Cassandra, I’ll issue the public apology tomorrow.”

Ezra moved ahead, surprised by Drake’s unexpected entrance.

Ezra's hand lifted instinctively. “Actually, the drugging incident…it was Maya. She was the one behind it. She was trying to get you two back together. Elena had nothing to do with it.”

But Drake’s head snapped toward him. “Aren't you tired of this little act that you have been parading? What is it now? Worried the police will find out Elena was the one who drugged me, so you’re scrambling to cover for her?”

Drake gave them a mocking smile. “Or do you honestly believe I’m that easy to deceive? Maya hasn’t been anywhere near me.”

The bitter edge of a laugh rose in Elena’s chest, but she forced it back. Thus, this was it. He truly believed she was guilty.

It no longer mattered. She didn’t need his belief. She just needed her name cleared so she could return to what little future she still had.

Ezra opened his mouth. “Drake, it really wasn’t Elena. she…”

But Elena cut in, “Alright. I’ll go with you now.”

The room became still. Drake and Ezra’s eyes were fixed on her as they became astonished.

This wasn’t the Elena they knew.

Drake locked his jaw. “Let’s go. Now.” Drake demanded.

Elena shifted. She sat up, pulling on her worn-down jacket. Ignoring Drake entirely, she turned her attention to Ezra. “You can head home. I’ll drop the charges.”

Ezra paused, uncertainty flashing on his face. Just like that?

Drake, maintaining his frown, nodded his head in the direction of the door. "Great." I didn't come with a car.”

You have to drive us. “Be sure that she doesn’t withdraw and do otherwise.”

“I need to go home first. I need my ID.” Elena said.

Drake scoffed. “Who knows what stunt you’ll pull? “We'll accompany you.”

Her only reply was a slight shrug.

The journey was devoid of sound. The city roads streaked by the windows. As they eventually turned onto Elena’s street, both men tensed up.

The road was hardly spacious enough for a vehicle.

Drake’s nose flared in disgust as they stopped. His eyes swept over the environment in that he was standing. He can perceive the strong smell of poverty around him.

Ezra scowled, his look intensifying. "Elena, how do you manage to live here?"

If you don’t want to stay in the dorm, at least come and live with Maya. This place isn't safe.”

"I can manage it,” Elena responded.

She moved quickly through the tight passage, and the further they went, the deeper Drake's frown etched itself across his face.

Their steps halted before a modest metal door. The lock made a sound as Elena entered.

Elena pulled out her ID card from the desk drawer and placed it into her pocket.

At the courthouse, the divorce process was fast and not as he expected. The clerk droned through the formalities. Papers were signed. Stamps pressed down with finality.

It was done.

Drake did not anticipate it would proceed this easily.

From the depths of his mind, a forgotten memory rose. Drake pushed the thought into the quiet corners of his mind. “Where you’re staying is not secure,” he murmured. “I’ll change the apartment ownership to your name…”

“No need,” Elena interrupted. “I’ve done what you wanted. Now do what I want.”

She slid the divorce certificate into her pocket.

“Once you make your public apology,” her eyes met his, “I’ll leave this city for you.”

“You will never see me again.”