Semua Bab My Mate and Daughter's Betrayal: Bab 21 - Bab 30

(Grace's POV)The morning light filtered through my curtains as I finally returned to my apartment. Charlotte's fever had broken completely, but the ordeal had left me exhausted. I glanced at the clock on my nightstand and sighed. The pack gathering was tomorrow night, and I still hadn't prepared an evening gown.I showered quickly, trying to wash away the lingering scent of Charlotte's sickness and the memory of last night's frightening encounter. The mysterious kidnapper's blood had left more than physical stains.By afternoon, I found myself standing outside Crescent Moon Couture, a high-end boutique known for catering to elite werewolf clientele. The gleaming storefront intimidated me slightly, but I pushed through the door anyway.Inside, the manager and several shop assistants clustered around a single gown displayed on a central mannequin. They barely noticed my entrance, completely absorbed in their task of adjusting the fabric just so.I approached quietly, and only then

(Grace's POV)Dominic hadn't yet opened his mouth when I heard someone approaching to greet him. I turned to look, and my gaze met Olivia Stone's squarely. For a brief moment, we stared at each other. Olivia, who had been offering polite smiles to everyone else, froze instantly. Her eyes went cold, and she withdrew her glance as though I didn't exist.Dominic seized the moment, raising his crystal wine glass. "This is Miss Stone, Grace—would you like to meet her?" His voice carried warmth but with an underlying Alpha firmness.I understood immediately what he was doing. His introduction carried three clear layers of meaning: he was close to me, he knew about the tension between us, and he was firmly taking my side regarding Moonstone Remedies.Olivia seemed stunned by this public declaration from another Alpha. Her perfect composure cracked slightly before she managed a cool retort. "So, Alpha Hayes means I don't have to report to Moonstone Remedies tomorrow?"A slow, approving

(Ethan's POV)I glanced toward the bathroom door, hearing the shower running inside. Emma looked up from her tablet, her small face still pale from the fever."Mommy is taking a bath in there," she informed me, her voice stronger than it had been earlier."Mm," I acknowledged, my expression neutral despite the unexpected situation. Grace hadn't stayed overnight in months."Did you ask your mother to come in here to bathe?" I questioned, keeping my tone casual.Emma shook her head. "No. Mommy brought her clothes over by herself."I didn't press further. There was no point in questioning Grace's decisions in front of our daughter. Whatever her reasons, they were her own."You should get some rest now," I said, my voice softening as I looked at Emma. "Your fever's gone, but you need to recover your strength."She nodded obediently, setting her tablet aside.I turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind me. The sound of running water continued from the bathroom, and

(Third-person's POV)After Jeremy Oakley stormed out of Moonstone Remedies, he immediately pulled out his phone. His hand trembled slightly as he dialed Olivia Stone's number, pacing back and forth in the parking lot."Grace Morgan has joined Moonstone Remedies?" he asked, disbelief coloring his tone.Olivia's reply was a cool "Mm."Jeremy stopped pacing, puzzled by her calm response. "You didn't know?"He had assumed Alpha Hayes' refusal to hire Olivia was mere spite or professional jealousy. Now it seemed Grace had deliberately resigned from the Silvercliff Pack's medical division to secure a position at Moonstone Remedies."I thought you couldn't start because of Alpha Hayes' prejudice against you," Jeremy continued, confusion evident in his voice."No," Olivia replied, her tone measured. "Some personal grievances."Jeremy's brow furrowed. "But she's not even qualified! Do you know she only holds a bachelor's degree from Timber University? She's never pursued advanced pack h

(Grace's POV)Emma must have gone wild playing with Olivia and the others; she didn't contact me at all over Saturday and Sunday. I tried not to let it bother me, but the silence stung more than I cared to admit.By Monday morning, I had resigned myself to the new normal. I arrived at Moonstone Remedies at my usual time, nodding politely to the staff as I made my way to my office.The day passed quickly, filled with meetings and project reviews. As I was wrapping up my final report, my phone buzzed with Charlotte's name flashing on the screen."Grace! I'm starving and in desperate need of girl talk," Charlotte announced without preamble. "Let me treat you to dinner tonight."I hesitated, thinking of the empty apartment waiting for me. "That sounds nice, actually.""Perfect! Meet me at Moonlight Harbor in thirty minutes," she said before hanging up.Charlotte was already seated when I arrived, her wild copper hair making her easy to spot. She waved enthusiastically as I approache