Semua Bab My Mate and Daughter's Betrayal: Bab 61 - Bab 70

(Grace's POV)At that moment, Emma also saw me dragging my suitcase out of the suite."Mom?" Her voice was small, uncertain.I snapped back to my senses, closing the door behind me with a soft click. "Mm.""Are you leaving?" Emma's eyes darted between my face and the suitcase."Mom still has work to do at Moonstone Remedies, so I'll head off first," I explained, keeping my voice steady. "You and Father stay here and have fun."Emma hurriedly nodded, relief washing over her features. "Okay, I understand, Mom."The ease with which she accepted my departure stung more than I cared to admit. No protests, no disappointment—just immediate acceptance.I forced a smile and reached out to smooth her hair, but she had already stepped back, her attention drifting elsewhere. The distance between us felt insurmountable.A cool quiet settled over the resort's courtyard as I stepped outside, the wheels of my suitcase clicking rhythmically against the stone path. The morning air carried the s

(Grace's POV)The next morning, I stood before my closet, fingers trailing over the modest selection of formal wear. Nothing extravagant, nothing that screamed wealth or status—just elegant, understated pieces befitting a healer who happened to be mated to an Alpha King.I selected a simple cream-colored dress with subtle embroidery. Not too flashy, but respectable enough for the Shadowcrest Charity Auction.Charlotte arrived at my door precisely at six, dressed in a forest-green ensemble that complemented her vibrant copper hair."You look beautiful," she said, eyeing my outfit with approval. "Though you could wear a potato sack and still turn heads."I smiled faintly. "The goal is to blend in, not stand out.""Good luck with that," Charlotte snorted, linking her arm through mine as we headed to her car.The drive to Crescent Hall was filled with Charlotte's animated chatter about previous auctions she'd attended. I was grateful for her experience—this was my first time at such

(Grace's POV)"At this point, the only hope is that Olivia Stone will stop bidding on that Emerald Legacy Collection," Charlotte murmured beside me, her voice barely audible over the excited chatter filling Crescent Hall.I nodded, though we both knew it was wishful thinking. The emerald jewelry set, renowned for its subtle healing properties beneficial to werewolves, would start at ten million dollars.My stomach tightened as I thought about my grandmother Eleanor. Her seventieth birthday deserved something special, and this collection would be perfect. The deep green stones would complement her eyes—the same eyes she'd passed down to me."Do you think you can outbid her?" Charlotte whispered, her eyes darting toward the front row where Ethan and Olivia sat.I clutched my auction paddle tighter. "I have to try."The auctioneer cleared his throat dramatically. "Ladies and gentlemen, we now present lot thirty-two: the Emerald Legacy Collection. This extraordinary set features rare

(Grace's POV)My fingers trembled slightly as I approached the Twin Brocade Gift Boxes on my dressing table. The dark mahogany finish gleamed in the morning light, the gold wolf-pack emblems catching my eye immediately.Since they were placed on my dressing table, they must be intended for me—just like the Stone Ridge Estate Deed had been before. I lifted the lid of the first box carefully, my breath catching in my throat.Inside lay the Emerald Legacy Collection I had coveted at the Shadowcrest Auction. The deep green stones gleamed in the soft light, their platinum settings featuring subtle wolf motifs that would enhance a werewolf's natural healing abilities. The necklace alone was breathtaking—a cascade of emeralds that would complement my grandmother's silver-streaked hair perfectly.My heart skipped a beat as I gently touched the cool stones. How had this happened? The starting bid alone had been astronomical.Setting the jewelry aside with reverent hands, I turned to the se

(Grace's POV)I walked away from the Stone family, my steps measured and deliberate. The cool evening air did little to soothe the burning humiliation I felt after that encounter. Dominic kept pace beside me, his presence a silent comfort.Francis Davidson hurried after us, his expensive leather shoes clicking against the pavement of the Moonlight Harbor Parking Area. When he caught up, he adjusted his tie nervously."Mrs. Silver, was there some misunderstanding between you and the Stone family?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.I turned to face him, my expression composed despite the turmoil inside. "No."It wasn't a misunderstanding at all. William Stone's coldness, Katherine's calculated politeness, Lily's rudeness—these weren't misunderstandings but deliberate acts of antagonism that had been ongoing for years.Francis's face relaxed, his business smile returning. "Excellent! I was concerned for a moment. It's always best to maintain cordial relations with the Stone fam