Semua Bab My Mate and Daughter's Betrayal: Bab 71 - Bab 80

(Grace's POV)Emma didn't notice my cold expression as she visibly relaxed when I finally spoke. The tension in her small shoulders eased, her wolf pup settling down beside her."It's okay, Emma. You can give Great-Grandma a hug instead," I said, softening my tone slightly.Robert approached Eleanor, presenting his gift with a respectful bow. His wolf Theo's posture was formal yet affectionate as he greeted my grandmother's wolf Stella."For you, Mother," he said warmly, offering a beautifully wrapped package. "From all of us at the company."Eleanor's eyes crinkled with pleasure as she accepted it. "Thank you, my son. Always so thoughtful."I stepped forward next, my heart beating a little faster. "Grandmother, I have something for you as well."From my bag, I withdrew the first gift – the Moonlight Heritage Embroidery wrapped in elegant paper. My wolf Cora moved with deliberate grace, mirroring my careful movements."This is from both Ethan and me," I explained, watching her

(Eleanor's POV)I sat in my place of honor at the banquet table, watching as more guests slipped away from my birthday celebration. Each departing figure was another small wound to my pride, though I kept my expression serene. Years of pack leadership had taught me to mask my emotions.Robert paced nearby, his anger barely contained as he explained the situation to me."Mother, I'm sorry about this. The Sun family deliberately scheduled their housewarming party today to undermine us. They knew perfectly well it was your birthday."I nodded slowly, allowing a brief flicker of disappointment to cross my face before composing myself again."And Evelyn Reynolds is backing them," Robert continued, his voice tight with frustration. "They're using their connection to Ethan Silver to draw our guests away."The pieces fell into place immediately. This wasn't merely poor planning or coincidence. This was a calculated power play in territorial politics."Ethan Silver is backing the Sun and

(Olivia's POV)I maintained my perfect smile as another guest approached with the inevitable question."Miss Stone, we were expecting to see Alpha Silver tonight. Has something delayed him?"This was the twelfth time I'd been asked in the past hour. The whispers about Ethan's absence had spread through the Sun Pack's housewarming banquet like wildfire, especially after those damning photos from the Morgan celebration began circulating."At the behest of the elders, I'm just stopping by," I explained smoothly, my voice betraying none of the frustration burning inside me. "Alpha Silver had some unexpected matters to attend to."The guest nodded politely, but I could see the speculation in her eyes. Everyone knew exactly where Ethan was – at Grace's grandmother's birthday celebration. The very event that was supposed to be overshadowed by this one.I took a small sip of moonlight wine to hide my displeasure. The crystal glass felt cool against my fingers, a stark contrast to the hea

(Grace's POV)"I believe we have an agreement then," Dr. Sutherland said, his voice carrying the finality of a concluded negotiation.Ethan nodded, his expression professionally satisfied. The collaboration between Silvercliff medical technology enterprises and Dr. Sutherland's research team was finally settled after hours of discussion. The banquet hall had emptied considerably, with only a few lingering guests engaged in quiet conversation.Ethan turned to me, his gray eyes unreadable. "Are you returning to the pack house tonight?"The question hung between us, loaded with unspoken tension. I met his gaze with deliberate coldness."No," I replied simply.He nodded, accepting my answer without challenge. "I'll come back later to pick up Emma."The ease with which he accepted my refusal stung more than any argument would have. There was a time when he would have insisted, when my absence from our home would have mattered."Elder Morgan," Ethan said, turning to my grandmother wi

(Grace's POV)Perhaps because we were truly exhausted from the intense work on the Moonstone Integration Protocol, Dr. Nathaniel Sutherland allowed Dominic and me to leave his estate shortly after nine that evening. The day had been mentally draining, filled with complex algorithms and integration challenges that had pushed even my technical limits."You've both done enough for today," Dr. Sutherland had said, his typically stern expression softening just slightly. "The protocol needs time to process anyway."I remembered nodding gratefully, gathering my notes while Dominic thanked our mentor.Now, back at my Shadowcrest Residence, I stepped into the shower, letting hot water wash away the mental fatigue. The water pressure was perfect—strong enough to massage my tired shoulders but gentle on my skin.My thoughts drifted to tomorrow's meeting at Shadowcrest Technologies. Another complex integration project awaited us there, but at least I'd be working with Dominic again.I towele