Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 131 - Chapitre 140

Ava's POVMy wolf recoiled within me, dragging the memories of all I went through in prison too close.Heavy silence pressed in.“I may not understand the politics of your elite circles,” Emma added, her tone lower now but no less certain, “but I know what I see. Something is buried in this case.”My heartbeat pounded in my ears.“And it’s not what it seems.”Her hand tightened around mine. “Please… don’t blame Ava.”“Mrs. Hale…” My voice broke. Tears blurred my vision again, thick and sudden. I hadn’t expected this, not from her, not directed at him.My wolf stirred, overwhelmed, torn between gratitude and fear.Because I knew Anderson, knew what I looked like in his eyes. To him, I was guilty and unforgivable.If this escalated… I would drag Emma and Dylan straight into the storm I had barely survived.My mind raced, scrambling for a way to stop this, to pull it back before it went too far.“Mrs. Hale.” Anderson cut in, his voice controlled, but there was steel beneath it.“What hap

Ava's POVAnderson's eyes searched my face, as if trying to peel back skin and bone to find the truth beneath. “I saw the news about Laura’s studio opening. In the promotions, she claimed to be Mr. Hale’s final disciple.”Tension slipped into the air.My chest tightened, but I refused to let it show.Instead, I smiled lightly. “Well, that's what she wants everyone to believe.”Without waiting for him to speak, I stepped past him, letting the conversation fall away like something insignificant.“Leo,” I called, my voice easing for the first time. “Meet your new companion.”The parrot tilted its head, its bright eyes watching me.“Her name’s Storm,” I added with a low laugh. “You two need to get along.”Leo bobbed his head, as if he understood, then hopped closer to the newcomer. He nuzzled her gently, feathers brushing, the two of them circling each other in cautious curiosity before settling.For a moment, I just watched them. They looked so peaceful and simple. Something in my chest

Victor's POVI nodded in response to what Mrs. Hale said.She patted Ava's shoulder, gentle but firm. “Go get your things, Ava.”I watched Ava disappear back into the courtyard, her scent lingering faintly in the air. My wolf stirred, restless.I forced it down.Mrs. Hale didn’t move. She stayed where she was, her gaze settling on me again, slower this time, more deliberate. Not intimidated at all, and not quite impressed.“I know Ava isn’t the Stone family’s favorite,” she began, her tone calm but edged with something sharper beneath. “And I know you’re entangled with their second daughter.”My jaw tightened slightly.She continued anyway, unmoved. “But I’ve lived longer than you, so let me offer you some advice.”I said nothing. I just watched her, my wolf quiet but alert.“Marriage has no room for a third,” she said. “Since you chose Ava, treat her properly. Cut ties with those… messy connections. Let her be your wife with some dignity.”For a brief second, the air felt heavier.My

Ava's POVWhen we returned to the house, Victor slipped back into the same routine as always, as if nothing in our world had teeth.He stood behind me, the low hum of the dryer filling the room while his fingers moved through my hair with ease. My wolf stirred faintly under my skin, alert to his touch, confused by the gentleness.When he was done, he went to the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with a glass of warm milk, then led me to bed.It was all so… seamless, so natural. Like we were just another bonded pair settling into the night.For a moment, even my wolf went still, lulled by the illusion.But I knew better. This wasn’t real. It couldn’t be. It was a carefully crafted lie, fragile as frost under morning light, and I refused to let myself sink into it.“Ava.” His voice cut through the darkness, low and sudden, making my ears twitch instinctively.I shifted, restless against the sheets. “What?”“Clear your schedule this weekend.” He paused. I could feel his gaze on me even

Ava's POVMy mind went completely blank. It was like lightning had struck straight through me.“What did you say?” My voice didn’t even sound like mine.Before Richard could react, I lunged forward, my wolf surging with me, and shoved him aside. My hand fisted into Clarke’s collar, yanking him up so hard the table jolted.“June is still alive?” I demanded, my grip tightening. “Really alive?”My heart was pounding so violently it felt like it would tear out of my chest.“You’re not lying to me?”Clarke’s scent spiked with choking fear. “Y-yes,” he stammered. “She’s alive.”Everything inside me stilled.June was alive… my daughter was alive.He sucked in a shaky breath, his voice trembling. “A year ago… when Laura came to me, she did want the child dead. But I couldn’t do it.”My wolf leaned in, listening, hunting for any trace of deception.He let out a bitter, hollow laugh. “Come on… that’s Alpha Victor Smith’s daughter. Unwanted or not, she’s still Smith blood. If anyone found out an