Chapter 113
Chapter 113
Trista’s POV
Finishert
Randolph shot to his feet, his voice dropping into a low, heavy growl. “Trista and Cassian forming a mating bond was indeed the Silverlight pack entering the inner circle of Ironthorn. But we never begged you, and we certainly never offered our daughter as a bargaining chip for status p>
Wilmot sneered, his eyes dripping with disdain. “Since you admit this was your ladder to the top, you should have learned to stay in your place and be sensible.
Ulva fired back immediately, her tone cold and resolute. “Even if Ironthorn is the most powerful pack in LA, we will not let our daughter endure this humiliation. The mating bond must be terminated p>
Wilmot’s eyes widened with rage, his voice rasping through gritted teeth. “Since you are the ones insisting on the termination, don’t even dream of taking anything with you p>
I looked up and accidentally locked eyes with Cassian.
We had grown up together for over twenty years, shared a mating bond for three, yet he just sat there- stone cold—allowing his family to insult me and my parents to our faces.
A bitter smile touched my lips. My heart felt like it was being sliced by a dull blade, the pain so sharp I could barely catch my breath.
I slowly stood up. “Howard, Cassian already settled the accounts regarding the resources Silverlight used over the years. We have the money ready. As soon as your son signs the papers, we settle the debt p>
Cassian remained in his seat, neither speaking nor moving.
He just stared at me, his gaze so deep it felt like he wanted to drag me back, yet he did nothing.
The atmosphere was suffocating.
After a few seconds of deadlock, Howard looked at the omega beside him.
The omega stepped forward and placed a ledger on the coffee table.
Howard finally spoke, his voice low but carrying absolute authority. “I had Cassian’s records for the past three years audited. What he provided to Silverlight goes far beyond one million p>
My parents exchanged a look.
Ulva turned and headed for the bedroom, her pace quick, as if afraid that stopping would cause her to break down.
I instantly understood what my parents were doing.
With tears stinging my eyes, I pulled out the bank card Cassian had shoved into my pocket last night. My fingertips turned white from gripping the edge.
I placed the card on the table, my voice remarkably intact. “Since the audit is done, you must have the specific figure p>
1/3
Chapter 113
Fimshed
Howard’s face was grim as he delivered the number. “Since you’re so insistent on ending the contract, I won’t stop you. The principal is 1 million, plus interest–0.1 million total. Clear the debt, and I’ll let Cassian sign the papers p>
My head spun as if I’d been hit by a sledgehammer. My vision went black, and I nearly collapsed.
1.1 million.
The number felt like an iron collar tightening around my throat, making it hard to breathe.
My mother’s obsidian staff had been liquidated for exactly 1.1
If we gave it all back to Ironthorn, it wouldn’t just drain my parents‘ retirement security–it would force Attwater to drop out of school.
It would push my entire family back to the edge of the abyss.
I swayed, my vision fading p>
Cassian was fast, catching me before I fell.
As
As his palm touched my arm, the mating bond at the back of my neck gave a sharp tug, like a thin wire pulling me toward him.
Cassian stared at me, his voice hoarse as he said
my name. “Trista-
He was about to pull me into his arms when Randolph shoved him
away.
My father’s move wasn’t violent, but it was incredibly firm, as if he were physically isolating the Ironthorn scent from me.
He helped me sit on the sofa, his hand pressing against my back to keep me upright.
I looked up and saw Ulva returning from the room with her bank cards. My heart felt like it had been stabbed; the guilt was so heavy I could barely breathe.
I was the one who started this. I was the one who provoked someone I shouldn’t have, and now my family were being backed into a corner because of me.
Ulva walked to the table, took the card from my hand, and laid them both down.
Her fingers were visibly trembling, but she forced her voice to remain steady. “We’ll pay. Write the receipt, and you can take the cards p>
Howard rose slowly, supported by his omega. “Since your minds are made up, there is no more to discuss. The termination can proceed, but your pack must bear all negative consequences resulting from it p>
I understood his meaning. To protect Cassian’s standing in business and the Council, I had to be framed as the “guilty party.” I would have to endure all the public backlash and blame so that Ironthorn could walk
away clean.
Randolph was pale with fury, his voice a suppressed roar. “Don’t push us too far p>
2/3
10.54 wea,
Chapter 113
Ulva looked at me, heartbroken, tears brimming but refused to let them fall.
Finished.
My eyes were red, my throat feeling like it had been scraped with sandpaper, but I forced the words out. “Mom, Dad… as long as I can end the contract, I’ll do whatever they want p>
As I said it, the weight in my chest didn’t lift.
Instead, it felt as if a wolf’s claw had reached in
Cassian looked away, his throat working.
I squeezed the last of my dignity until it bled.
Howard continued, his voice devoid of emotion. “Next month, Ironthorn and Shadowfang have a big project signing. Once that’s concluded, I will personally arrange for the two of you to finalize the termination p>
1.10
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.