Chapter 152
Chapter 146
Tori’s POV:
3.64%
The journey to Grandmother’s home passed in a blur of pine trees and winding roads.
When I arrived, Eileen greeted me at the door with a glance without a word. The silence that followed felt heavier than any accusation.
I stared at the empty chair across from me, the sound of my knife against the apple’s flesh painfully loud in the kitchen’s silence.
Through the window, I could see Grandmother sitting alone in the garden her silver-streaked hair catching the afternoon sunlight.
She hadn’t spoken more than ten words to me since I arrived three hours ago.
This silent treatment cut deeper than any argument could have.
I sliced another piece of apple, arranging it carefully on the plate. Grandmother had always loved my fruit arrangements. Today, though, I
doubted she’d even look at it.
My phone vibrated against the wooden table, Morgan’s name flashing on the screen. I hesitated before answering.
“Hey, I answered quietly.
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“Tori, thank God you picked up! Have you heard about Hanna?” Morgan’s voice came through breathless and agitated.
I tensed, my knife pausing mid-slice. “What about her p>
“She was attacked on her way home last night. She’s in the hospital now. Morgan lowered her voice to a whisper. “Her face is swollen like a
pig’s head. They’re saying it was those kidnappers she hired. Maybe they had some disagreement about payment or something p>
Memories of the confrontation with Hannah that night came flooding back
After hanging up with Hannah, I stared at my phone for a long moment.
Her smug voice still echoed in my ears. My fingers trembled slightly as I strolled through my contacts to a number I’d obtained from the police
report.
I heard Hannah stiffed you on your final payment. You must be the worst kidnappers ever-lost your freedom AND your money.
The reply came almost immediately: Who is this?
I hesitated briefly before typing: Someone who doesn’t matter, but I can help if you’re interested in payback. Hannah Price, 1422 Crescent Heights, drives a white Mercedes GLE, usually shops at Howling Plaza on Thursday afternoons.
After sending Hannah’s schedule and usual hangouts, I turned off my phone and set it aside.
Whatever happened next wasn’t my concern. I’d simply provided information-what they chose to do with it was their business.
Later, my phone buzzed with a message from Lucas.
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Chapter 146
Won’t be home tonight. Go to bed early.
I stared at the text, feeling a strange sense of relief. After what I’d just done, the thought of facing Lucas made my stomach twist with
nervousness.
That’s fine. I’m heading to my grandmother’s for a few days. She needs me.
His reply came quickly: Of course. Take care. Call if you need anything.
Back to reality, Morgan spoke puzzledly on the phone.
“Tori, are you still there p>
64%
I fought to keep my expression neutral, though no one was there to see it
“Yes. The evil one eventually will meet other evils p>
“Exactly! Karma finally caught up with her.” Morgan paused dramatically. But that’s not all. The Elder Council is convening at the end of the month to review your case from four years ago. So when are you coming back p>
I glanced at Grandmother through the window, her small figure hunched sightly in her garden chair.
The distance between us felt impossible to cross.
“I’m not sure, Morgan. Some things have happened, and I need to be here with my grandmother right now.” I traced a finger along the wooden grain of the table. “I’ll probably come back the day before the hearing p>
“Wait, so you’re going to be away from Lucas all that time?” Morgan sounded alarmed. “Aren’t you worried someone might snatch him up while
you’re gone? I saw Vivienne yesterday, by the way. She really did relocate her design studio to Moonhaven p>
My wolf stirred uncomfortably at the mention of Vivienne’s name.
“And did you know Elizabeth is in the hospital?” Morgan continued. “Vivienne visits every single day, acting like she’s Elizabeth’s own daughter
or something p>
I froze, my finger stopping mid-trace. “Elizabeth is in the hospital? When did this happen p>
Also last night. It was really bad-she collapsed around midnight and wasn’t stable until morning. Morgan replied.
The realization hit me hard. That was the same night Lucas had texted me saying he wouldn’t be home. So he’d been at the hospital with his mother. Why hadn’t he told me?
“I’m sorry, Morgan, but I need to make a call right now,” I said, my mind already racing with questions.
“Of course, go ahead. Call me later!” Morgan replied, her voice understanding despite her obvious desire to continue gossiping.
As soon as we hung up, I stared at my phone for a long moment before tapping Lucas’s name.
My heart pounded as I listened to the ring, rehearsing what to say, how to ask why he’d kept Elizabeth’s hospitalization from me without sounding accusatory.
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Chapter 146
It rang three times before someone answered-but it wasn’t Lucas.
‘Alpha Lucas’s phone,” came a smooth, familiar voice.
1 stiffened, instantly recognizing Vivienne Blackwood’s refined tones.
After a moment’s pause, I kept my voice neutral. “Where is he p>
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“Oh, Tori? Lucas is… unavailable at the moment, Vivienne replied, her tone casual and confident, as if answering his calls was her natural right. “Is there something urgent? I’d be happy to relay a message for you
My eyebrows drew together. “No need. I’ll call him later p>
I was about to hang up when she quickly said, “Tori, wait p>
“They say you’re quite… indiscriminate. First the
“Do you know what people are saying about you?” she continued, not waiting for my respons nephew, then the uncle. Men can be so easily blinded by a pretty face, making impulsive decisions they later regret p>
My gaze hardened. “I was under the impression that the Blackwood family was known for producing well-bred ladies with proper manners and discretion. Clearly, I was mistaken p>
The line went silent for a moment before Vivienne replied.
“You certainly have a sharp tongue, Tori. But what can you possibly offer Lucas besides tarnishing his reputation p>
“If you truly cared for him, you’d consider what’s best for him. Or is it just his power and wealth you’re after p>
I smiled despite myself. “That’s not your concern. But I will offer one piece of advice: rather than fixating on another female’s mate, perhaps focus on finding your own p>
“And if I’m determined to take yours?” she asked with false sweetness.
‘If you can take him,” I replied coolly, “then he was never really mine to begin with p>
I ended the call before she could respond.
I set down my phone, returning to the apple slices.
Outside, Grandmother shifted in her chair, her profile catching the fading afternoon light, still resolutely facing away from the house-and from me.
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