Chapter 202
Chapter 196
“Of course.” Mother’s voice softened. “We wouldn’t dream of disturbing her if she’s not feeling well. Perhaps we could leave our gifts p>
Ill ask her. Lucas’s tone made it clear this wasn’t a negotiation. “Wait here p>
He disappeared upstairs, leaving us in tense silence.
“He’s protective, Father observed quietly. “That’s good p>
I couldn’t respond. My throat had closed up, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.
Footsteps on the stairs made me look up.
Lucas descended first, his expression unreadable. Behind him, moving slowly, came Tori.
My breath caught.
She was beautiful. Her silver eyes were wary but clear, her hand resting protectively over her still-flat stomach. She wore simple clothes, but there was a dignity in her bearing that reminded me achingly of Susan.
“Tori, Mother breathed, rising to her feet.
Tori’s gaze swept over all of us, lingering longest on me.
Mother’s excitement was palpable as she gestured toward the items on the coffee table. “Your grandfather, your father, and I have prepared some gifts for you. Come, look-see if you like them p>
Across the room, Lucas stood near the windows, his posture deceptively relaxed but his ice-blue eyes tracking every movement.
Father sat in an armchair, his hands resting on his walking stick, watching the scene unfold with careful attention.
“This is ten percent of Sullivan Pack holdings,” Mother said, placing the blue portfolio in Tori’s hands. Her voice was warm, eager. “These shares come from your father’s portion. They’re rightfully yours p>
She opened the wooden boxes one by one, revealing the jewelry inside. “And these are antique pieces I’ve collected over the years. *
The jewelry gleamed in the morning light-moonstone necklaces, silver bracelets inlaid with precious gems, earrings that would catch the light
like stars. Each piece was museum-quality, worth a fortune.
Mother leaned forward, her voice taking on a more urgent tone. “The Luna ceremony is coming in May. When you stand before the Council and
the packs as Lucas Grayson’s mate, you should have the confidence that comes with knowing your worth p>
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“These pieces are not just valuable-they’re a statement. They tell everyon watching that you have family backing you p>
Mother’s eyes were bright with hope as she watched Tori’s face, clearly desperate to see some sign of happiness, of acceptance.
Tori looked down at the stock certificates, then at the open jewelry boxes ler expression remained carefully neutral.
Then she closed the portfolio. One by one, she closed each jewelry box with quiet finality.
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Chapter 196
‘I’m sorry,” she said softly, her voice steady. “I can’t accept these p>
The words fell like stones into still water.
Mother’s face went pale. “Tori p>
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I know my refusal must seem ungrateful to you, Tori continued, looking up to meet our eyes in turn, “But this is my honest answer.
Today’s visit is just between the three of us, Mother said quickly, her voice tight with emotion. “No one else in the family knows. It won’t cause you or Alpha Lucas any trouble-
“My answer is the same, Tori interrupted gently but firmly. “If you want to see me, Olivia, you can call me anytime. But I can’t accept these
gifts. I can’t be part of the Sullivan family p>
Mother stared at her, and I could see the war of emotions on her face-disappointment, frustration, but also a growing respect.
Tori stood at the door with Lucas as we departed, his arm protective around her waist.
I climbed into the car, my hands trembling slightly as I reached for a cigarette.
I lit the cigarette, exhaling slowly as the car pulled away.
Hannah, I thought, watching the estate disappear behind us. Hannah was greedy, manipulative, willing to sacrifice her own daughter for social
status. And somehow, impossibly, she gave birth to a girl with more integrity than I’ve shown in my entire life.
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