Chapter 144
Chapter 144
Riley’s POV
+8 Pearls
Tve already paid with a broken leg and a stolen organ,” I said quietly, voice like steel wrapped in silk. “That should be more than enough to repay them for the so–called ‘gift of life p>
Kael–no, I refuse to call him my brother anymore–stared at me like I’d slapped him. The words weren’t meant to wound. but they cut deep anyway, slicing through the falsehoods he still clung to like a coward hiding from a storm.
The truth had long been exposed, and I had no intention of dressing it up anymore.
But still, he tried. He pointed at Lucien like an animal backed into a corner. “You’d really choose to stand by him?” His voice trembled with rage. “You’re siding with the very wolf who had our parents‘ legs broken? Riley, what the hell is wrong with you p>
I didn’t answer right away. Maybe because, deep down, I didn’t know how to explain it in a way Kael could understand. How do you explain falling for someone whose entire being is carved out of fire and fury, and yet somehow still manages to hold you like you’re made of glass?
Lucien wasn’t perfect. He was lethal. And maybe that’s what made me feel safe.
But silence, to someone like Kael, was as good as an admission.
“You’ve lost your damn mind,” he spat, the veins in his neck bulging, face red with disbelief. “You’re a full–grown she –wolf now. Can’t you tell right from wrong p>
He stepped forward, fists clenched, rage boiling just beneath his skin. “They had their legs broken, Riley! Can you even imagine how much pain that is p>
I laughed.
I didn’t mean to,
It just slipped out p>
But it wasn’t joy. It wasn’t mockery. It was something colder–emptier.
“Can I imagine the pain?” I repeated, lifting my gaze and meeting his eyes.
Kael’s breath caught in his throat the moment he looked down and remembered. His eyes flickered to my leg–the one that never healed right, the one that reminded me every damn day of what I’d survived.
Yeah, I could imagine the pain just fine.
“I don’t need to imagine it,” I said, voice calm but laced with venom. “I lived it p>
Karl took a shaky step back, the wind knocked from him by nothing but my words. His mouth opened, but whatever excuses he was ready to conjure died on his tongue.
“I don’t believe Lucien had anything to do with what happened to your precious parents,” I added, casting a sideways glance at the man who stood beside me like a shadow I’d chosen for myself
Lucien’s expression was unreadable–stone– faced, composed–but his eyes glittered with something warm Something dangerous.
“With me? No he said, almost amused. I’ve been with Riley all day. Ask Duke. ”
Duke, ever the obedient beta, nodded eagerly “Our Alpha hasn’t left her side. I’d bet my tail on it
We turned to the driver, and Lucien gave him a sharp nod. The driver didn’t even blink. “The Vale couple slipped down the steps outside the hotel Accidental fall. Broke both legs
My eyebrow arched.
Jou w
Chapter 144
Lucien tilted his head slightly.
Even Duke paused mid –breath.
Seriously?” I muttered.
“Absolutely.” the driver said without missing a beat. “I witnessed it p>
+8 Pearls
Karl exploded. “Bullshit!” he roared. “Those steps are barely ten high! No one breaks both legs falling from that p>
“You don’t have to take my word for it,” the driver said, still maddeningly calm. “Ask the guards. They were watching p>
A small group of security guards had clearly been eavesdropping and now stepped forward, their faces full of strained professionalism and fake smiles.
“We all saw it,” the captain said quickly. The elder Vale couple took a tumble. Clean fall. No one touched them p>
“Yep, echoed the rest. “Totally saw it. Self–inflicted p>
Kael’s mouth opened and closed, disbelief etched into every angle of his face. He looked like a wolf whose world had just spun off its axis.
I let my lips curve into a cold, cruel smile. I wasn’t proud of it but damn, it felt good.
“Familiar feeling, isn’t it?” I asked softly, stepping toward him. “When everyone around you spins the same lie, and no matter how much you scream the truth no one listens p>
His
eyes w
widened in realization, the
memory
of
five years ago crashing over him like a tidal wave.
Back then, it was Kael and his perfect little Vale family, lining up to lie. Dismissing every word I said. Ignoring the bruises. Ignoring the pain.
Back then, I screamed too.
No one listened.
Tonight, I didn’t have to scream.
Kael staggered back, looking around for something–anything–to prove he wasn’t insane. His gaze locked on a security camera high on the wall. His eyes lit up with desperate hope.
Then Lucien spoke Calm. Low, ley.
“My people clean up after themselves,” he said, his tone like a blade sliding through silk.
The implication landed like a death sentence. Even if there was footage, it was gone.
Just like the footage five years ago that could’ve saved me.
The faint sound of water splashing behind us drew my attention. The fountain lights had come on, illuminating the koi fish below like tiny golden ghosts.
Lucien idly turned his ring around his finger, then flicked a glance at the driver.
“Well done” he said. “Double your bonus thus quarter”
The driver grinned. Thank you. Alpha. Then, turning to me, he added with a wink, “I owe this one to you. Miss Riley”
Karl looked like he might actually fain from rage.
You, you mona
His words trailed off, swallowed by the night and the low hum of the city
A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge