Chapter 161
Chapter 161
Third Person’s POV
At the Duskgrave Estate
J
+8 Pearls
Moonlight filtered faintly through the heavy storm clouds still hanging above the Stormridge mountains, but inside the Duskgrave estate, warmth pulsed from the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the marble floors.
Duke stumbled through the front doors of the manor, soaked in exhaustion, dark circles beneath his eyes heavy like bruises. Without a shred of decorum, he collapsed onto the velvet–lined sofa with a theatrical sigh.
“ Aaah –finally. Heaven p>
Mrs. Beck, who had been dusting the shelves with practiced efficiency, glanced over and smiled indulgently. She was used to his antics by now. “Another all–nighter p>
Duke groaned, barely managing to keep his eyes open. “All– nighter? Please. That wasn’t work, that was a soul–extraction ritual. If Alpha Lucien had ruled in ancient times, I swear he would’ve been a tyrant. He’s draining me dry before I even hit thirty
A low, magnetic voice echoed from the staircase above.
“Duke, it sounds like you have quite a few complaints about your Alpha p>
The sound alone made Duke jolt upright as if struck by lightning. He snapped into a straight posture, grinning like a loyal mutt, eyes twinkling with faux sincerity.
“Not at all! You’re the sun in my sky, Alpha. Every day working under you warms my cold, withering heart p>
He clutched his chest dramatically. Mrs. Beck and Mia, standing by the dining room arch, both chuckled softly at his s antics. The whole estate seemed lighter for a moment, laughter chasing away the remnants of the storm outside.
Lucien descended the stairs, sharp in a black cashmere sweater and slacks, his aura cool and commanding. He took the armchair opposite Duke, resting his elbows on his knees as he asked calmly. “How did it go? ”
Duke straightened, pride flickering in his tired eyes. “The Ebonclaw Pack’s empire? Crumbled. Kael Vale didn’t even have time to beg. But that’s not all. I made a rather… interesting discovery p>
Lucien appeared disinterested, reaching for the folded financial bulletin atop the coffee table. He leaned back lazily, eyes skimining the headlines as he murmured, “I’m listening p>
Duke, eager to impress, cleared his throat. “Turns out, Kael’s father, Alpha Alaric Vale, sold off all his stock in the Vale Holdings months ago. Liquidated it. And guess where the money went p>
Lucien’s eyes remained on the page. “Surprise me p>
To a single account under a name you’ll know–Dean Elira Blackthorn p>
Now that got his attention.
Lucien set the paper down with a soft rustle. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze sharpened like a dagger drawn from its sheath
Duke continued. “The Elonclaw Pack’s accounts were already riddled with holes Tax evasion, embezzlement, collapsed trust funds. Even if we hadn’t
ownership of the shed them, they would’ve imploded within weeks. But the kicker! A few months ago, the legal
group was quietly transferred”
Lucien’s brow arched faintly “To Karl p>
“Exactly All under Alaric’s instructions. He set his own son up as the scapegoat”
Lucien leaned back into the chair, a lazy smirk curling at the edge of his lips Alaric Vale what an impressive coward p>
141PMP P.
Chapter 161
+8 Pearls
Duke shrugged, still baffled. “Honestly, I don’t get the guy. He built a company from the ground up, only to sell it for scraps. and leave his son to take the fall. For a woman, no less p>
Lucien tapped the armrest with two fingers, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. “ And Kael p>
“Arrested, most likely. The Tribunal was already waiting outside the company tower when he showed up. As the legal representative, he’ll be prosecuted for tax fraud. Might serve real time, too p>
Lucien’s expression didn’t change, but there was an unmistakable chill in his eyes. “Shame. I was hoping he’d last a little longer
Duke stretched with a yawn, rubbing his eyes. “Honestly, I don’t think he had another round in him. Looked like he’d already been flattened by the world p>
Just then, a commotion stirred at the front entrance.
“I need to speak with Riley. Now. It’s urgent,” came a familiar voice–low, anxious, and insistent.
Duke, half–asleep, frowned. “Who the hell is that p>
Mia glanced toward the door. “It’s healer Theo Hale p>
“Who?” Duke asked, brows knotting in confusion as he turned to Lucien for clarity.
Lucien didn’t even need to look. He’d recognized the voice the moment it pierced the manor’s calm.
His tone was cool and indifferent as always, but firm. “Let him in p>
Send Gifts
294
A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge
+8 Pearls