Chapter 161
Third Person’s POV
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Cassian stared into her eyes, his gaze flickering slightly. “Tell me then p>
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The two of them locked eyes in silence. The air was a thick cocktail of champagne and perfume, but beneath the surface, the distinct auras of various Alphas pressed down like invisible tides surging in the dark.
Trista let out a faint, hollow smirk.
It was because she was born into a truly powerful pack. Her upbringing and pride had been carved into her marrow from the very beginning.
She had been taught from birth to maintain decorum; she wasn’t the type to cause a scene in public or let herself spiral out of control just because the bond was cracking.
The Silverlight pack had once held her high before their decline.
She had no powerful family left to shield her, no mountain to lean on–and so, she became the perfect candidate for a controllable Luna.
Cassian cared about appearances. He cared about his reputation and the public image of Ironthorn.
She happened to be the perfect fit–someone who could stand by his side when needed and hide every bit of ugliness with grace.
Just then, Fred walked over.
Anger was written all over his face. He shot Cassian a venomous glare and reached out, grabbing Trista by the arm to pull her away.
His movements were blunt, as if he were physically yanking her out of a net.
Cassian stepped in to block them, his tone unruffled. “When did you get back p>
Fred gave him a cold, disinterested look, his voice dripping with resentment. “If you hadn’t called my dad, would I have been shipped abroad and locked away for so long? You cold- blooded bastard. I’m done with you p>
Trista shot Fred a look of pure gratitude.
No wonder she hadn’t seen him since her return to LA.
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Chapter 161
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Fred reached up and swiped Cassian’s hand off Trista’s waist, his tone showing zero respect. “Take your dirty hand off her. I need a word with Trista p>
Cassian didn’t pick a fight right there. Instead, he turned to Trista and gave her a “thoughtful” instruction. “I’m going to go say hello to the other Alphas. Don’t go running off while you’re alone p>
In this public setting, Trista gave him the face he required.
She gave a non–committal “Mhm” and didn’t say another word.
Then, she turned and followed Fred away.
They walked all the way to a small side hall outside the main venue.
Once Fred confirmed they were alone, he lowered his voice. “Since you’ve been back in LA, has he been making things difficult for you again p>
Trista didn’t even know where to start.
Ever since Samantha and her son returned to the city, Cassian had draped an invisible net over her head once more.
He used rules, decorum, and the mating bond to tighten his grip every time she tried to resist.
She spent almost every waking moment forced into a state of silent endurance, careful even with her breathing.
Fred had grown up with Cassian; he knew his tactics better than anyone.
He stared at her pale face, and when he spoke, there was no comfort–only the hard edge of reality. “Since it’s come to this, you need to be realistic,” Fred said. “You can survive without love. But without money, most people can’t even function. The sooner you see that, the harder it will be for him to hurt you p>
Trista understood exactly what he was saying. He was trying to pave a path for her to keep moving forward.
She looked up at Fred, her voice light but steady. “Don’t keep going head–to–head with him. because of me. I’ve worked it out p>
Cassian had systematically crushed her obsession with him, piece by piece.
She had survived those nights and days that felt worse than death.
Her wolf had learned to be silent, to retract her fangs after being yanked back by the bond and pushed away by reality time and time again.
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From now on, nothing would break her easily.
They chatted for a while longer before returning to the main hall.
But the moment they stepped back into the world of lights and champagne, Cassian was nowhere to be found.
Chloe pulled Trista aside and whispered into her ear. “He just took a call and left in a hurry p>
Trista knew. She knew perfectly well.
The only person who could make Cassian abandon a high–society event after a single phone call was never a business partner or a social obligation.
Only one person held that kind of power–Samantha.
She didn’t ask questions, nor did she let any emotion show on her face. She simply nodded to Fred, her tone as calm as if she were discussing someone else’s business. “Fred, I’m heading home p>
She left with a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow, keeping her pheromones pushed down low.
To others, that restraint looked like poise; to her, it felt like a blade, keeping her mind sharp and clear.
When she arrived home late that night, Cassian was indeed gone.
Trista showered, changed into her pajamas, and curled up on the sofa to message Attwater.
The glow from the crystal screen reflected on her face, making her expression look even more detached.
She was just about to head to the bedroom to rest when the lock clicked. The metal sound felt like a slit cutting through the night.
Cassian was home.
Trista watched him walk straight toward her. She stayed where she was, neither moving away nor going to meet him.
Cassian leaned down and draped a light blanket over her. The gesture looked caring, but his voice carried a natural, presumptive inquiry. “Why didn’t you tell me before you left? You just came back on your own p>
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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.