Chapter 22: A Cruel Revelation 

Chapter 22: A Cruel Revelation 

(Olivia’s POV) 

Her eyes widened in shock. She clearly hadn’t expected me to retaliate 

“Victoria, instead of wasting time causing trouble for me, you should focus on controlling Ethan and prevent him from harassing me!” I warned coldly, my emerald eyes flashing despite 

my status. 

Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water 

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, my bandaged hand held carefully st 

my side as I left the stunned woman behind. 

The satisfaction of finally standing up to her gave me strength as I made my way down the 

corridor. My injured hand throbbed beneath its bandages, but the pain was worth it. 

As I approached the supply room, voices drifted through the partially open door I slowed my pace, recognizing Megan Porter’s distinctive tone. 

“Did you see that confrontation between Olivia Winters and Victoria Frost?” Megan asked 

someone. 

I froze mid–step, instinctively moving closer to the door. 

“No, what happened?” Another voice responded – Rachel Bennett, if I wasn’t mistaken, 

“Victoria was blocking Olivia’s path,” Megan continued, “That woman is such a cold–blooded 

love rival.” 

I pressed myself against the wall, careful to remain out of sight while straining to hear their 

conversation. 

“Love rival?” Rachel’s voice held genuine confusion. “I don’t understand why Victoria treats 

Olivia that way.” 

There was a rustling sound as Megan moved around the supply room. “It’s about the Alpha King, obviously,” she replied. “Victoria wants him all to herself.” 

“But what about Lily?” Rachel asked quietly. “That sweet little girl…” 

My heart clenched painfully at the mention of my daughter’s name. 

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“That’s the worst part, Megan’s voice dropped lower. “Victoria knew exactly what she was 

doing.” 

Rachel sighed heavily. “The day that little girl died, her mother was crying her heart out…that Frost lady, she was standing around the corner, smiling so happily.” 

The blood in my veins turned to ice. Victoria had known about Lily’s death? All this time? 

“I still remember that smile, Megan added. “It gives me chills just thinking about it. Truly a venomous heart… She has a daughter too, and her daughter is also sick. Isn’t she afraid of 

karma?” 

My entire body began to tremble with rage. Victoria had known Lily was dead when she called to invite her to Emma’s celebration. It hadn’t been a mistake – it was deliberate cruelty. 

I clenched my fists unconsciously, sending a sharp stab of pain through my injured hand. 

“Careful, Liv, a familiar voice murmured near my ear. 

Strong fingers gently uncurled my fist before I could reopen my wounds. James Knight stood 

beside me, his hazel eyes filled with concern. 

“You’ll tear your stitches,” he warned, his voice low enough not to alert the gossiping medical 

assistants. 

I hadn’t heard him approach – a testament to how distracted I’d been by the revelation about 

Victoria. 

“What are you doing here?” I whispered, allowing him to guide me away from the supply room. 

James’s lips quirked into a small smile. “I’m here to take you to Sacred Moonlight Cemetery,” 

he reminded me gently. “To purchase the burial plot for Lily’s ashes.” 

The million–dollar check from Lucas Blackwood felt heavy in my pocket. At least something 

had gone right. 

“Your hand needs to be checked before we leave,” James insisted, his tone brooking no 

argument. 

I didn’t have the energy to protest as he led me back to Dr. Fletcher’s office. 

The doctor examined my hand with clinical precision. “The wound is healing well,” he confirmed. “Just be careful not to put too much strain on it.” 

James watched the examination with hawk–like intensity. Once Dr. Fletcher finished, he turned his attention to me. 

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“What had you so upset earlier?” he asked, his hazel eyes searching my face. I could feel your distress from the parking lot.” 

I hesitated, unwilling to burden him with Victoria’s cruelty. James already had enough reasons 

to hate Ethan and his circle. 

*Just Victoria being Victoria,” I said dismissively, “Nothing I can’t handle,” 

James didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press the issue. “Let’s get going then, he said 

instead. “The cemetery administrator is expecting us at noon,” 

As we walked toward the exit, our conversation shifted to logistics, 

“The burial ceremony is set for Sunday,” I confirmed, my voice catching slightly. “Will you be 

there?” 

James squeezed my uninjured hand. “I wouldn’t miss it, Liv, I’ll be right beside you,” 

Neither of us noticed Victoria emerging from behind a large flower arrangement, her eyes 

narrowed as she watched us leave. 

(Victoria’s POV) 

I arranged a tray of venison treats carefully, making sure each piece looked perfect, Emma’s excited voice carried from the living room of our Rosewood Haven home. 

“Daddy! Daddy! Guess what?” she squealed as Ethan walked through the door. 

I smiled to myself, enjoying the sound of Ethan’s deep chuckle. He was always so different with Emma – warm, affectionate, nothing like the cold Alpha he presented to others. 

“What is it, Emmy?” he asked, his voice softening as it always did for my daughter. 

I peeked around the corner, watching as Emma bounced on her toes in front of him. Her small face was alight with excitement. 

“I won third place in the running race at school!” she announced proudly. 

Ethan’s amber eyes, usually so hard and unforgiving, melted as he looked down at her. He 

ruffled her hair affectionately. 

“That’s wonderful, Emmy,” he said, his pride evident. “I knew you could do it.” 

I stepped into the room, carrying the tray of treats. “I think this calls for a celebration, don’t 

you?” 

Ethan looked up, his smile remaining in place as his eyes met mine. It was moments like 

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Chapter 22 A Cruel Revelation 

these that reminded me why I’d fought so hard to keep him. 

* Fonts7 

Emma clapped her hands together. “Can I invite my friends from class?” she asked eagerly. 

“Of course you can, sweetheart,” Ethan agreed immediately. His authority softened completely 

in Emma’s presence. 

I set the tray down on the coffee table. “We could hold it at Silver Crown Hotel,” I suggested. 

“They have that beautiful ballroom.” 

Emma’s eyes widened with delight. “With a cake? A big one?” 

“The biggest cake they can make,” Ethan promised, pulling her into a hug. 

– 

I watched them together, satisfaction warming my chest. This was how it should be Ethan, 

Emma, and me. A family. 

“When should we have it?” Ethan asked, looking to me for guidance. 

I pretended to consider for a moment, though I already knew exactly when I wanted it to be. 

“How about Sunday?” I suggested innocently. “That would give us time to plan everything 

properly.” 

Ethan nodded, completely oblivious to the significance of the date. “Sunday works for me.” 

Emma squealed with delight, throwing her arms around Ethan’s neck. “Thank you, Daddy!” 

I smiled, carefully hiding my triumph. Olivia would be burying her daughter’s ashes on Sunday 

– 

and Ethan would be celebrating with us instead. 

(Olivia’s POV) 

Sunday arrived with a gentle breeze that rustled the ancient trees of Sacred Moonlight 

Cemetery. The moonstone–inlaid path glowed softly beneath my feet as I carried Lily’s urn to 

its final resting place. 

James walked beside me, a silent pillar of strength. His presence had been my anchor 

throughout the ceremony. 

The burial plot was everything I’d hoped for – a peaceful corner beneath a flowering tree, 

where moonlight would always reach Lily’s resting place. 

“I’d like some time alone with her,” I whispered to James as the ceremony concluded. 

He squeezed my shoulder gently. “She’s at peace now, Liv,” he said softly. “I need to get back to the repair shop, but call me if you need anything.” 

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* Chapter 22 A Cruel Revelation 

GLATORY 

I nodded, grateful for his understanding. As he walked away, I knelt beside the small memorial stone we’d placed. 

“It’s just you and me now, baby, I whispered, tracing the etched letters of her name. 

Grief washed over me in waves, somehow both familiar and newly painful. I had done everything I could to give her a proper resting place, but the emptiness in my heart remained. 

My phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking the solemn silence. Assuming it was James 

checking on me, I pulled it out without looking at the screen. 

My thumb accidentally pressed the answer button before I realized whose name was 

displayed. 

“Olivia?” Victoria’s saccharine voice filled my ear. “Can you hear me?” 

I was too shocked to respond, my finger hovering over the end call button. 

“Olivia, Emma won third place in her school’s running competition, and Ethan and I are celebrating for her at Silver Crown Hotel today,” Victoria continued, her voice dripping with 

false sweetness. “Emma wants to invite Lily to join us. I’ll have Ethan pick you and Lily up 

now, okay?”