Chapter 95: Searching for the Truth of That Night
Chapter 95: Searching for the Truth of That Night
(Aria’s POV)
“What’s your idea?” I asked Dominic, curious about what solution he might have for my sudden unemployment.
His silver–gray eyes held a hint of excitement as he leaned against my kitchen counter. “I registered a herbal remedy studio when I had some free time a while ago, but I haven’t found the right person to help me run it. How about you keep an eye on it for me?”
“What?” I blinked, momentarily overwhelmed by his unexpected offer.
“That place is right next to my territory security office, Dominic explained, his voice casual as if he weren’t offering me a potential lifeline. “Because it was vacant before, I asked Hunter Hayes to register a herbal remedy studio.”
His eyes brightened with an eager look that made my wolf stir pleasantly beneath my skin.
“What do you think? I’ll take you there to have a look when I have time?”
I stood there stunned for a moment, processing his words. This would solve my immediate employment problem and give me purpose while I figured out my next steps.
“Okay.” I nodded, genuinely grateful. The thought of having something productive to do–and being able to help Dominic in return–lifted my spirits slightly.
After Dominic helped me move my belongings back to my apartment, he left me to settle in. I collapsed onto my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, my mind swirling with the day’s events.
Claire Watson’s threats in the corridor echoed in my ears like poisonous whispers. “I wonder what the great Alpha King would feel, knowing the truth about his precious little Aria. Do you think he’d still want you then?”
Despite Dominic’s assurance that he would handle Claire, I felt suffocated, as if invisible flames were consuming all the oxygen around me. What “truth” was Claire referring to? What could she possibly know that
would turn Dominic against me?
Something clicked in my mind, and I abruptly sat up.
The accusations Claire had hurled at me weren’t random. “Sleeping with a pack traitor” and implications. about being “mated with more than just Alexander“… These weren’t arbitrary insults.
If Claire was throwing such specific accusations, she must believe she had evidence. But evidence of what? My thoughts raced back to the territorial gathering over a month ago. Richard Reed had been there, confronting me aggressively before I’d accepted that fateful glass of wolf–whiskey mixed with moonberry
extract.
A cold realization washed over the. What if Richard had been the one to spike my drink? What if that entire incident had been orchestrated?
Cold sweat broke out across my back as the pieces started falling into place. Claire’s elaborate scheme to get close to my brother and mother before she’d even gone overseas… her pregnancy timing… her plan to
grave Alexander claim the pup…
Such an Intricate plan couldn’t have been Claire’s alone. Richard Reed must have been behind in
jumped to my feet, too agitated to remain still. I paced anxiously around my bedroom, my wolf whim nervously within me.
Claire and Richard wouldn’t have pinned all their hopes on manipulating my mother–there were too many variables, too many things that could go wrong. They needed another target, a more direct way to ensure! would be out of the picture.
Me. They had used me as their pawn.
The most terrifying part was that I’d been completely affected by the moonberry extract that night. I had no control over my actions, and my memories were fragmented at best.
I wasn’t even sure if the male I’d been with was Alexander. At the time, I’d thought he seemed different–more powerful yet gentler, like an insatiable Alpha unlike the Alexander I knew. Had that been someone else entirely?
For several moments, I struggled to breathe, the horrifying possibilities overwhelming me. If it wasn’t Alexander that night, who could it have been? Someone sent by Richard? And worse–had they taken photos or videos as evidence to use against me later?
My claws partially extended without my realizing it, digging painfully into my palms. The sharp sting brought me back to reality.
No! I couldn’t just sit here and wait for disaster to strike. If my suspicions were correct, I needed to be prepared before Richard and Claire revealed whatever “evidence” they had. Otherwise, once it came out, I would be completely ruined.
Fear galvanized me into action. I grabbed my mobile phone and handbag and headed for the door. I needed answers, and I needed them now.
As soon as I stepped into the hallway, the door across from mine opened.
“Where are you going?” Dominic asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “Are you feeling uncomfortable? You don’t look very well.”
I touched my face self–consciously, realizing I must look as disturbed as I felt.
“It’s okay,” I lied, “it should be because I just washed my face and it was chilled by the cold water…”
Dominic studied me for a moment but didn’t press further. “Where are you going? I’ll take you.”
“No,” I said quickly, waving my hand in dismissal. “Olivia and I have an appointment to go shopping.”
I hated lying to him, but I needed to do this alone. Involving Dominic without concrete evidence would only complicate things.
“It’s good to go out and relax,” he said, his silver–gray eyes still watching me closely. “Enjoy yourself th We rode the elevator down together. After watching him drive away, I hurriedly got into my car and drove straight to the suburbs, heading for Silver Moon Estate where the territorial gathering had been held.
The elegant European–style mansion came into view as I approached. An iron gate barred entry, with several security wolves patrolling the entrance. They approached as I pulled up.
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“Hello, I want to meet Alpha Thornton,” I said, trying to nound confident despite my racing heart.
*Please tell me your name, I’ll go in and report It,” one of the guards replied professionally.
I bit my lip, hesitating. Now that everyone knew Alexander and I were severing our mate bond, the name “Arial Summers” might not open doors as easily as before. Alpha Thornton might refuse to see me. But making up a false identity would only create more problems.
“My name is Aria Summers…” I admitted reluctantly.
“Ms. Summers, wait a moment, I’ll report it right away.”
As the security wolf disappeared through the gate, I stood anxiously waitirig, mentally preparing arguments for why Alpha Thornton should see me. To my surprise, the guard returned quickly.
“Ms. Summers, please come in, Luna Thornton is waiting.”
“Oh? Thank
room.
Thank you!” I followed the security wolf through the manicured grounds to the mansion’s main living
A graceful she–wolf approached as I entered, her welcoming smile unexpected. “Ms. Summers, what a rare visitor.
“Luna Thornton, I’m sorry to bother you,” I said, genuinely apologetic for arriving unannounced.
“Ms. Summers, you’re welcome. Come, sit down and talk.”
I hadn’t expected such a warm reception from Alpha Thornton’s mate. Her kindness flustered me, though my wolf remained surprisingly calm in her presence.
“I wonder what brings Ms. Summers here today?” Luna Thornton asked, gesturing for me to take a seat on an elegant velvet sofa.
“It’s like this,” I began, launching into my flimsy excuse. “I brought a silver moonstone bracelet when I came to the territorial gathering last month, but I realized I couldn’t find it these days. I think it must have been lost
here…”
My ears grew hot with embarrassment as I spoke. The pretext was weak, but I needed to find the surveillance footage from that day and discover who had entered the guest room where I’d been taken.
Luna Thornton looked startled momentarily before her expression softened. “I’m so sorry, I asked the aides to clean up after the gathering that day, and we didn’t find any bracelet…”
“Well, can I meet your aides here?” I asked, trying not to sound too eager.
“Of course.” Luna Thornton smiled and immediately instructed those standing nearby.
Soon, a line of aides filed into the room. I scrutinized each face carefully, looking for the one who had assisted me that night. To my growing alarm, I didn’t recognize any of them
“Are all the aides from the gathering that day here?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady. “Didn’t anyone request leave or resign?”
“Don’t worry, Ms. Summers, they are all here,” Luna Thornton assured me.
My heart tightened painfully in my chest. If these were all the regular estate aides, then who had taken care of me that day? Who was that mysterious aide who had guided me to the guest room and stayed with me?
Chapter 95. Searching For
A chill ran down my spine as another piece of the puzzle fell into place. The side” must have been planted by Richard or Claire–someone who wasn’t part of the regular staff, someone specifically tasked with ensuring their plan succeeded.
What was going on? Who had sent the aide who took care of me that day?
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