Chapter 28: Desperate Measures 

Chapter 28: Desperate Measures 

(Victoria’s POV) 

“Remember,” he hissed over his shoulder, “no tricks. I need that money by afternoon” 

One hundred thousand dollars was nothing compared to what Ethan provided monthly. 

Ever since Emma’s knife attack by that deranged Derek Savage, Ethan had covered all her medical expenses 

without question. His generosity toward us had only Increased after the incident. 

“You’ll get it,” I replied coolly, watching him hurry toward the exit. 

His timing couldn’t have been worse. Ethon was already striding across the garden, his powerful frame 

casting a long shadow over the medicinal plants. His amber eyes scanned the area with predatory alertness 

“Who was that?” he asked, coming to stand beside me. His protective presence immediately surrounded me 

like a shield. 

I placed my hand on his arm, my touch deliberately gentle. “Just someone asking for directions to the emergency section,” I lied smoothly. “He seemed confused about the Medical Den’s layout.” 

Ethan’s gaze lingered on Roland’s retreating figure. For a moment, I feared he might follow the man, but then 

The turned his attention back to me. 

“Are you feeling better?” he asked, his voice softening as he examined my healing cuts. 

“Much better,” I assured him, leaning into his touch. The doctors say I can go home today.” 

He nodded, offering me his arm. “I’ve brought the car around. Emma is waiting at home with her nanny” 

As we walked toward the exit, I couldn’t help but smile. Ethan Stone, the most powerful Alpha in the Northern 

Territories, was escorting me like a precious treasure while his actual mate was nowhere to be seen. 

The thought of Olivia alone at Maple Grove filled me with satisfaction. Soon, with Roland Warner’s evidence silenced, nothing would stand between me and what I deserved. 

(Olivia’s POV) 

I woke with a pounding headache, my mouth dry as sand. The sleeping remedy had knocked me out for nearly a full day, judging by the evening light filtering through my curtains. 

My stomach growled painfully, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since before my confrontation with Ethan. The memory of his denial about Lily’s death sent a fresh wave of grief through me. 

I forced myself out of bed, wincing as my bruises protested the movement. After a quick shower, I headed out 

to find food, too exhausted to cook. 

The small restaurant near Maple Grove offered excellent venison stew. I sat in a corner booth, s 

spoonful as warmth spread through my body. 

ng each 

“More bread, Mrs. Winters?” the waitress asked, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of my bruised face. 

I nodded, grateful for her discretion. Thank you.” 

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Chapter 20 Besperate Me 

By the time I finished eating, darkness had fallen completely. I paid my bill and stepped outside, pulling my jacket tighter against the cool evening air. 

The walk back to my apartment wasn’t long, but the poorly lit path between buildings made me uneasy. I had barely taken twenty steps when I heard it footsteps behind me 

My heart rate accelerated instantly. The memory of Darius Reed’s attack in Shadow Alley flashed through my 

mind 

I slipped my hand into my bag, fingers closing around the small dagger I now carried everywhere. The metal felt reassuringly solid against my palm. 

The footsteps continued, matching my pace exactly, I stopped abruptly and spun around, dagger hidden but 

ready. 

There was no one there. 

The path behind me stretched empty and silent. A chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the 

night air. 

“Hello?” I called, my voice steady despite my racing pulse. Is anyone there?” 

Only silence answered me. 

I turned and continued walking, more quickly now. Within seconds, the footsteps resumed – slightly faster, matching my increased pace. 

My in 

My instincts screamed danger. I broke into a run, not caring how it might look to anyone watching. 

The footsteps behind me accelerated too. 

Relief flooded through me when my apartment building came into view. I fumbled with my key card at the entrance, swiping it frantically against the reader. 

The door unlocked with a click. I rushed inside, turning immediately to look through the glass door. 

The path outside remained empty. No shadowy figure, no obvious threat. Yet my senses told me someone was watching, waiting. 

I hurried to the elevator, pressing the button repeatedly as if that would make it arrive faster. When the doors finally opened, I practically fell Inside, jabbing my floor number. 

As the elevator rose, I leaned against the wall, trying to calm my racing heart. Perhaps I was being paranoid after everything that had happened 

The elevator dinged as it reached my floor. I stepped out cautiously, scanning the hallway before proceeding 

to my apartment door. 

My hands shook slightly as I inserted my key into the lock. The door swung open, revealing the dark interior 

of my home. 

I stepped inside quickly, prepared to slam the door shut behind me. Before I could, a man’s hand hot out, palm slamming against the wood. 

“Not so fast, Mrs. Winters,” a rough voice said. 

I tried to force the door closed, but he was stronger. He pushed his way inside, his bulky frame blocking my 

escape route 

R 

“Get out! I shouted, pulling the dagger from my bag and holding it before me “Leave now or call security 

The man raised his hands slightly, though his posture remained threatening “I think you’ll want to hear what! 

have to say first.” 

Under the apartment lights, I recognized him – Roland Warner, the gambling addict whose wife had been a potential kidney donor for Lily 

“What do you want? I demanded, keeping the dagger pointed at him. 

Roland’s bloodshot eyes fixed on me. I have information about your daughter’s death. Information you’d pay 

to hear” 

My heart stuttered in my chest. “What information?” 

“The truth about who deliberately redirected your daughter’s kidney donor,” he said, his voice dropping lower “The truth about who caused Lily’s death.” 

My grip on the dagger faltered. “Tell me,” I whispered. 

Roland’s lips curved into an unpleasant smile. “One hundred thousand dollars. That’s my price” 

“I’ll pay it,” I said immediately, not even hesitating. “Just tell me what you know.” 

He shook his head. “Money first, information after.” 

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” I challenged. 

a 

Roland reached into his pocket, producing a folded document. “Medical records showing my wife was a perfect match for Lily. Yet somehow the kidney went to Emma Frost instead.” 

I stared at the paper, my vision blurring with tears and rage. “Victoria,” I whispered. “She did this.” “Smart woman,” Roland nodded. “I need the money by Friday. Cash or bank transfer, I don’t care which.” He handed me a small card with his bank details. Two days, Mrs. Winters. Don’t disappoint me.” 

With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him. 

I sank to the floor, clutching the card in my trembling hand. One hundred thousand dollars – where would I get that kind of money in two days? 

The next forty–eight hours passed in a blur of desperate phone calls and rejected loan applications. My status as Luna meant nothing without Ethan’s backing. 

By Friday morning, I was no closer to raising the money. In desperation, I remembered Lucas Blackwood’s 

offer of help. 

I dialed his number, my heart pounding as it rang. Once, twice, three times – no answer. 

“Please,” I whispered to the empty room. “I need this.” 

With no other options, I decided to go directly to Blackwood Pack Enterprises. The receptionist informed me that Lucas was attending a gala at the Howling Moon Grand Hotel that evening. 

I rushed home, pulling my Vintage Moonlight Gown from the back of my closet. The emerald fo slightly with age, but it would have to do. 

ad faded 

Rain poured from the sky as my taxi approached the hotel. I paid the driver and stepped out, immediately 

R 

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soaked by the downpour. 

The grand entrance of the Howling Moon was illuminated by elegant crystal chandeliers visible through the glass doors, Security guards flanked the entrance, checking invitations. 

“Invitation, ma’am?” one asked as I approached. 

“I don’t have one,” I admitted, water dripping from my hair onto my shoulders. “But I desperately need to speak 

with Lucas Blackwood. It’s urgent.” 

The guard’s expression hardened. “No invitation, no entry. Those are the rules.” 

“Please,” I begged, my voice breaking. “I only need five minutes of his time. It’s a matter of life and death.” 

I’m sorry, ma’am, but- 

“Is there a problem here?” a new voice Interrupted. 

The security staff immediately straightened. “Alpha King Stone! Good evening, sir.” 

My heart sank as I turned to see Ethan and Victoria arriving together. They made a striking pair – Ethan in his tailored suit and Victoria resplendent in her Full Moon Haute Couture Gown, 

Maxwell Chen held an umbrella over Victoria, shielding her from the rain that was soaking me to the bone. 

Ethan’s eyes narrowed when he saw me standing there. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha. 

The security guard looked between us, clearly recognizing our connection despite our estrangement. “Sir, if 

she’s with you—” 

“She’s not,” Ethan cut him off coldly. “And I don’t want to see her inside.” 

Victoria’s lips curved into a triumphant smile as she took Ethan’s arm. Together, they walked past me into the prestigious event, leaving me standing in the rain. 

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