Chapter 147

Sebastian sighed and shook his head.

"Not even slightly... but Victoria... she's delicate," he murmured, his own head shaking in concern. "Taking Donovan away from her would shatter her, and I fear what she might do if that happens. She's my daughter, and her happiness is all that matters to me. I can only hope Donovan changes once they're married, so he never wounds her again." When I remained silent, his expression softened.

"Besides, Victoria is grown now. As much as I wish I could, I can't dictate her choices," he continued.

"You're the Lycan chairman, Sebastian. Not to mention her father," I reminded him sharply. "You have every right to intervene."

"At the cost of losing my daughter?" he countered. "I can't risk that, Lillian. You, of all people, should understand how precious family is."

His words struck deep, and for some reason, they stung. I took a step back, my chest tightening.

"Of course I know how important family is, Sebastian," I said, my voice brittle. "Mine is crumbling, and I'd give anything to fix it—but that doesn’t seem possible, does it?"

His brows furrowed.

"What exactly are you talking about?"

I stared at him, stunned. Did he truly not know? Was he so self-absorbed that he hadn’t noticed how much my family was suffering? The realization hit like a slap. Sebastian didn’t truly care about me—he only cared about his own needs, about keeping his mother satisfied. This was our arrangement, so I shouldn’t have been surprised. Yet, the ache in my chest refused to fade.

I bit my lip, fighting back the tears threatening to spill.

"I should go home," I muttered, turning away. "My mother must be wondering where I’ve been. I don’t want to worry her."

"Are you upset?" Sebastian asked, his voice laced with a frown I couldn’t see.

"No," I lied. "It’s just been a long day. You should be with your family—they need you more than I do."

"Lillian—"

"I’ll see you later, Sebastian," I cut him off, rushing out the villa’s grand doors before he could say more.

Luckily, Frederick was waiting outside. When he saw me hurrying toward the car, he swiftly opened the back door. I managed a weak smile through my blurring vision, grateful for his silent understanding.

"Returning home, Miss Lillian?" he asked gently.

I nodded and slipped into the seat. He closed the door and hurried to the driver’s side. As the car pulled away, I caught a glimpse of Sebastian standing in the doorway, watching. He didn’t follow. The fact that he didn’t even try to stop me twisted the knife deeper.

By the time I reached home, exhaustion weighed me down. I thanked Frederick and stepped out, trudging toward the house. The moment I entered, I froze.

There, on the couch, sat my mother beside Eleanor Winslow—Donovan’s mother. Both held teacups, laughter lingering between them. My stomach dropped when their gazes snapped to me.

"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence," my mother said dryly. "Where have you been? It’s been days."

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I stared at the floor.

"I’ve been staying with Beatrice," I lied.

Both women arched their brows. They’d seen me leave the party with Sebastian that night—and neither had seen me since. They knew. Especially after Sebastian had made such a spectacle of shielding me in front of everyone.

"So, you’ve made your choice then?" My mother’s voice carried a flicker of disappointment.

"You’re moving in with her?"

Honestly, I hadn’t even considered it. I’d completely forgotten about the house being sold.

"I... I’m not sure yet," I admitted, avoiding their eyes.

"What a shame," Eleanor mused, her tone dripping with false sympathy. "We would’ve welcomed you into our home with open arms."

I swallowed hard, my gaze locking onto my mother’s.

"So it’s final? You’re selling the house?"

She sighed, sorrow darkening her eyes as she nodded.

"The deal is done. Eleanor brought the contract today. One of her associates bought it outright. We’re moving in two days..."