Chapter 166

My mother could read my expression like an open book, and her gaze softened with understanding.

"It wasn't fair of me to ask you to seek Donovan's help, and it wouldn't be fair to ask you to rely on Sebastian's either," she admitted, her voice steady but laced with quiet resolve. "So, I'm doing what I can—trying to fix this without making our family look weak." She exhaled, her fingers tightening around mine. "This is something I have to do. If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to get your father out of prison in a few months, and then... we can finally be a family again."

Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them. I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.

She cupped my face in her warm hands, tilting my chin up until our eyes met.

"But I think you should go to that mansion," she continued, her voice firm despite the tenderness in her touch. "Take Sebastian up on his offer."

I stiffened, my pulse spiking. "What?" I choked out. "I can’t just leave you here alone—"

"I'll be fine, sweetheart," she assured me, brushing a tear from my cheek. "But I know things aren’t safe for you here. That injury of yours wasn’t an accident, and I refuse to let you stay in danger any longer."

I shook my head, my stomach twisting. "No, Mom, it was an accident—"

"You can't lie to me, Lillian," she said gently but firmly, releasing my face. "I want what’s best for my family, and right now, that means you living under the Blackwood pack’s protection. Once your father is free, we’ll rebuild. We’ll start over. But until then..." She swallowed hard. "This is the safest place for you."

I bit my lip, fresh tears blurring my vision.

"I love you," I whispered, my voice raw.

She pulled me into her arms, holding me tight. "I love you so much," she murmured against my hair. "You were the greatest blessing we ever received. I don’t regret adopting you for a single second, and I’m so sorry you’re caught in this mess."

I sniffled, wiping my damp cheeks. "It’s not your fault," I said, because it wasn’t.

It was Donovan’s fault. His and his wretched family’s. And now my mother was paying the price for their cruelty. The worst part? There was nothing I could do to stop it.

After a long moment, my mother opened the bathroom door and stepped into the hallway.

Sebastian was nowhere in sight—thank the Moon Goddess—which meant he hadn’t overheard our conversation. I followed her out, my steps heavy as we made our way toward the parlor. The voices of the Winslow family drifted toward us, each one spinning excuses like a spider weaving its web.

And I? I was just another fly caught in their trap.

I couldn't suppress an exasperated eye roll.

The moment we stepped inside, the lively chatter died down as all eyes locked onto me.

"Oh, Lillian, you're back!" Eleanor rushed toward me, her voice dripping with false concern. "How are you feeling? Your hand—I'm so sorry about what happened."

"It's fine," I muttered, my gaze flickering to Sebastian, whose expression was stormy. At least he saw through her act too. That was a small comfort.

"Why don't you go rest in your room for the evening?" she suggested sweetly.

I glanced at my mother, who gave me a faint, reassuring smile.

Nodding, I murmured, "Okay. Goodnight."

I turned and left the parlor, but the second the door clicked shut behind me, it reopened and closed again. Spinning around, I found Sebastian stalking after me, his dark eyes burning with barely contained fury.

"You're leaving—whether you like it or not. I won't have you staying here another night," he declared, clearly expecting resistance.

But I was done fighting.

"Okay," I said quietly, my voice hollow.

His brows lifted slightly, surprise flickering across his face before his expression softened.

"Alright, then," he murmured. Then, hesitating, he added, "And your mother—"

"She stays." I cut him off. "It's her choice. She doesn’t want to come with me."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Are you sure?"

"She’s made her decision, Sebastian." My fingers curled slightly around my injured hand. "But promise me one thing—make sure they treat her with respect. Don’t let her end up like this."

A shadow passed over his face. Without hesitation, he nodded. "I’ll make sure of it. No one will touch her."

Relief washed over me. I turned to head toward the servants' quarters, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist.

"Pack your things. Marcus will come for you tonight. Tell them you're staying with a friend from now on."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

I swallowed hard and nodded.

This was it—the end of one life, the beginning of another.