Chapter 189

The film crew had taken over the Blackwood estate, though Oliver mostly kept to himself in his wing of the mansion. Between location scouting and equipment setups, the bustling production team barely noticed whether the boy was present or not.

"I had no idea Sebastian had another child," Celeste murmured, her perfectly manicured fingers tightening around her champagne flute. The revelation displeased her, though not enough to deter her ambitions. With a dismissive toss of her auburn hair, she narrowed her kohl-rimmed eyes at Victoria. "Why are you telling me this? If you don't care that I'm pursuing your father, why bother with this little chat?"

"Because you needed warning," Victoria countered, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. She glanced toward the grand staircase before continuing. "I have strong reasons to believe Father is already involved with someone. Or at the very least, thoroughly captivated by her."

Celeste's porcelain complexion flushed crimson. "What makes you say that?" she demanded through clenched teeth.

"The way they look at each other," Victoria explained, absently twisting the emerald ring on her finger - her mother's heirloom. "All those whispered conversations, the secretive glances. He's been absent most evenings when she's not here, yet miraculously available whenever she visits." A bitter laugh escaped her. "He thinks he's being subtle, but I notice everything."

The actress's grip threatened to shatter the crystal glass. "And who is this woman?"

"Lillian," Victoria spat the name like spoiled milk. "Oliver's tutor."

A pang of guilt twisted Victoria's stomach. This petty, vindictive version of herself felt foreign - a far cry from the poised young woman Sebastian had raised. But Lillian's betrayal cut deep. How dare she play the devoted friend while secretly entangled with Donovan? The deception justified this retaliation, Victoria told herself. Some wounds demanded repayment in kind.

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, painting delicate patterns on the silk sheets. Lillian stirred, her body aching from the previous night’s events. The scent of cedar and musk still clung to her skin—Sebastian’s scent.

She sat up abruptly, her heart hammering. The bed beside her was empty, but the indentation on the pillow told her he had been there.

What happened last night?

Fragments of memories flashed through her mind—the gala, the champagne, the way Sebastian’s fingers had traced the curve of her waist before leading her upstairs. Heat rushed to her cheeks.

The door creaked open, and she instinctively pulled the sheets higher.

Sebastian stood in the doorway, dressed in a tailored black suit, his silver eyes glinting with amusement. "Morning, little wolf."

Lillian swallowed. "Did we—?"

His lips curved into a smirk. "Would you like a detailed recount?"

She threw a pillow at him.

Sebastian caught it effortlessly, chuckling as he strode toward her. "Relax. Nothing happened." He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "Though I won’t lie—I was tempted."

Lillian’s pulse spiked.

Before she could respond, his phone buzzed. His expression darkened as he read the message.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Trouble." He pocketed the phone. "Victoria’s engagement party is tonight. And Donovan just RSVP’d."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. "He wouldn’t dare show up."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "Oh, he will. And he’s bringing Evelyn."

A knock interrupted them. Beatrice poked her head in, her eyes widening at the sight of Lillian in Sebastian’s bed. "Uh… am I interrupting something?"

Lillian groaned. "It’s not what it looks like."

Beatrice smirked. "Sure, it isn’t." She tossed a garment bag onto the bed. "You’re gonna need this. The whole pack’s talking."

Sebastian’s gaze turned predatory. "Let them talk."

Lillian exhaled sharply. Tonight wasn’t just about facing Donovan—it was about proving she wasn’t the weak, discarded mate he thought she was.

And Sebastian? He’d make sure the entire Lycan world knew exactly whose side he was on.

If Lillian wanted to play games, then Victoria could play them ten times better.

"And what does this Lillian have that I don't?" Celeste asked, her voice laced with irritation. She had noticed that Sebastian barely spared her a second glance, brushing off her subtle advances. Now she understood why—it was because of her, Lillian.

"Nothing," Victoria murmured, feigning innocence. "Lillian is my age... far too young for him. My father deserves a real woman. Besides, you're far more beautiful."

Celeste smirked at that. Perfect. That meant she still had a fighting chance. She wasn’t about to let some naive college girl steal Sebastian’s heart.

"Celeste, we’re waiting for you!" Damien called from the parlor.

"I should go," Celeste told Victoria, smoothing her dress. "But thank you for the information. I’ll make sure your father chooses the right woman."

Victoria smiled sweetly, her plan already in motion. "That’s all I ask," she said, her tone dripping with false sincerity. "I’ll do my part—maybe even convince Lillian to step aside."

Celeste nodded, reassessing the girl before her. She had pegged Victoria as nothing more than a spoiled princess, but now she saw the cunning beneath the surface. If things worked out between her and Sebastian, being a stepmother to this girl might not be so bad.

With a quick goodbye, Celeste retreated to the parlor, pleased to find Sebastian already seated. She seized the opportunity, sliding into the chair beside him, her movements deliberate.

Meanwhile, Victoria lingered outside the parlor door, knowing Lillian would arrive soon. Sebastian had asked her to inform Lillian that their tutoring session had been relocated due to an impromptu meeting. He was too busy to text her himself.

Victoria had agreed—but she had no intention of delivering the message. She wanted Lillian to walk in and see Celeste cozying up to Sebastian. She wanted her to witness just how perfect they looked together.

The moment Lillian stepped into the hallway, Victoria knew her plan had worked. The color drained from Lillian’s face as her gaze locked onto Sebastian and Celeste, their heads bent close in conversation.

Good.

Now Lillian would believe Sebastian was moving on—with someone far more suited to him. It wouldn’t be long before she gave up entirely.

Victoria didn’t want to hurt her father, but Celeste could mend whatever damage Lillian left behind. Besides, Sebastian was the strongest man she knew. A fleeting romance wouldn’t break him.

Lillian was nothing more than a passing distraction.

"I overheard Celeste talking last night," Victoria said casually, watching as Lillian stood frozen in the doorway. "She’s very interested in my father. Honestly, I’m already picturing her as my stepmother."

Lillian’s breath hitched. "I... see."

The devastation in her voice gave Victoria pause. She had assumed Lillian was only using Sebastian to get closer to Donovan—that her feelings weren’t genuine. But the raw emotion flickering across Lillian’s face suggested otherwise.

For a fleeting second, doubt crept in.

Then Victoria shook it off.

No. This was for the best.

It was all an act. Every smile, every glance, every carefully placed word—Lillian had been performing since the moment they met. She was a master of deception, after all. There was no way she was genuinely hurt by seeing Sebastian with another woman. No, her frustration stemmed from the crumbling of her carefully laid plans to get close to Donovan. Now, she’d have to start over, and this time, without Victoria’s father as leverage.

But Victoria was determined to expose her. She wouldn’t let Lillian win.

"I'm sorry..." Lillian murmured, stepping back from the parlor entrance. Her voice was soft, fragile. "I don’t think I’m feeling well. Could you apologize to Oliver for me? Tell him we’ll reschedule our session for tomorrow."

Victoria feigned concern, tilting her head slightly. "Of course," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Are you alright? You look... pale."

Lillian nodded mechanically, her gaze flickering toward the parlor door before meeting Victoria’s eyes. And then—Victoria saw it. The glimmer of unshed tears, the slight tremble of Lillian’s lower lip. She was trying to hide it, but the pain was unmistakable.

That didn’t make sense.

Lillian didn’t want Sebastian. She wanted Donovan. So why did she look like her heart had just been torn in two?

"Yes," Lillian whispered, turning her face away. "It was... good to see you, Victoria."

Without another word, she walked away, leaving Victoria standing there, utterly bewildered.