Chapter 215

Victoria sighed as she glanced at her phone. As usual, her father, Sebastian Blackwood, was supposedly at his northern mansion dealing with rogue attacks—or so he claimed. Lately, his behavior had been odd, but she hadn’t bothered to pry.

A part of her wondered if the "rogue attacks" were just an excuse to avoid Celeste Devereaux. The thought made her lips twitch. Since that very public kiss in front of the cameras, things had been tense. She knew her father wasn’t thrilled about it, but he’d get over it eventually.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. A small smile curved her lips when she saw Donovan’s name flash across the screen. He hadn’t messaged much today, but over the past week, he’d been attentive—almost too attentive—and it warmed her in ways she didn’t want to examine too closely.

Then she opened the message.

Her stomach dropped.

Attached was a photo—her father, standing outside the northern mansion, arms wrapped around Lillian.

Donovan’s accompanying text was casual, almost too casual. "Had business with your father. Ran into Lillian. Thought you should know."

Victoria’s fingers tightened around her phone. She wasn’t sure she believed his innocent tone, but that didn’t matter. The truth was right there in the image.

No rogue attacks. No urgent pack business.

Just her father.

And Lillian.

Together.

Her heart twisted.

He had lied to her.

And now she knew exactly where—and with whom—he’d been spending his time.