Chapter 259

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sebastian Blackwood’s penthouse, illuminating the sleek marble floors. Lillian stretched beneath the silk sheets, her body still humming from last night’s passionate encounter with the Lycan chairman.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, pulling the duvet higher.

The door creaked open, revealing Giselle Beaumont, the head maid, balancing a silver tray laden with breakfast. "Good morning, Miss Lillian. Mr. Blackwood instructed me to bring you breakfast in bed."

Lillian’s cheeks warmed at the thought of Sebastian’s consideration. "Thank you, Giselle."

The maid set the tray down, her eyes twinkling knowingly. "He also mentioned he’ll be back by noon. There’s… something important he wishes to discuss with you."

Lillian’s pulse quickened. Important? Was this about their bond? Their future?

Before she could ask, Giselle excused herself, leaving Lillian alone with her swirling thoughts. She picked at the fresh fruit, her mind racing.

Meanwhile, across town, Donovan Winslow paced the length of his penthouse, his phone pressed to his ear. "I don’t care what it takes," he growled. "Find her. Now."

Evelyn lounged on the couch, filing her nails. "Still obsessing over your little werewolf ex?" she drawled.

Donovan shot her a venomous glare. "This doesn’t concern you."

Evelyn smirked. "Oh, but it does. If you’re planning to challenge Sebastian Blackwood for her, you’ll need my family’s backing."

His jaw clenched. She wasn’t wrong.

Back at the penthouse, Lillian’s phone buzzed. A message from Beatrice:

"Emergency. Meet me at The Crimson Bean in 20. It’s about Donovan."

Lillian’s stomach dropped. She dressed hastily, her fingers trembling as she buttoned her blouse.

What had Donovan done now?

The Crimson Bean was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning. Beatrice sat in a corner booth, her expression grim.

"He’s planning something," she whispered as Lillian slid into the seat opposite her. "Donovan’s been meeting with Alpha Harrison. And Evelyn’s family."

Lillian’s blood ran cold. "Why?"

Beatrice leaned closer. "Rumor has it he’s gathering allies to challenge Sebastian’s claim on you."

Lillian’s fork clattered against her plate. "He wouldn’t dare."

But even as she said it, doubt crept in. Donovan had always been ruthless. And now, with Evelyn’s connections and Alpha Harrison’s influence…

Her phone buzzed again—Sebastian.

"Where are you?"

Her heart pounded. She needed to warn him.

But before she could reply, the café door swung open.

Donovan stood there, his golden eyes locked onto hers.

"Hello, mate," he purred.

Lillian’s breath hitched.

The game had just begun.

Sebastian's POV

"Why are you avoiding going home?" Marcus asked, lounging in the chair across from my desk.

I arched a brow. "What makes you think I am?"

He shrugged, his smirk irritatingly knowing.

"It's been over a week, and you've barely set foot in your own villa," Marcus pointed out. "Is this about Lillian?"

My jaw tightened.

"No," I said sharply, shaking my head. "Why would I be avoiding Lillian?"

"Because you haven't been sneaking off to see her like you usually do," Marcus countered, that infuriating grin widening. "Deny it all you want, but I know you've been slipping away to the other estate. Ever since that gala, you've been tangled up with her. Don’t think I forgot—you kickedout of the car that night just so you could have your fun."

I exhaled heavily, leaning back in my chair.

"I'm not avoiding her. I'm just… keeping my distance. Victoria made it clear she doesn’t want Lillian around."

Marcus scoffed. "So you're doing this because Victoria said so?"

"I'm doing this for my family," I snapped. "Lillian understands my children cfirst. There are no hard feelings."

"You sure about that?"

I hesitated, the memory of Lillian’s crestfallen expression flashing in my mind every tI canceled our plans these past weeks. My chest constricted at the thought. I’d told Marcus it was because of Victoria, but that wasn’t the whole truth.

Yes, Victoria had been more difficult lately, but that wasn’t the real issue.

The real problem was Alpha Maximilian Voss.

If he found out about Lillian and me, he’d use it as leverage. Until he was gone, it was safer to stay away.

"Positive," I muttered.

Marcus crossed his arms. "Alright, if you're not avoiding your villa because of Lillian, then why are you sleeping in your office?" He gestured to the couch in the corner, still strewn with my blanket and pillow. "You’ve practically moved in here."

I dragged a hand down my face. "Victoria’s been insufferable. More clingy than usual. I don’t know what’s gotten into her—I just needed space."

"So you're avoiding your own daughter?" Marcus raised a brow. "That’s worse."

I growled. "Don’t push me."

He chuckled, standing. "You won’t do shit, and we both know it." Straightening his jacket, he added, "I’m heading out—got a date with my mate. But take sadvice: go home, Sebastian. Deal with your mess like an Alpha. Stop hiding in your office." He shota look. "I’ll send Frederick to pick you up."

With that, he left, leavingalone with my thoughts.

He was right. I couldn’t stay here forever. My children needed me. And maybe… I owed Lillian an explanation. It wasn’t her. It was the uncertainty—where she stood with me, with my kids, with the whole damn mess involving Maximilian. I just wanted to do what was best for everyone. And right now, continuing whatever this was between us? It wasn’t fair. Not to her, not to anyone.

True to his word, Marcus sent Frederick to drivehome.

The moment I stepped inside, chaos erupted.

Screams.

From the training grounds.

I sprinted, heart pounding—only to find Victoria crouched over Oliver, her hands pressed to his bleeding arm as he sobbed.

Blood. Everywhere.