Chapter 264

The night air was thick with tension as Lillian stood frozen in the dimly lit hallway of the Blackwood estate. Her heart pounded erratically against her ribs, each beat echoing like a drum in her ears. She had come here seeking answers, but the sight before her made her blood run cold.

Sebastian Blackwood, the formidable Lycan chairman, stood mere inches away from Evelyn, Donovan’s new mate. His towering frame cast a long shadow over her, his expression unreadable. Lillian’s breath hitched as she watched Evelyn’s fingers trail along the lapel of Sebastian’s tailored suit—a gesture too intimate to be mistaken for anything but deliberate.

What the hell is going on?

Her wolf stirred restlessly inside her, a low growl vibrating in her chest. She had trusted Sebastian, had even begun to let herself believe in the fragile bond forming between them. But this—this felt like betrayal.

Before she could retreat, Sebastian’s sharp gaze flickered toward her, his golden eyes locking onto hers with predatory precision. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face before his lips curled into a smirk.

"Lillian," he drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. "I didn’t expect you to join us."

Evelyn turned, her lips parting in surprise before a sly smile curved her mouth. "Oh, Lillian. How… unfortunate that you had to see this."

Lillian’s nails dug into her palms, her pulse roaring in her ears. She wanted to scream, to demand an explanation, but the words lodged in her throat. Instead, she forced herself to lift her chin, meeting Sebastian’s gaze with defiance.

"Don’t bother explaining," she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "I know exactly what this is."

Sebastian’s smirk deepened, but there was something darker lurking beneath—something that made her stomach twist. "Do you?"

Before she could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall. Beatrice appeared, her face pale, her eyes wide with urgency. "Lillian! You need to come—now."

Lillian hesitated, torn between confronting Sebastian and whatever crisis Beatrice had stumbled upon.

Sebastian’s gaze never wavered. "Run along, little wolf. Duty calls."

The dismissal stung, but Lillian refused to let him see it. With one last searing glare, she turned on her heel and followed Beatrice, her mind racing with unanswered questions.

As they rounded the corner, Beatrice grabbed her arm, her grip tight. "It’s Oliver," she whispered, her voice trembling. "He’s gone."

Lillian’s blood turned to ice. Gone?

The game had just changed. And she had no idea who to trust anymore.

Third Person POV

"So, I gather intel on Alpha Sebastian's business?" Donovan asked, seated at a polished mahogany table in an upscale restaurant several territories away from his own pack. Strangers—each with their own covert assignments—occupied the remaining chairs. Dressed in tailored suits and sharp blazers, they exuded authority. Donovan blended in seamlessly.

At the head of the table sat Alpha Maximilian Voss, the mastermind behind this operation.

"What exactly am I supposed to uncover?" Donovan scanned the faces around him.

"Everything," Maximilian answered coolly. "To dismantle his empire, I need to understand its inner workings. You're already inside—engaged to his daughter, welcomed into his home. Dig up personal records, financial dealings, anything. All of it is valuable."

Donovan gave a stiff nod.

"Yes, Alpha," he murmured, bowing his head as the Lycan's dominance pressed against his will.

"And what about the girl?" A woman at the table—Donovan couldn’t recall her name—spoke up. "You mentioned she’s competing in the Gamma trials?"

He knew she meant Lillian. Lillian had been a topic of discussion before, and Maximilian was well aware of her past entanglement with Sebastian.

"I already have eyes on her there," Maximilian replied smoothly. "And I’ll be attending myself tomorrow. Sebastian will be present as well, which gives you the perfect window to gather more intel over the next few weeks. Can I trust you to deliver?"

His piercing gaze locked onto Donovan, demanding obedience.

"Yes, Alpha," Donovan repeated, voice steady.

Maximilian gave a curt nod before addressing the rest.

"You know your roles. Dismissed."

Chairs scraped back as the operatives collected their belongings and filed out. Donovan raked a hand through his hair, turning to leave—but Maximilian’s voice halted him at the threshold.

"Donovan."

He froze.

"Don’t disappoint me. The consequences won’t be pleasant."

A shudder ran down Donovan’s spine. He exhaled sharply before stepping out into the night.

The drive back to the Blackwood estate took over an hour. Victoria called midway, asking if he was coming. He lied smoothly—of course he was. Guilt gnawed at him for not visiting her in the hospital, but between Alpha Maximilian’s demands and endless meetings, he hadn’t had a moment to spare.

When he arrived, Sebastian was already gone—a relief. Keeping his secrets intact around the Lycan was nearly impossible. One slip, and Maximilian would make good on his threats.

He expected Victoria to rush into his arms as usual, but instead, she stood stiffly in the parlor, arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her eyes were red-rimmed.

"What’s wrong?" Donovan stepped closer.

"I went to your place yesterday," she said, catching him off guard. He hadn’t seen her at all—barely caught her scent when he returned at dawn.

"And?" He feigned indifference.

"There was a woman there," Victoria whispered, her voice breaking. "Standing at your door."

His pulse spiked. He’d been reckless lately. While he’d been careful these past few weeks, he’d never officially ended things with his flings. Most were paid companions who understood the arrangement—but one hadn’t.

Scarlett.

She looked too much like Lillian, moved like her, even sounded like her in the dark. He’d indulged too many times, and she’d mistaken it for something more. His biggest mistake? Inviting her to his home. They’d spent the night tangled in sheets, but he’d ghosted her afterward, hoping she’d take the hint.

Now, she’d come looking for him.

And Victoria had seen her.