Chapter 27

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, stirring Lillian from her restless sleep. She groaned, rubbing her temples as the remnants of last night’s argument with Donovan replayed in her mind. His accusations, his cold dismissal—it still stung like a fresh wound.

Rolling out of bed, she padded barefoot to the window, pushing the curtains aside to gaze at the sprawling estate grounds. The sight of Sebastian Blackwood’s mansion, with its manicured gardens and towering oak trees, should have been comforting. Instead, it only reminded her of how out of place she felt here.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, forcing a lightness into her voice she didn’t feel.

The door creaked open, and Beatrice poked her head in, her usual bubbly demeanor subdued. "Hey, you okay? You look like you barely slept."

Lillian sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Just another night of overthinking."

Beatrice stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. "Donovan again?"

Lillian nodded, sinking onto the edge of her bed. "He’s convinced I betrayed him. That I chose Sebastian over him."

Beatrice scoffed, plopping down beside her. "Please. That man’s ego is bigger than this mansion. You don’t owe him anything."

Lillian managed a small smile. "I know. It’s just… complicated."

"Everything’s complicated with fated mates," Beatrice muttered, then winced. "Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up."

Lillian shook her head. "It’s fine. I’m trying not to dwell on it."

Beatrice nudged her shoulder. "Good. Because we have bigger problems."

Lillian frowned. "What now?"

"Cassandra," Beatrice said, rolling her eyes. "She’s been spreading rumors about you again. Something about you cheating on Donovan with Sebastian."

Lillian groaned. "Of course she is."

Beatrice smirked. "Don’t worry. I already set the record straight. But you might want to brace yourself for some nasty looks at school today."

Lillian exhaled sharply. "Great. Just what I needed."

A knock at the door startled them both. This time, it was Sebastian’s deep voice that called through the wood. "Lillian? Are you awake?"

Beatrice shot her a knowing look, waggling her eyebrows. "Speaking of complications…"

Lillian swatted her arm before calling back, "Yes, come in."

Sebastian stepped inside, his imposing frame filling the doorway. His dark eyes flicked to Beatrice briefly before settling on Lillian. "Good. You’re both here. We need to talk."

Lillian’s stomach twisted. "About what?"

Sebastian’s expression was unreadable. "Evelyn."

Beatrice stiffened beside her. "What about her?"

Sebastian crossed his arms. "She’s been seen meeting with Alpha Harrison. I don’t trust it."

Lillian’s pulse quickened. Alpha Harrison was the same man who had tried to take advantage of her when she was drunk. If Evelyn was working with him…

Beatrice cursed under her breath. "This can’t be good."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. "No. It’s not. Which is why I need you both to be careful. Especially you, Lillian."

Lillian met his gaze, the intensity in his eyes sending a shiver down her spine. "I will."

Sebastian nodded once, then turned to leave. But at the door, he paused. "Oh, and Lillian?"

She looked up. "Yes?"

His lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Wear the necklace I gave you. Just in case."

Then he was gone, leaving Lillian with a racing heart and a thousand unanswered questions.

Beatrice whistled low. "Well. That was… intense."

Lillian touched the delicate silver chain around her neck, the pendant cool against her skin. "Yeah. It was."

And as she prepared for the day ahead, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get a whole lot worse.

"I warned you," Theodore said, crossing his arms over his chest. Not only had I failed to get Oliver to complete his assignments, but I had also encouraged his distractions. According to him, I should be fired immediately, and the position reposted on the Lycan job board.

My stomach twisted at his words. When I first met Theodore, I thought he was reasonable—perhaps even kind. But now, it was clear he was determined to get me dismissed. I had no idea what I’d done to earn such hostility, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting.

"Is this true?" Sebastian asked, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

I lifted my chin, pressing my lips together. My cheeks burned, but I refused to let my embarrassment show. Instead, I turned to the table where Oliver’s completed work lay.

"See for yourself," I said, gathering the papers and thrusting them toward Sebastian.

He took them, scanning each page with a frown that slowly shifted into surprise.

"This is Oliver’s handwriting," he murmured, flipping through the assignments. "He finished all of this?"

I nodded, crossing my arms as I shot Theodore a sharp look. His face paled slightly under my glare.

"Yes," I answered, keeping my voice steady. "Oliver completed every assignment and even managed some extra studying. But balance is important for a child. Constant work without breaks leads to exhaustion and loss of focus. He kept his word, so I kept mine—he finished his tasks, and I let him play afterward."

I turned back to Sebastian, who was watching me with an unreadable expression.

"Oliver lacks companionship, Alpha Sebastian. That’s why he acts out. When you spend time with him, you’d see he’s actually thoughtful and kind."

Sebastian’s brows lifted as he set the papers down. "Are you telling me how to raise my son?"

"Of course not," I said quickly. "But punishing him without understanding why he behaves a certain way isn’t effective. Even for you, Alpha."

His jaw tightened, but before he could respond, the silk scarf around my neck slipped, exposing the mark Donovan had left. I scrambled to fix it, but it was too late—Sebastian’s eyes darkened, his nostrils flaring as he took in the bruise.

"It’s not what you think," I whispered, hastily covering it again.

I wanted to explain, but how could I? If I told Sebastian that Donovan had forced himself on me, he’d never believe I hadn’t encouraged it. He’d assume I had pursued Donovan, despite knowing he was engaged to Victoria.

"It doesn’t matter," Sebastian muttered, though his tone was laced with irritation. "Just keep your personal affairs away from my son. Understood?"

I swallowed hard and nodded, biting my lower lip.

"Understood," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sebastian's piercing gaze shifted to Theodore, his expression darkening with barely contained fury.

"You claimed Lillian failed to complete her duties today, yet I see she has not only fulfilled them but exceeded expectations. How dare you spread such lies, Theodore?" Sebastian's voice was a low growl, the authority in his tone making the butler flinch.

"I—I—" Theodore stammered, his face paling as he struggled to form a coherent response.

"Silence," Sebastian commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You are forbidden from speaking in my presence for the next month. Now, get out of my sight."

"Y-yes, Alpha," Theodore choked out, bowing his head in submission before hastily retreating from the room, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

I adjusted the scarf around my neck, ensuring it wouldn’t slip again, then straightened my posture to meet Sebastian’s intense stare. The weight of his presence was almost suffocating, but I refused to cower.

"I should leave," I said, breaking the heavy silence. "It’s getting late, and my mother will be wondering where I am."

Sebastian studied me for a long moment before giving a curt nod. "Very well."

As I turned to go, I felt his eyes still on me, burning into my back like a brand.