Chapter 70

The morning sun cast golden rays through the sheer curtains of Lillian’s bedroom, stirring her awake. She stretched lazily, her muscles still sore from yesterday’s intense combat training. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up from the kitchen, making her stomach growl.

Downstairs, Sebastian Blackwood was already dressed in his usual crisp suit, sipping his espresso while reading the morning reports. His sharp eyes flickered up as Lillian descended the stairs, her hair slightly tousled from sleep.

"Good morning," he murmured, his deep voice sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

"Morning," she replied, grabbing a croissant from the tray. "Any updates on the competition?"

Sebastian set his cup down. "The Darkmoon Pack has arrived early. Alpha Maximilian is already making moves."

Lillian frowned. "Of course he is."

Just then, Oliver burst into the dining room, his face flushed with excitement. "Lillian! You have to see the new obstacle course they set up near the lake!"

She chuckled. "After breakfast, okay?"

Oliver pouted but nodded, bouncing on his toes.

Beatrice entered, her arms laden with shopping bags. "You won’t believe the deals I found at the boutique!" she announced, grinning.

Sebastian arched a brow. "More shopping?"

Beatrice waved him off. "A girl needs options, especially when she’s about to watch her best friend dominate the competition."

Lillian rolled her eyes but smiled. "Speaking of which, I should head to the training grounds early."

Sebastian stood. "I’ll walk with you."

As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air filled Lillian’s lungs. The resort was bustling with competitors and spectators, the energy palpable.

Then she spotted him—Donovan, standing near the registration desk with Evelyn draped over his arm. His cold gaze locked onto hers, a smirk playing on his lips.

Sebastian’s grip on her waist tightened subtly. "Ignore him," he murmured.

Lillian exhaled slowly. "Easier said than done."

Just as they turned away, a familiar voice called out. "Lillian! Over here!"

She turned to see Nathaniel waving enthusiastically from the crowd, his usual cheerful demeanor intact.

Sebastian’s jaw tensed. "Persistent, isn’t he?"

Lillian elbowed him lightly. "Be nice."

Nathaniel jogged over, slightly out of breath. "I was hoping to catch you before the matches started. Good luck today!"

"Thanks," she said, smiling.

Sebastian cleared his throat pointedly.

Nathaniel chuckled. "Right. I’ll, uh, see you around."

As he walked away, Lillian shot Sebastian an exasperated look. "You’re impossible."

Sebastian smirked. "Just making my position clear."

Before she could retort, Marcus approached, his expression serious. "Alpha, we have a situation."

Sebastian’s demeanor shifted instantly. "What is it?"

Marcus lowered his voice. "Someone sabotaged the eastern training field. The equipment’s been tampered with."

Lillian’s stomach dropped. "Was anyone hurt?"

"Not yet, but we need to address this before the matches begin."

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. "Find out who did this. Now."

As Marcus hurried off, Lillian clenched her fists. "This has Alpha Maximilian written all over it."

Sebastian nodded grimly. "Stay alert. They’re playing dirty."

The tension in the air thickened, the once-exciting competition now laced with danger.

And Lillian knew one thing for certain—this was far from over.

I still couldn't believe I had actually agreed to this.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I frowned. The navy-blue business suit I wore looked like it belonged to someone at least a decade older. Oliver had been right—I could easily pass for his mother.

For a brief moment, doubt crept in. Would the teachers really buy this? I was too young, wasn’t I? But then I slipped into one of my mother’s tailored blazers, adjusted the collar, and—oh. The transformation was instant.

A glance at the clock sent my pulse racing. My Uber would be here any minute.

What exactly did Oliver do to get in trouble? I should’ve asked. Now I had to improvise—channel the fury of a disappointed parent, scold him sternly, maybe even demand consequences.

My fingers combed through my loose waves. Should I tie it back? A low ponytail might make me look more authoritative.

A nervous laugh escaped me. If this fails, my backup plan is seducing the teacher. Beatrice would absolutely say that if she knew what I was doing today.

A car horn blared outside.

Time was up.

I took a deep breath, gave myself one last critical look, then grabbed my purse and bolted downstairs.

And froze.

My mother—awake, dressed, and sipping coffee in the living room—was the last thing I expected.

She glanced up, her lips curving slightly as she tilted her head toward the kitchen. "I made coffee if you want some."

"You made coffee?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Her eyebrow arched. "I am capable of basic tasks, Lillian."

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "That’s not what I meant. It’s just… you haven’t been up much lately. I’m glad you’re out of bed."

She took another slow sip. "I decided it’s time for changes. Can’t do that hiding under blankets, can I?"

Emotion swelled in my chest. I rounded the couch and pulled her into a hug.

For a second, she stiffened—then melted against me, resting her head on my shoulder.

Then she pulled back, frowning.

"Are you wearing my clothes?"

I swallowed hard.

Busted.

"I have an interview," I lied, smoothing down the fabric of my borrowed blazer. "I needed something professional to wear."

"Would this job pay well?" my mother asked, her eyes lighting up with cautious hope.

I nodded, forcing a confident smile. "Maybe even enough to start paying off Dad's debt."

Her face brightened further, and she reached out to squeeze my hand. "I have a meeting with his lawyers today to discuss some options they might have found," she said. "I'll keep you posted on what they say."

I nodded again, though my stomach twisted with guilt. "I'll be home a little later, and we can talk then," I assured her.

Outside, the Uber driver's impatient honking grew louder. If I didn’t leave now, he’d drive off without me.

"I have to go," I said, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. "Love you."

"Love you too, Lillian," she murmured, her voice tinged with worry.

I dashed out of the house and slid into the backseat of the waiting car. The ride to the school was silent, the tension in my chest tightening with every passing mile. By the time the driver pulled up to the curb, my pulse was racing.

"Thanks," I muttered, slipping out before he could respond.

The school halls were eerily quiet, most students already in class. The main office wasn’t far—just past the front entrance—but each step felt heavier than the last.

Behind the reception desk, a young blonde woman was typing furiously, her attention locked on her screen. She didn’t even glance up as I approached.

I cleared my throat. Once. Twice.

Finally, she sighed and lifted her gaze, her perfectly arched brows rising in question. "Can I help you?"

"Yes," I said, straightening my shoulders. "I’m here to see the headmaster."

She tilted her head, assessing me with a slow, deliberate sweep of her eyes. "And you are?"

"Lillian Whitaker," I lied smoothly. "Oliver’s mother."

For a second, she just stared. Then her lips twitched. A snort escaped her, quickly turning into full-blown laughter. She leaned back in her chair, clutching her stomach as if I’d told the funniest joke in the world.

My cheeks burned.

Of course she saw right through me. If I were Mrs. Whitaker, that would mean I was married to Sebastian Blackwood—and everyone knew Sebastian was the most notorious bachelor in the city.

I should’ve thought this through. But the lie was already out there.

And now, I couldn’t take it back.