CHAPTER 223
Lucas paced the hotel room in agitation. The door opened, and Marcus walked in and his expression was serious as he held up an envelope.
“You found something?” Lucas asked immediately.
Marcus nodded, “More questions than answers, actually“?
He spread several surveillance photos across the table. Lucas leaned forward as he studied the images. Each showed Evelyn being cared by none other than Dominic Blackwood himself.
“What the hell?” Lucas snatched up one of the photos. “When were these taken?‘
Yesterday. I was following her after the auction and saw her collapse outside some fancy office building. Before I could even react Blackwood appeared and scooped her up like she weighed nothing.””
“Where did he take her? Lucas demanded.
“Blackthom Memorial Hospital,” Marcus said. “I followed them there. She was admitted under the name “Eve Bennett – not even her full name. They seemed to know her there.”
King himself carrying her like she’s
Lucas picked up one of the photos, studying the concerned expression on Dominic’s face. “The Alpha King precious cargo. So Evelyn does know Dominic Blackwood personally ”
“It seems that way,” Marcus nodded. “And judging by how concerned he looked and how quickly he got her medical attention, I’d say they’re quite close.7
Lucas frowned, tapping the photo against the desk, “What kind of relationship would they have to allow him to carry her like this? She’s clearly not just some random pack member.”
“No,” Marcus agreed. “But she’s definitely not the heir either. The heir is blonde with green eyes. Evelyn has brown hair and brown eyes. Lucas leaned back in his chair. “What about her background? Have you checked into that too?”
Marcus hesitated. “Nothing significant, though some things were suspicious. Her records before she came to Silverstone are surprisingly sparse. Birth certificate, basic education documents, but large gaps where there should be mare.”
“Almost as if someone scrubbed them,” Lucas murmured.
“Exactly” Marcus confirmed.
“Something’s not adding up.” Lucas muttered, picking up another photo
Was
He pulled out his phone and showed Marcus a blurry picture of the man he’d seen with Evelyn at the boutique. The man’s face w covered with a cap, but his build and posture were familiar.X
“Could this be Dominic Blackwood?” Lucas asked.
Marcus squinted at the image. “Hard to tell. His face isn’t shown clearly. We won’t be able to find information on him based on this alone.“!
Lucas slammed
missing
his fist on
“And Evelyn? Marcus asked.
the table. “Dammit! Go back to that boutique. Everyone there was acting strange. There’s something I’m
“Keep digging.” Lucas ordered. “Look deeper into her family history, any connection to Blackthorn Pack leadership. There has to
to be
something.“!!
“Yes, Alpha Marcus nodded, gathering the photos &
“Leave these, Lucas ordered, holding onto the hospital images. I study then more.”
As Marcus left, Luces picked up the clearest photo of Dominic carrying Evelyn and stared at it. He’d leave this mystery for now. He had more pressing matters to deal with like the fact that Clara had emptied the pack funds to pay for the pendant. Thanks to her reckless bidding, they were now in serious financial trouble.
–
They needed professional help to cover their tracks after “borrowing” from the pack funds.
His phone rang with an unknown number. He answered cautiously.
“Lucas Walker speaking.”
“I can help you fix your financial problem and remove any traces of what you’ve done,” a female voice said without introduction.!! Lucas froze. “How did you know about that? Where did you get this number?”
“Don’t be scared,” the voice replied smoothly. “I won’t tell anyone But I can help you with your… situation.”
Lucas almost hung up when the caller added, “And III give you details about Evelyn Bennett that you won’t find anywhere else.”
His finger paused over the end call button. “I’m listening.”
“Smart choice,” the woman said. “Meet me at the Silver Moon Café tomorrow at noon. Come alone.”
“How will I recognize you?”
“You won’t,” she said. “But I find you.”
I pushed open the doctor’s office door without knocking, catching him mid–conversation on his phone.
“I love you too, darling. Ill be home for dinner,” he said tenderly, his back to me.”
1121 AM c d
I cleared my throat loudly, and he spun around, eyes widening when he saw me.
Til call you back,” he stammered before ending the call
I casually dropped the stack of photos on his desk, watching as they scattered across his paperwork. His face drained of color as he stared at the images of himself and Clara in various intimate poses
“Interesting call. Was that your wife?” I asked sweetly “I wonder what shed think of these
His hands trembled as he gathered the photos. “This is a private matter that doesn’t concern you” He tore one photo in half, then another “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, I warned. “I have copies Lots of copies.“)
The doctor froze. “What do you want?
“Information,” I said, taking a seat across from him “Starting with why Clara is lying about whose baby she’s carrying?
Π
He ran a hand through his hair. “It started months ago. Clara came in for a routine check–up and one thing led to another. When she discovered she was pregnant, she told Lucas it was his, though they hadn’t been intimate in weeks.”
“And you just went along with i17%
“She promised we’d be together once she secured her position as Luna. The baby is mine, but Lucas’s name and status would provide security” His voice cracked. I never meant for it to go this far
I thought of all the times Clara had taunted me about her pregnancy, using it as a weapon to hurt me. The whole time, she’d been lying to
everyone.
“Now, tell me about me,” I said.
“What?”
“I overheard you talking to Dominic. You said he brought me here years ago. When? Why?”
Dr. Nelson’s brow furrowed. “You really don’t remember?”
“Remember what?
He hesitated, then pulled up a file on his computer. “Five years ago, you were brought in with severe kidney failure. You needed an immediate transplant or you would’ve died.”
Lucas brought me in” I said confidently “He donated his kidney and saved my life. That’s how we met.”
Dr. Nelson shook his head slowly. “No, Ms. Bennett, it was Dominic Blackwood who brought you in that night. Half–conscious, bleeding internally. And it was his kidney they transplanted into you.”
The room seemed to spin around me. “That’s impossible. I remember waking up with Lucas by my side.
“Because by then, Dominic was gone,” Dr. Nelson explained. “He felt explicit instructions that you were not to know he was your donor. Lucas arrived later, claimed to be your mate, and took over your care.
Memories began seeping in–being carried through rain, strong arms holding me, a deep voice promising I’d be okay. I’d always assumed It was Lucas, but now…X
“Why would Dominic donate his kidney to me if we didn’t know each other?” I whispered.
Dr. Nelson looked uncomfortable. “That’s not my place to say ”
“For what it’s worth, Dominic never stopped looking for you before you left with Lucas. He was devastated when you disappeared.” I stood up abruptly in need of air.X
“Where are you going? What are you going to do with the photos?” Dr. Michaels called after me anxiously.!!
I paused, looking back at him. “Don’t worry. I’m not destroying your mornage. But it seems these photos are about to destroy another.“”
CHAPTER 23%
Dominic burst through my door without knocking. “Are you okay? I heard you weren’t feeling well after the hospital
I straightened my dress, avoiding his intense gaze, Tim fine Just needed a moment‘
“You collapsed yesterday” he said, moving closer “Maybe you should skip tonight and rest instead.”
I shook my head firmly, Tim fine, sincerely I don’t need to go back to the hospital”
Dominic frowned, his broad shoulders blocking the doorway, “You can’t risk fainting again during the summit. Your health-
“Is my concem,” I cut him off. “This is about revenge, remember? Not my wellbeing“.
He stared at me for a long moment, then shrugged, Fine Have it your way”
We entered the grand hall together, Dominic’s presence commanding attention from everyone around us. He squeezed my hand once before leaving to prepare for his opening speech Just then, I spotted Clara and Lucas approaching X
Clara beamed at me, “Alexandra Thank you so much for the invitation. This means everything to us.”
Lucas nodded respectfully, “We won’t disappoint you, Your Highness.
I forced myself to smile as Clara touched her swollen belly proudly, “How far along are you now?||
“Nearly five months,” she answered, stroking her stomach lovingly. “It’s the best thing in the world. Lucas is so excited to be a father
Elifted my head innocently. “Have you considered naming the baby after the real father?)
Their faces froze for a split second before I laughed, “I’m just joking! A father’s name is such a burden for a child”
They laughed awkwardly as security personnel approached, returning their phones. “Standard protocol for high–security events,” the guard explained, handing the devices back.
The hall filled quickly with distinguished quests from various territories. Dominic took his place at the front, and immediately the room fellsdent!
“Welcome to the 150th Alpha Summit,” he announced, his voice commanding attention. This gathering shows our unity and strength among packs)
He gestured toward me, “With my heir by my y side, it’s ever
I forced a smile and waved at them.
it’s even more wonderful
Lucas sipped his champagne, watching the Blackthorn heir stand beside Dominic. There was something oddly familiar about her, though he couldn’t place it
“The next session awaits,” Dominic announced. “As is tradition, I may present one recommendation for leadership each summit.”
Clara squeezed Lucas’s hand excitedly.)
“This year, three candidates are looking for the position of Alpha of Silverstone Pack,” Dominic continued. Tve checked each thoroughly against our standards of leadership X
Lucas straightened ha tie, confidence growing. This was his moment.
“I’d like to specially thank Lucas Walker, Dominic nodded in his direction, “for his generous donation to the Blackthorn Orphanage. Such churity shows character.”
Lucas stood, unable to contain his smile. Clara whispered excitedly. “They only called your name! They appreciated you! This position is definitely yours!“}
Dominic raised his glass, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to give my recommendation to Lucas…“)
Lucus was already moving forward, his expression triumphant, when suddenly the ballroom doors burst open.
A small, elderly woman in a simple dress hurried in, followed by security guards trying to stop her?
“Please, Your Majesty she called out “I must speak with you!“X
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Dominic raised his hand, stopping the guards.!
“Mrs. Winters? What brings the director of Blackthom Orphanage here now?“?
Π
She held up a flash drive, “Forgive my intrusion, but you must see something. It concerns one of tonight’s candidates.”
Dominic exchanged glances with the blonde heir before nodding. “Proceed.”
The lights dimmed as the video began playing on the large screen. Lucas felt his blood run cold.X
The audio was crystal clear!!
“Just give us the receipt for the full amount.”
*Clara was saying, handing g over a c
check. “We only need proof of donation for the Blackthorn
“But this is only half of what you claimed,” Mrs. Winters protested on screen X
Lucas watched himself lean forward, “No one needs to know that. Just smile, sign the papers, and everyone’s happy.”
The elderly woman stood her ground, “This is for orphaned children. How could you-
“Liston, Clara interrupted, “once Lucas becomes Alpha, we’ll consider more funding. But right now, we need that receipt.
The footage continued, showing Lucas’s intimidation until the director signed.
The ballroom was deadly silent. Lucas felt sweat beading on his forehead as Clara clutched his arm painfully.
“There’s more,” Mrs. Winters said quietly.X
11:21 AM
The video changed to footage from earlier that day, showing Lucas and Clara arriving at the orphanage again. This time, they were angrily demanding the receipt back.
“We can’t risk anyone finding it, Clara hissed in the video. “That bitch Evelyn is still in town. She could ruin everything
At the mention of Evelyn’s name, the crowd’s whispers grew louder. Lucas stood up, his champagne glass shattering on
This is this is edited!” he shouted. It’s not what it looks like!”
A guard approached, handing Lucas his phone. Looking confused, Lucas took it.
“Check your messages, Dominic suggested coldly.
Lucas unlocked his phone. With trembling fingers, he opened what appeared to be a series of text messages.
“Would you care to share with our guests what you’re reading?” Dominic asked.
Lucas swallowed hard. “These–these aren’t mine. ”
“Then perhaps I should, Dominic nodded to a technician, and Lucas’s phone screen was projected for all to see
A senes of messages between Lucas and his Beta, Marcus, appeared:!!
Lucas: Get rid of those pack funds before anyone notices)
Marcus. Almost $500,000 is missing. People will notice
Lucas: Blame it on administrative error. We need that pendant to impress the Blackthorn heir
Marcus: What about the pack members who need those funds?
Lucas: They can wait. My position comes first
The
floor
Just as Lucas was about to speak, his phone rang. Dr. Nelson’s name flashed on the screen. When Lucas didn’t answer, the call was somehow connected to the speakers.
“Lucas, I can’t keep lying.” Dr. Nelson’s voice echoed through the hall. “The baby Clara’s carrying–it’s mine, not yours. We’ve been having an affair for months. I’m sorry, but everyone needs to know the truth.”
Photos began appearing on the screen–Clara and Dr. Nelson embracing, kissing, planning their future together.”
“You” Lucas turned to Clara. “You lied about everything?”
Clara backed away, “Lucas, I can explain-
His hand shot out, gripping her arm. The baby isn’t mine? You’ve been sleeping with him all this time?”
She jerked away. “At least he pays attention to me! All you care about is power and that pathetic Evelyn!”
Lucas lunged forward. Guards immediately rushed between them as chaos erupted
“Enough” Dominic’s voice thundered through the room. “Not only have you falsified donations and attempted to manipulate your way into power, but you’ve brought your personal disgrace into this sacred gathering.”
He gestured to the guards, “Remove them both. The Silverstone Pack deserves better leadership.”
Guards moved forward to escort them out. As they reached the doors, Lucas’s phone rang again. He answered it despite the guards pulling at his arms.3
“Sir,” Marcus’s voice was urgent. “I found something about Evelyn. She isn’t who you think she is.”
T
