Chapter 33
365words
One day, when Aria and I were truly free, I would make every single person who hurt her pay!
For two years I worked relentlessly to gain power. Barely saw Aria.
The upside—she became adorably clingy. Would leap into my arms when I came home. Followed me around like a shadow.
Just when I thought things were looking up, my investigators uncovered Ethan Cross's true background.
No wonder.
Not even truly wealthy, yet it took me two years to uncover the truth.
Reading that report, my blood turned to ice.
At Thornfield Manor, Uncle Marcus sat in the garden, waiting for me.
Hearing my approach, he turned, meeting my gaze with perfect calm.
"Not calling me anymore?"
He had sent Ethan Cross—to tempt Aria on one hand, provoke me on the other.
If Aria wavered, I'd return to the Pack in fury.
But Aria hadn't. So Ethan had targeted me instead, stoking my ambition.
Just as we were about to register our marriage, he escalated—had Ethan humiliate me thoroughly, then Marcus played the understanding uncle, offering me a way back.
Everything had been under his control. Even our "escape" years ago.
If any other Thornfield wolf had orchestrated this, I wouldn't have been surprised.
But I never imagined Uncle Marcus could be so calculating.
"You've matured quickly these past years." Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. "Hardship has made you resilient. Ambitious, capable, steady, decisive."
"You're now a worthy Alpha heir. That human girl has served her purpose."
"I'll give you time to end things cleanly."
"Or I can handle it for you."
Fury burning. "Touch her and see what happens!"
"After your proper marriage, keep her as a mistress if you must. But bringing her into Thornfield? Absolutely not. Humans aren't worthy to bear Thornfield Pack children."
I blurted out: "She's already carrying my child! In this lifetime, there will be no one but her!"
His expression darkened instantly. He called for guards to restrain me, dispatched men to find Aria.
Panicking, I destroyed everything in reach.
Shouted that I was lying, that Aria wasn't pregnant.
No one listened.
They wouldn't allow any accidents.
