His eyes burned with anger. He shoved his chair back so abruptly it scraped loudly against the floor. “You’re unbelievable,” he snapped before storming out of the dining hall.
Victoria quickly stood, lifting Liam into her arms as she followed him, as though worried I might do something to them.
But I remained where I was, trembling.
My nails dug into my palms as I tried to steady myself. Inside, my wolf whimpered softly, confused and wounded. How had things fallen apart so badly? How had the man who once promised to cherish me above all else become someone who saw me as nothing more than a financial bridge?
Hours later, the mansion buzzed with activity again.
Visitors had arrived—mostly other Alphas. Their deep laughter echoed from Xavier’s office, loud and carefree. I walked quietly through the corridor toward my guest room, hoping to avoid them. But as I neared the office, their conversation drifted out, sharp and unmistakable.
“I heard the wedding with Brielle didn’t happen,” one Alpha remarked with a chuckle.
“Didn’t happen?” another laughed loudly. “Xavier never planned on showing up in the first place.”
Their laughter grew louder.
My breath caught.
Then Xavier’s voice joined them, relaxed and almost amused. “Still, all the wedding preparations paid off. Moonveil transferred hundreds of thousands before the event. Easy money.”
I froze where I stood.
“So you never intended to marry her?” another Alpha asked.
“Why would I?” Xavier replied casually, arrogance thick in his tone. “She’s useful leverage. Her pack is wealthy, and I needed funding for Stormvale’s expansion.”
More laughter erupted.
My heart shattered.
Through the slight gap in the partially open door, I caught sight of the room. Victoria sat comfortably on Xavier’s lap, her hands sliding across his chest as she pressed kisses along his collarbone. None of the other Alphas seemed surprised.
I bit my lip until I tasted blood.
Victoria’s voice purred softly. “So what happens now, darling? I heard Brielle told her parents to stop sending money.”
Xavier smirked. “If she still wants to eat and live comfortably here, she’ll change her mind soon enough. I’m not spending a single coin to support her stay in my pack.”
Cruel laughter followed.
Something inside me broke.