99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 160

A moment ago, Steven’s rage had been so palpable that it seemed ready to explode as he rushed in the direction of me.

Yet the very next second, I was stunned to see his face twist into an exaggerated, dazzling smile.

“Claire! It really is you! My dear niece!” Steven spread his arms wide, his voice booming loudly enough for the remaining reporters and guests to hear every word. “Seeing your success today fills me with pride! You truly live up to the Reese name!”

He paused deliberately, sweeping his gaze around as if seeking approval. Sure enough, several guests turned their heads, their eyes caught by his theatrics.

Satisfied, he looked back at me with an expression of feigned affection.

“You’ve been gone all these years, struggling alone in Sterling Moon Pack. My heart has ached for you! I heard-you and your mate have rejected one another now, all on your own. Surely you’ve suffered long enough. Please, come home. The door to the Reese family will always be open for you. All you had to do was ask.”

His words rose and fell like a well-rehearsed speech, making sure not a single syllable was missed.

But I saw straight through it.

I announced to everyone that anyone associated with Steven Reese would never receive permission for my designs; of course, he is here kissing my arse. Spinning it around so that people think it was me holding grudges unprovoked.

Just as he lunged forward, about to pull me into a hug, I loosened my fingers.

My phone slipped to the ground with a crisp clack.

I bent to pick it up in one smooth motion, cleverly dodging the false embrace without giving him an edge to continue to paint me in poor light.

I stepped back several paces to create a safe distance after I gathered my phone.

“Uncle Steven, I trust you’ve been well,” I said evenly, my polite smile masking cold detachment. “But as for going home, there is no need. Thank you for your sudden kindness, but the night you ran my mother and me out of here after stealing things that were yours was a clear enough message, wouldn’t you think?”

Home? I knew better than anyone that his so-called “homecoming” was nothing but a trap, a cage dressed up as family concern.

Why would I walk willingly into it? Better yet, why would I play the game of his innocence?

For a heartbeat, anger flickered across Steven’s face before he replaced it with a wounded look.

“Claire, don’t speak about horrible rumours. You were too young to understand, but your family has missed you dearly! Your aunts, your cousins-they’ve been talking about wanting to see you. Especially your grandma.”

He paused, lowering his voice with perfect timing.

“Her health has declined. She said she only wishes to find you before she goes and meets the Goddess in the Meadow, where your parents wait above. Do you remember how much she loved you, how she spoiled you most of all? Can you really bear to let her dying wish go unanswered like this?”

The word “grandma” struck me like a key turning in a long-sealed lock.

The same kind woman who used to sneak me candies, who told me stories, and who held me when my parents were too busy was the only one in the Reese family who had given me warmth after my father died and my mother was lost in mourning over her mate.

But then Grandma had fallen ill and was locked away behind high walls. Every attempt I made to reach her was met with silence; they kept her hidden from the world.

I had even feared, in despair, that Grandma might already be gone.

And now-now she was alive?

The sudden realization struck me like a physical blow; my heart clenched, an icy hand seizing it, and a pain so profound it stole my breath.

Of course, I wanted to see my Grandmother more than anyone. On countless sleepless nights, I had worried about her, terrified that she was trapped in that cold house, suffering their abuse and wondering if I’d forgotten her.

But then I caught the flash of malice in Steven’s eyes.

A chill raced up my spine.

I knew without a shadow of doubt now that this so-called family concern was nothing but bait.

He wanted to lure me back and ensnare me all over again. I had value for them now. They would use

Grandma against me and make me sign over all of my current and future work. I’d never be free again-a fate worse than that with Liam.

But if I refused, what would happen to my Grandmother?

The torment tore me apart. My lips pressed tight, nails digging into my palms until pain kept me grounded.

I had two options nows: Go back, and I would be walking into a trap. Don’t go back, and Grandma might suffer worse as a result of my disobedience.

My mind spun with the impossible choice, shackled by fear.

Then, a deep, cold voice cut through the murmur of the hall like a blade slicing ice.

“Her Grandmother truly does miss her granddaughter. That’s why the old lady insisted on coming here herself-to witness this moment of glory with her own eyes.”

Every gaze turned toward the entrance.

Against the bright lights, a tall, straight figure appeared, pushing a wheelchair with steady hands.

Seated in it was a frail elderly woman, neatly dressed, silver hair carefully combed-it was my Grandmother.

And behind her was a man I’d know anywhere. In a perfectly tailored dark suit, his face sharp and severe as if carved from stone-it was Lucien.

A powerful aura radiated from him, cold and commanding. His eagle-sharp eyes swept the room, and the crowd instinctively parted to clear his path.

Time itself seemed to freeze.

The smile on Steven’s face shattered, twisting into shock and fury.