Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94 The Birthday Party

Jillian’s POV:

The night was buzzing with laughter and music inside the Mistbane Mansion.

But to me, the noise felt colder than the middle of winter.

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Every other year, this party used to be mine. I would wear the finest haute couture gown and stand in the center with Dad and Desmond. All the guests would be around me; I would be soaked in their blessings and envy.

But this year, the invitation only carried one name–beloved daughter, Deanna Wiley. And I was left standing at the edge, like an outsider who couldn’t even catch a glimpse of the spotlight.

Whispers drifted through the crowd. “Why did they suddenly change? Wasn’t this party always for Ms. Jillian?”

“Guess the family finally realized who the real daughter is. A fake can never turn into the real thing.”

“I heard Deanna had landed a huge investment for the pack, but she also secured the deal to bring in Muses, that luxury brand, into their mall. With a daughter that capable, I’d treasure her too.”

“In short–Jillian has fallen out of favor.”

I stood by the door. Their words pierced straight through me. My fists clenched so hard my nails dug into my palms.

Deanna! Why didn’t you die 20 years ago?

“Jillian, don’t listen to them.” Desmond’s voice came beside me.

He stood close, his presence steady. “Don’t worry. Once I secure the director’s seat, I’ll kick Deanna out of the company. I’ll make this right for you.”

Tears spilled down my face before I could stop them. I turned toward him, broken.

“Desmond, I’m no longer your sister. Look–Dad threw a party for Deanna this year and pushed my birthday to the next day. Soon there won’t be a place for me in this family at all.”

Desmond frowned, firm in his reply. “No. In mine and Mom’s eyes, you’ll always be family. Deanna’s nothing but a stray.”

“But Dad doesn’t love me anymore.”

“He’s just confused now. You know his nature. Deanna brought in those deals, so Dad’s rewarding her like an employee. That’s all it is.”

I threw myself into Desmond’s arms, clutching him tight.

“Desmond, will you always stand by me?”

“Always,” he promised.

At his words, the corners of my lips curved ever so slightly.

My dear brother, tonight, I’ll count on you.

1/3

4:40 pm

1. MM.

Chapter 94 The Birthday Party

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Deanna’s POV:

I’d changed into a lovely evening gown, but I sat on the sofa staring at my phone.

Tonight was my first birthday party since I returned to the pack.

I thought I’d be happy. But I wasn’t. I couldn’t drum up any feeling.

Maybe because I knew the truth.

None of the people outside are truly celebrating me.

I stared at my phone, but my mind was on a man far away.

My thumb tapped the screen. I laughed at myself–he’s overseas.

Deanna, you spent your birthdays alone last year. Tonight you have a crowd to celebrate with you. What more do you want?

Suddenly, someone pushed the door open.

Kathryn strode in with a strapless gown and a Hermès scarf, arm in arm with Philip in a suit.

“Deanna,” Kathryn said, “the party’s started. Why isn’t Jake here yet?”

I rose from the sofa. “Jake won’t come tonight.”

Kathryn frowned. “Why wouldn’t he come? It’s your 24th birthday–a big night. He’s your fiancé. Jake has to show up. I’m calling him.”

She pulled her phone from her bag and moved to the side to dial.

I stepped forward and placed my hand over her screen.

“He has nothing to do with me. Why should I ask him here?”

“What did you say?” Kathryn snapped, looking up. “You told me that you would invite your boyfriend. Now you say you have nothing to do with him? Deanna, what are you playing at?

“Do you have any idea what people are saying out there?” Kathryn went on. “They’re saying you lost to Peggie. They say you staged a breakup to win him back. I can’t even hold my head up before those socialites! Yesterday at the spa, I ran into Barbara; she looked at me like I was a fly.”

Philip spoke up.

“Deanna, your mother made this birthday party a big affair. The guests out there are VIPs of the Mistbane Pack.”

He meant it wasn’t just my birthday. It was a night that belonged to the heiress of the Mistbane Pack.

As the heiress, my fiancé had to be here to back up the pack’s status. The reputation of the pack would suffer if he doesn’t show up.

I glanced down at my silent phone and sighed.

“I told you I would invite my boyfriend, but unfortunately he’s on a business trip.”

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