Chapter 76 Confrontation.
Chapter 76: Confrontation Under Moonlight
Chapter 76: Confrontation Under Moonlight
(Elena’s POV)
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Marcus’s expression dimmed as he stretched out his arm, trapping me between himself and the front of the car. “Do you really want to sever our mate bond so much?”
His voice carried that familiar dangerous edge that always made my spine straighten. The moonlight cast harsh shadows across his angular features, making him look more predator than mate.
I looked up at Marcus, meeting his golden eyes directly. “Yes.”
The word escaped my lips with definitive finality. His golden eyes intensified, as if trying to penetrate my very being through our mate bond. The connection between us crackled with tension, his Alpha authority pressing against my resolve.
Unnerved by his piercing stare, I frowned and averted my face. “Consider carefully be again.”
ntacting me
I tried to step around him, but his presence loomed over me like a storm cloud. Every instinct told me to flee from this confrontation.
As I attempted to leave, Marcus’s deep voice stopped me cold. “Do you want to sever our bond for Nathan Sterling?”
My steps faltered. My expression momentarily darkened before I forced it back to neutral. The accusation hit closer to home than I wanted to admit.
“Does it matter?” I countered, not trusting my voice to remain steady.
Marcus pressed on, his voice gaining intensity. “Do you believe Nathan despite his deception and manipulation? He’s been using you, Elena.”
1 remained silent, my jaw clenched tight. What could I say? That I knew Nathan had his own agenda? That I didn’t care as long as it served my purposes?
“Nathan isn’t truly trying to help,” Marcus warned, his tone almost pleading. “Think carefully before severing our mate bond for such a man.”
I turned to face Marcus, my anger finally breaking through my composure. “Do you truly believe I seek to sever our bond for Nathan Sterling?”
My voice rose with each word, “Besides, even if he is using me, he’s still better than you.”
Marcus’s eyes hardened with Alpha/authority. He grabbed my arm, his grip firm but not painful. “How long will you continue this charade?”
I forcefully broke free from his grasp, my skin burning where he’d touched me. “Stop pestering me, Marcus.
I strode into the courtyard without looking back, my heart hammering against my ribs. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing how his words affected me.
I entered the house and met my mother on the stairs. Her concerned expression told me she d’seen
Chapter 76 Confrontation
everything.
“What did Marcus want so late at night?” Patricia inquired softly.
I shrugged, feigning indifference. “I have no idea. Maybe he came solely to deny involvement in David’s
Incident.”
Lost in thought, I wondered what Marcus’s real motives were. Was he truly trying to clear his name, or was
this another manipulation?
Patricia’s soft voice pulled me back to the present. “Elena?”
I smiled, linking arms with my mother. “Let’s ignore him and go to bed.”
Patricia agreed, glancing out the window one last time before returning to the bedroom with me.
(Sophia Rivers‘ POV)
Later that night, in a luxurious hotel suite at Moonstone Manor, I leaned against the glass window, gasping for air. The city’s dazzling lights blurred together, obscuring the man’s face behind me.
After our passionate encounter, he coldly distanced himself. He calmly put on his clothes, his mover
efficient and detached.
I bit my lip, still catching my breath. “Do all men wear different masks in and out of bed?”
He retorted without looking at me. “It was consensual. You initiated it.”
My expression darkened. If I hadn’t yet secured Marcus, I would never have sought him out. This arrangement was purely strategic.
The man turned to face me, his expression serious. “Marcus is closing in on you through the corrupt official. He’ll reach Heidi Cross soon. Be smart.”
I clenched my fist, frustration boiling over. “You promised to help me become Luna of the Shadow Moon Pack. Will you betray me for Elena?”
Nathan Cross turned back, a smile replacing his earlier gloom. “Our relationship is mutually beneficial. There’s no need for interference.”
I calmed down, approaching Nathan. I ran my fingers over his tie, studying his face. “Your acting skills are impressive. I wonder how Elena would react if she knew.”
Nathan leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “Marcus shouldn’t know about your promiscuity with me.”
He straightened, his smile turning predatory. “Follow my instructions, and I’ll guarantee your success.”
Nathan left the room, leaving me standing there. My face contorted with displeasure as the door closed behind him.
I hadn’t planned on sleeping with Nathan when we first partnered up. A drunken encounter had led to this compromising situation. But I still needed Nathan to become Luna.
The Cross Family might not be as wealthy as the Blackwood Family, but Nathan satisfied my desires and possessed real talent. Without his covert assistance in erasing evidence, Marcus’s people would have uncovered my crimes.
I smirked coldly, pitying Elena. She had no idea what was coming.
Chapter 76 Confrontation.
(Elena’s POV)
The next day, I visited Joyce Harrison in the hospital. Deputy Minister Harrison was extremely warm, even instructing his secretary to send me a gift later to express his gratitude.
“Thank you, Deputy Minister,” I said politely.
I wanted to inquire about Joyce’s health, but I noticed she kept staring at me with an odd expression.
“What’s your name, dear?” Joyce asked suddenly.
“Elena Blackwood,” I replied, puzzled by her intense scrutiny.
Joyce muttered to herself, her brow furrowed in concentration. Deputy Minister Harrison leaned in,
concerned.
“What’s wrong, darling?”
Joyce shook her head, smiling. “Elena looks like a friend of mine.”
Deputy Minister Harrison dismissed it with a wave. “Must be fate.”
Joyce looked at me a few more times, her expression thoughtful. “Elena looks like my close Evans when she was young.”
JJoanna
I left the hospital after determining that Joyce was recovering well. The strange encounter lingered in my mind as I returned to my office.
Back in Elena’s Healing Chamber, I found Nathan Sterling waiting for me. His presence filled the small space, making it feel even more cramped.
“I need to be honest with you,” Nathan began, his usual playful demeanor replaced by seriousness. “1 deliberately implicated Marcus when investigating your brother’s case.”
I stared at him, shocked by his admission.
“There are personal reasons involving our elders, he continued. “But my motive was you. I wanted to pursue
you.
I choked on the water I’d been drinking. Nathan quickly patted my back, his touch gentle.
“Are you alright?”
I nodded, still coughing, “I’m fine.”
He apologized, his expression earnest. Im sorry for being so abrupt. I intended to wait until after your mate bond severance.”
I set down my glass, trying to process his confession. “Nathan, I-
“You don’t need to answer immediately, he interrupted. “I’m not impatient.”
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