The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 14

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 14**

Craig

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The last thing I anticipated was to encounter Bella again in New York. Yet, there she was, standing amidst the bustling crowd at the mall event. For a fleeting moment, I questioned my own sanity, wondering if my eyes were deceiving me. She looked even more stunning than I remembered, her curves accentuated by the years that had passed. My heart began to race uncontrollably. Could it be that she had returned for me? A sense of pride swelled within me; after all, she had spent her most formative years with me. How could she possibly forget?

When she left, it felt as though my world had crumbled around me. I was consumed by a fury that words could hardly encapsulate, searching for her everywhere, but she had vanished without a trace. Maya had suggested I marry her, complying with her stepfather’s wishes, but I resisted. Yet, under her father’s insistence, I found myself engaged to her. I postponed the wedding, though, deep down, I recognized that Bella was the true reason for my hesitation.

Maya and I had become partners in a twisted game. Her father’s wealth was the lifeblood of my family’s hotels, keeping them afloat during turbulent times. Walking away from her would mean sacrificing more than I was willing to lose. But with her father’s health deteriorating, I was acutely aware that my time was running out. I needed Bella now more than ever.

After the party, I caught a glimpse of Bella slipping away, her hand clutching Scott’s coat tightly around her shoulders. A pang of jealousy surged through me at the sight of her with him. Unable to shake off the urge to know more, I hopped into a cab, following her to her destination. The cab pulled up to a hotel not far from the mall. I contemplated confronting her but decided against it, instead committing the location to memory before instructing my driver to take me home. I sent Maya a quick text about my discovery and resolved to visit her the following morning.

Upon arriving at Maya’s house, I was greeted by the aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. The table was adorned with an array of toasts, eggs, fresh fruits, and warm pastries. At the head of the table sat Isla, Bella’s grandmother, with Lucy on her right and Maya on her left. The only one absent was Jared Williams, who had been unwell for some time, often confined to his room. I stepped in, forcing a tight smile. “Good morning, everyone,” I greeted.

Lucy beamed at me, her smile brightening the room. “Craig! Come, sit with us,” she urged, her warmth always comforting.

Maya stood to greet me, planting a soft kiss on my cheek before resuming her seat. She appeared weary, the shadows under her eyes betraying a sleepless night. I knew Bella’s return had weighed heavily on her mind.

Isla remained seated, offering me a brief nod. She wore a delicate silk scarf around her neck, and a folded newspaper rested in her lap. Many often overlooked the fact that she was now the one in control, especially since the passing of her husband. With his departure, she had inherited a significant stake in Jade Fashion.

A look of melancholy shadowed her features. After a deep sigh, she spoke, “I have some unfortunate news. Bella is back in town. We spotted her last night at the Phoenix Mall event, and Craig knows where she is staying.”

The clattering of Lucy’s fork against her plate broke the silence. “She has the audacity to return after what she did?” she exclaimed, her voice laced with anger. “After the chaos she left behind? Your father is still struggling to cope with how she just vanished.”

I glanced at Isla, surprised to see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. That small gesture seemed to stiffen Maya, her jaw tightening with tension.

“Grandmother,” Maya interjected sweetly, “we cannot let Father know she’s here. It would only upset him further.” She took a deep breath, placing a hand over her heart. “I’m trying to shield our family from her presence.”

Isla raised an eyebrow, her expression inscrutable.

Maya pressed on, “She’s here to stir up trouble. Do you even know what she’s done? Let me tell you—”

Isla lifted the folded newspaper from her lap, her gaze sharp as she directed it at Maya. “Is this what you’re referring to?” she inquired, opening the paper and pointing to a section on page three. “I’m already aware that Bella has been shortlisted by Phoenix Malls, and their CEO is investing in her business.”

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