Chapter 33: False Accusations.
Chapter 33: False Accusations
(Olivia’s POV)
A piercing scream shattered the evening quiet of the Stone Estate gardens. I whirled around to see Emma’s small body plunging into the Moonlit Reflection Pool, water splashing violently as she disappeared beneath
the surface.
For a split secChapter 32: A Taste of Revenge
Chapter 32: A Taste of Revenge
(Victoria’s POV)
Where had Ethan disappeared to? I had only turned away for a moment to discuss the seating arrangement with Eleanor, and he’d vanished.
I smoothed my designer dress, irritation flickering across my features. This was supposed to be my night- the celebration of my triumph over Olivia at the Howling Moon Grand Hotel. Yet Ethan had wandered off
again.
“Have you seen Alpha Stone?” I asked a passing servant, my voice sweet but commanding.
The young wolf lowered her eyes respectfully. “I believe he went toward the kitchen, Mrs. Frost”
The kitchen? Understanding dawned on me. That’s where Eleanor had sent Olivia
A malicious smile curved my lips as I gestured for Isabelle to follow me. “Let’s go find our Alpha, shall we?”
Isabelle matched my stride, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “I can’t believe that woman had the audacity
to touch Ethan like that in front of everyone.”
“Desperation,” I replied with a dismissive wave. “She knows she’s losing him.”
As we approached the kitchen, I slowed my steps, hearing the low rumble of Ethan’s voice from within. Perfect. I wanted to catch them together–to see Olivia put in her place.
Inside the kitchen, Ethan’s enhanced werewolf hearing picked up our approaching footsteps. His body tensed
against Olivia’s as he recognized my scent.
Victoria’s coming,” he growled, his amber eyes flashing with warning.
Olivia’s emerald gaze locked with his, defiance radiating from her slender frame. “Let her
Ethan released his grip on her arms, stepping back just enough to create distance between them. Olivia swayed slightly from the sudden loss of his support, her hand reaching for the counter to steady herself.
My heels clicked against the marble floor as I drew closer to the kitchen door. Just before I reached it, Olivia
made her move.
With deliberate slowness, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Ethan’s muscular torso, pressing her body against his. His jaw tightened, eyes darkening with anger and something else–something that made my blood boil,
“Olivia Winters, don’t mess around,” he growled, the warning in his voice unmistakable.
But she didn’t release him. Instead, her arms tightened around him as the swung open, reveang
kitchen door
their embrace to my shocked gaze.
I froze in the doorway, Isabelle gasping behind me.
Ethan’s hands moved to Olivia’s shoulders, pushing her away with barely contained frustration. His expression was thunderous as he turned to face me.
“Victoria,” he said, his voice carefully controlled. “I was just leaving”
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Olivia quickly turned back to the cutting board, resuming her work as if nothing had happened. But I wasn’t fooled. I noticed how Ethan’s shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a small red mark on his collarbone
My eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. That mark hadn’t been there earlier.
Isabelle noticed it too, her face contorting with rage. “You shameless woman!” she exploded, storming past me toward Olivia. “How dare you try to seduce the Alpha King right under our noses!”
Olivia continued chopping venison, her movements precise and controlled. “I don’t know what you’re talking
about, Isabelle.”
“You worthless woman” Isabelle snarled, stepping closer. “Everyone knows he doesn’t want you anymore.
You’re just embarrassing yourself!”
Without warning, Olivia turned and shoved a heaping spoonful of salt directly into Isabelle’s open mouth. Isabelle’s eyes widened in shock as she gagged on the overwhelming taste.
“Oops,” Olivia said calmly. “I thought you needed something to go with all that bitterness.”
Isabelle sputtered and coughed, spitting salt onto the pristine kitchen floor. With a final hateful glare, she rushed from the room, still gagging and spitting.
Ethan watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. Then, without a word, he straightened his
shirt and walked out, brushing past me in the doorway.
I remained, glaring daggers at Olivia’s back. The tension between us crackled like electricity in the air.
“You think you’ve won something.” I hissed, my perfect composure slipping. “But we both know the truth.”
Olivia didn’t respond, her focus seemingly absorbed by the meal preparation. The dismissal only fueled my
anger.
“This little game you’re playing–it won’t work,” I continued, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “He’s already mine.”
With that, I turned and left, my heels striking the floor like punctuation marks to my threat.
Behind me, alone in the kitchen, Olivia finally paused in her work. She raised trembling fingers to her lips, wiping away the lingering presence of Ethan with the back of her hand.
(Olivia’s POV)
I arranged the final garnish on the platter of venison, my movements deliberate and precise. The tender meat was perfectly seared, complemented by a reduction of moonlight wine and forest herbs.
Despite Eleanor’s instructions, I didn’t join the family at the dining table. I couldn’t bear to watch Victoria simper at Ethan while Emma played the perfect daughter.
Instead, I slipped out to Matriarch Evelyn Stone’s garden. The elderly former Luna had always shown me kindness, teaching me about the rare healing plants she cultivated here. Though she was away visiting relatives, tending her garden brought me a measure of peace.
I knelt beside a patch of moonlight herbs, gently removing weeds that threatened to choke the delicate plants. The familiar scent of the herbs calmed my racing thoughts.
“Playing gardener now? How fitting”
Victoria’s mocking voice shattered my brief moment of tranquility. I didn’t look up, continuing my careful work
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Chapter 12 A Taste of He
among the plants.
“These herbs need attention,” I replied evenly “Unlike some people who receive more than their share”
Victoria circled around me, her designer heels sinking slightly into the soft garden soil. That little display in the kitchen was pathetic, you know”
I remained silent, focusing on a stubborn weed with unusual intensity.
“You think anyone was fooled?” she continued, her voice dripping with disdain. “Everyone knows you’re just Ethan’s unwanted wife.”
My fingers stilled among the herbs, but I kept my gaze downcast,
“A pathetic woman who couldn’t even protect her own child.”
My head snapped up, emerald eyes meeting her cold blue ones. “What did you say?”
Victoria’s perfect lips curved into a cruel smile. “You heard me. Poor little Lily, gone because her mother wasn’t good enough.”
I rose slowly to my feet, my entire body trembling with barely contained rage. Roland Warner’s dying words echoed in my mind: “Victoria didn’t want to save her own daughter… She wanted Lily dead!”
“You have no right to speak her name,” I said, my voice dangerously quiet.
Victoria stepped closer, emboldened by my restraint. “It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? You lose your daughter, while
Emma thrives under Ethan’s protection. The daughter he actually loves.”
The slap echoed through the garden like a thunderclap, the force of it snapping Victoria’s head to the side.
Her perfectly manicured hand flew to her reddening cheek, shock written across her features.
“You” she gasped, but I cut her off by stepping closer, my emerald eyes cold as ice.
“This is just the beginning!” I warned, my voice barely above a whisper,
I turned and walked away, leaving her stunned in the garden. My hand stung from the impact, but satisfaction coursed through my veins. It was a small victory, but it tasted sweet nonetheless.
Behind me, I heard small footsteps running toward Victoria.
“Mommy! What happened?” Emma’s childish voice called out.
I didn’t turn back, but I could imagine Victoria gathering Emma into her arms, using the child as both shield
and weapon.
“It’s nothing, sweetheart, Victoria soothed, but her voice carried to me on the evening breeze. “That mean lady hurt Mommy, but don’t worry. We’ll make her sorry”
Emma’s response was too quiet for me to hear, but I felt a chill run down my spine nonetheless. Victoria was dangerous enough, but I’d learned that her daughter could be equally manipulative.
(Emma’s POV)
I watched the mean lady walk away from my mommy. Her red handprint was still on Mommy’s cheek, and it made my tummy feel all twisted and hot.
Nobody was allowed to hurt my mommy. Not ever.
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Chapter 32 A tanker
Thate her,” I whispered, hugging Mommy tight. Til make her cry like she made you cry.”
Mommy stroked my hair, her fingers gentle. “Emma, darling, you shouldn’t say such things”
But I could tell she didn’t really mean it. Her eyes looked different–the same way they did when she told me to practice my sad face for Daddy.
“I know what to do,” I said, pulling away from her embrace. Til go now.”
Mommy grabbed my arm, her eyes suddenly worried. “Emma, what are you planning?”
I gave her my sweetest smile, the one that always made Daddy give me anything I wanted. “Nothing bad, Mommy, I promise.”
She hesitated, then released my arm. “Be careful, sweetheart.”
I nodded and skipped away, following the path that the mean lady had taken. I knew exactly where she was going to the Moonlit Reflection Pool where she often sat alone.
Sure enough, I found her standing by the water’s edge, staring at her reflection. She looked sad, which made me happy. She deserved to be sad after hurting my mommy.
I approached quietly, putting on my best nice–girl face. “Auntie Olivia,” I called, my voice high and sweet.
She turned, her body stiffening at the sight of me. I could see she didn’t like me calling her “Auntie,” and that
made me want to say it even more.
“Emma,” she replied, her voice careful. “You shouldn’t be out here alone.”
I stepped closer, my smile widening. “I wanted to see you, Auntie.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in my expression. She was smart–she could tell I was pretending. But it didn’t matter. Adults always believed children in the end.
“Where’s your mother?” she asked, glancing behind me as if expecting Victoria to appear.
“With Daddy,” I answered, watching her face closely to see if that hurt her. It did. Her eyes got darker, like when Mommy mentioned her dead daughter.
I moved to stand right at the edge of the reflection pool, my small shoes inches from the water. The pool was deep in the middle–deep enough that if I fell in, everyone would come running,
“You should step back from the edge,” she warned, taking a step toward me.
I widened my eyes, making them look scared. “Are you going to push me like you pushed my mommy?”
She froze, confusion crossing her features. “I didn’t-”
That was all I needed. With a perfectly timed movement, I threw myself backward into the reflection pool, my small body creating a dramatic splash,
The cold water enveloped me as I let out a piercing scream that would surely bring the entire household
running.
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ond, I stood frozen in shock. Then instinct took over, and I rushed toward the water’s edge.
Before I could reach her, Victoria’s voice rang out across the garden. “Help! Someone help! My daughter is drowning!”
Servants appeared from every direction, rushing toward the commotion. Two of them immediately jumped into the reflection pool, while others gathered around the edge.
“Save her! Save Emma!” Victoria wailed, her perfect makeup streaking down her cheeks as she sobbed dramatically.
I watched as the servants pulled Emma from the water, their faces etched with genuine concern. They wrapped her in jackets and blankets, fussing over her like she was precious pack royalty
The stark contrast to how they had treated Lily during her illness wasn’t lost on me. When my daughter had
needed help, these same servants had been distant and formal, following Eleanor’s lead in treating her as
less important.
“What happened here?” Eleanor Stone’s sharp voice cut through the chaos as she hurried toward the scene,
Isabelle trailing behind her.
Victoria pointed a trembling finger at me. “She pushed Emma! She pushed my baby into the water!”
Eleanor’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Seize her!” she commanded without hesitation, pointing at me.
Two burly male servants immediately grabbed my arms, their grip firm enough to bruise. I struggled against
their hold.
“I didn’t push her! She fell in on her own!” I protested, but Eleanor silenced me with a withering glare.
“Take her to the main house,” she ordered. “Alpha Stone will deal with this.”
As the servants dragged me away, I caught Emma’s eye. The little girl was shivering dramatically, but there was something else in her expression–a hint of satisfaction that chilled me more than the evening air.
The sound of running footsteps announced Ethan’s arrival. His powerful frame cut through the gathered
crowd, his amber eyes immediately finding Emma.
“What happened?” he demanded, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.
Emma, seeing him approach, began to tremble more violently. Her small lips quivered as she looked him with wide, tear–filled eyes.
“Daddy…” she whimpered, reaching for him with small, shaking hands.
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Without hesitation, Ethan rushed to her side. He quickly assessed her condition, his movements efficient and
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concerned. With gentle hands, he removed her wet clothes and wrapped his leather jacket around her tiny
frame.
“I’ve got you, princess,” he murmured, scooping her into his arms.
Emma clung to him, burying her face against his chest. Then, slowly, she turned her head to look at me. Our eyes met across the garden, and I saw something in her gaze that no five–year–old should possess-
calculation.
“Luna Olivia, she…” Emma began, her voice breaking as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. She trailed off, seemingly too overcome with emotion to continue.
Ethan’s gaze snapped to me, his amber eyes hardening to cold stone. The accusation in his look was unmistakable–the same look he’d given me when Emma had fallen into the cake tower at the Silver Crown
Hotel.
I met his gaze unflinchingly, anger bubbling up inside me. Once again, he was ready to believe the worst of me without question, without even hearing my side.
“Take her inside, Ethan ordered the servants holding me. “Now.”
The main house was warm compared to the evening chill of the gardens. The servants pushed me into the sitting room, forcing me to stand in the center like a criminal awaiting judgment.
Ethan entered moments later, still cradling Emma in his arms. The child refused to leave his embrace, clinging to him like a lifeline while occasionally shooting me fearful glances.
Dr. Harold Bennett arrived shortly after, summoned by Eleanor to examine Emma. The elderly pack healer approached with his medical bag, his movements deliberate and precise.
“Let me see her, Alpha Stone,” he requested, his voice carrying the weight of decades of experience.
Ethan reluctantly set Emma down on the sofa but remained close, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. Dr. Bennett examined her thoroughly, checking her temperature and listening to her breathing.
‘She’s caught a chill, but nothing serious,” he finally announced. “Some warm moonberry tea should help her
recover quickly.”
Then he added something that made my blood run cold. “However, we must monitor her closely. With her recent kidney transplant, even a minor illness could lead to complications. Her immune system is still
vulnerable.”
Ethan’s face darkened at these words, his amber eyes fixing on me with a sharp, accusatory glint. The implication was clear–I had not only pushed Emma into the water but had potentially endangered her life
due to her medical condition.
Victoria, who had been weeping softly beside Ethan, suddenly straightened. Her tear–streaked face hardened
as she turned toward me.
“How could you?” she demanded, her voice rising with each word. “This isn’t the first time you’ve targe
is it? First me, now my daughter?”
‘ us,
She took a step closer, her perfectly manicured finger pointing accusingly at my face. “You’re jealous. You’ve always been jealous of what Ethan and I share, of how he loves Emma.”
Victoria’s voice broke with practiced emotion. “She’s just a child, Olivia. A frail child who has already suffered.
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so much. Do you have any idea what could have happened? After her surgery, even a simple cold could be
dangerous!
Her words struck like physical blows. “What kind of woman targets a five year–old? What kind of heartlessness does that require?”
Each accusation was carefully crafted to mirror my own suspicions about Lily’s death. Victoria was painting me as exactly what she was–someone who would harm a child out of jealousy and spite
I watched Ethan’s expression grow grimmer with each of Victoria’s words. His jaw tightened, the muscle there twitching with barely contained anger.
I stood tall, refusing to be cowed by their accusations. “I did not push Emma into the reflection pool. She fell
in on her own.”
Before I could explain further, Isabelle stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with malice. “That’s a lie. I saw everything from the garden path. You pushed her with both hands when you thought no one was watching” Isabelle’s voice dripped with contempt as she continued. “You’re so transparent, Olivia. You can’t stand that Ethan loves Victoria and Emma instead of you. Your jealousy has driven you to this.”
I opened my mouth to defend myself, to point out that Isabelle couldn’t possibly have seen anything from the garden path, which was obscured by tall hedges.
But Eleanor cut me off before I could speak. “This isn’t the first time you’ve used such underhanded tactics, is it? Five years ago, you drugged Ethan to trap him into marriage. Now you’re trying to eliminate anyone who threatens your position.”
Eleanor turned to the servants standing nearby. “Take her to the Stone Ancestral Hall. It’s time she learned her place in this pack.”
The servants moved forward, grabbing my arms once more. I struggled against their grip, trying to catch
Ethan’s eye.
‘Ethan, please! You know I wouldn’t do this!” I pleaded.
But Ethan remained seated on the sofa, his face impassive as he watched the servants drag me away. Not a flicker of doubt crossed his features, not a moment of hesitation in believing the worst of me.
As I was pulled from the room, I caught a final glimpse of Victoria comforting Emma, who had miraculously recovered enough to whisper something in her mother’s ear. Victoria’s lips curved into a small, satisfied
smile.
The Stone Ancestral Hall was cold and imposing, its stone walls lined with carvings of previous Alpha leaders. The servants pushed me roughly into the center of the circular room, the sound of our footsteps echoing ominously.
“Kneel!” one of them ordered sharply.
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