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Alpha Kilian’s snout curled in her direction, his gaze unyielding to her challenging glare. “I’ve come to collect you. What do you think?”
He arched an eyebrow, condescendingly explaining it as if she were a naive pup. “Do you believe I stumbled upon this place and suddenly decided to play chauffeur for the Eden family?”
Shadow, though met with his icy words, remained unfazed. Her gaze drilled into his, as if interrogating a thief rather than one of the most sought-after bachelors in Hoover Pack. “Don’t try to deceive me.”
“You can believe what you wish; it matters not to me.” Alpha Kilian flashed a half-smile, as though he couldn’t care less about her opinion.
Truth be told, he had no intentions of picking her up. That was simply a convenient excuse for his true motive.
He desired to meet the other members of the Eden family, particularly those who had caused scandal and uproar in recent times. While it may not currently affect him directly, it certainly affected his wife. And that, my friend, was much too bothersome.
Shadow had already proven herself to be an independent woman with her own strengths and abilities. She was not burdened with the troubles of a typical wife. Nevertheless, if her family continued to cause more trouble, he wouldn’t hesitate to deal with them himself.
Just as Shadow was on the brink of retort, she caught sight of Lisa and Jason descending the stairs, followed closely by Jessica.
Though she couldn’t hear their conversation, she could sense it was nothing pleasant. They regarded her as if she had ravaged their most prized possession. Clenching her fist, she steeled herself for what was to come.
“Jessica, come greet Mr. Alpha Dominic,” Jason commanded, beckoning for Shadow to follow him. “Shadow, I have something to discuss with you. Come with me.”
“Alright, Dad,” she complied, trailing after him.
Jessica approached Alpha Kilian, ready to take Shadow’s place by his side. However, before she could reach him, he swiftly moved away. His gaze dismissed her like a smudge on a clean page, his words cutting through the air. “Stay away from me.”
Jessica stood frozen for a moment, her mind slipping back to the first time she had invited this man into their Castle. Instead of appreciating her boldness, he had driven away without a second thought.
This man was cold and indifferent beyond measure!
What did he see in Shadow? What was so extraordinary about her? Why would such an attractive and dominant man go through such lengths to retrieve her? Countless questions flooded Jessica’s mind, but she found no answers.
…
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Castle, Shadow followed her father into the study. Her head remained lowered throughout their journey. As they delved deeper into the dimly lit corridors, a chill filled the air.
Jason’s previously kind and understanding demeanor evaporated, replaced with a grave expression. “What is your relationship with Alpha Dominic?”
“Nothing. I have no connection to him,” Shadow denied innocently.
“Last time you came home, your mother and Jessica witnessed what transpired in the car!” Jason bellowed through clenched teeth, slamming his palm against the desk. His face flushed, his eyes gleaming with unbridled anger. “Do not dare lie to me! Tell me, what is your relationship with that man?”
The sudden commotion made Shadow flinch, a hint of fear creeping into her heart.
“Now that you are married to Alpha Kilian, your sole duty is to be a good wife. Why do you associate yourself with his cousin? Not only does this tarnish our reputation, but it also destroys you!”
Inwardly, Shadow sneered. Jason had never cared for her so ardently before.
His reason for bringing up the topic was solely its potential impact on the family’s image. It appeared that everything with them was akin to a business transaction.
When she finally glanced up, an innocent expression adorned her face. “I have never associated with him.”
Seeing her less than appealing appearance, Jason’s eyes flickered with disdain.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
He and Lisa were both strikingly beautiful individuals. With his ruggedly handsome features and Lisa’s gentle visage, he had expected Shadow to possess a beauty worthy of recognition. How could they have a daughter so repulsive?
If he hadn’t conducted a DNA test, he would have doubted if Shadow was truly his biological child.
She was so hideous that she lacked the qualifications to attract suitors. Even if she dared to approach Alpha Dominic, the man would have swiftly put her in her place. He would never entertain her advances.
However, Jason concealed his thoughts. After all, Shadow still held value to him.
“That’s good. When you have the chance, bring your sister to the Lances family. Help her make connections. Alpha Kilian’s cousin isn’t entirely detestable; they might make a suitable match.”
A suitable match?
Shadow stared at Jason with perplexity. “Doesn’t Jessica already have many friends? She still has Henry.”
“Concern yourself no further,” Jason coldly responded. “Now leave.”
“Yes, Father.”
Shadow lowered her head, focusing on her shoes. This was the typical dynamic within their household. If her father or mother scolded her, she would meekly remain silent. In this house, she was defenseless, her voice weaker than that of a ghost.