Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 304

I heard Victoria's satisfied exhale. "Good. The money will be in your account by morning."

"What if they suspect something?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

"They won't. You made it look like an accident, didn't you?"

I nodded, though she couldn't see me. "Yes. I stayed downwind so they couldn't catch my scent."

"Perfect. Now act normal. Pretend you're devastated."

The call ended, and I leaned against the wall, letting the reality of what I'd done sink in. The initial guilt I'd felt had faded, overshadowed by thoughts of what I could do with such a large sum.

"It's not my fault," I muttered to myself. "That Olivia Winters is so stingy with her tips anyway. And the old woman was already sick."

I straightened my uniform and applied scent-neutralizing lotion to mask any lingering anxiety. Taking a deep breath, I composed my features into an expression of appropriate grief.

Time to return to the ward and play my part.

(Olivia's POV)

I awakened to the steady beep of monitors. For a moment, I was disoriented, then the doctor's words came rushing back.

"Mom," I whispered, tears streaming down my face as I looked at her unconscious form.

She lay still, connected to life support, her wolf barely perceptible beneath her pale skin. The sight broke something inside me.

A warm hand touched my shoulder. I turned to see Ethan watching me, his amber eyes filled with concern.

"Don't," I said, pushing his hand away. My wolf was still wary of his touch, despite his recent acts of kindness.

The door opened, and Sarah entered, her face a mask of concern. "Oh, Ms. Winters, you're awake! How are you feeling?"

I stared at her, my emerald eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What happened to my mother? She was stable when I left."

Sarah's expression shifted to one of hurt. "I don't know! I was just doing my job, checking her vitals like I always do."

"You were the only one with her," I pressed, my voice hardening.

"Are you accusing me of something?" Sarah's voice rose indignantly. "First the lamp, now this? Maybe I should just quit if you don't trust me!"

Something in her performance felt off. I remembered the Concealed Pinhole Surveillance Camera James had insisted on installing after the first "accident" with the Fallen Bedside Lamp.