Author’s pov
Maggie’s brow tightened at Cassian’s words. She hadn’t seen this coming.
After Cassian and Martha disappeared for so long, she figured Belinda had stepped in when her own people failed.
But that was just a guess. She never got the chance to confirm it, and Belinda hadn’t sent a single message.
Maybe she’d celebrated too soon. Maybe Belinda had already left Colorado Springs without interfering tonight. Maybe Cassian and Martha had simply been delayed picking up those socalled “friends. ”
The thought that her earlier sense of victory might have been nothing but wishful thinking hit her like a punch to the gut.
“What friends ? “Zane asked, pushing his glasses up his nose, a nervous habit he’d never quite shaken.
Maggie’s sharp gaze snapped to him, catching the quick flicker of tension in his eyes. A dangerous thought hit her.
[ Could it be Zane’s secret child ? Had Martha found out about an illegitimate heir and planned to show them off tonight ? ]
Cassian’s grin turned sly as he watched Maggie’s expression shift. “You’ll find out soon enough. Try a little patience, Aunt Maggie. ”
—
Across the room, Alpha Sebastian’s jaw tightened. He knew what was really going on. His eyes darkened as he turned and headed straight for the exit.
He thought Cassian had brought Cecilia here against her will, and he wasn’t about to let that happen.
“Sebastian ! Wait ! “Cassian shouted, but when his friend didn’t stop, he ran after him.
Alpha Sebastian tried to push past, but Cassian blocked his path.
In seconds, things got physical. Cassian wrapped his arms around Alpha Sebastian’s waist and held on tight.
“Sebastian, you can’t run from this. Just let it play out, “Cassian said through clenched teeth.
“Back off, “Alpha Sebastian growled.
“Not a chance. You’re staying right here. ”
“Let go. ”
“Nope. My arms aren’t moving. ”
“Cassian ! “Alpha Sebastian’s voice was low and dangerous now.
The scene was ridiculous. Two powerful guys were brawling in the middle of a black-tie event, and the whole room went dead silent.
Conversations stopped. Guests started whispering behind their champagne glasses, curiosity crackling through the ballroom like static.
While everyone’s attention was locked on the spectacle, Maggie’s eyes darted across the room.
She caught someone’s gaze near the edge of the crowd and gave the slightest nod. The figure slipped out a side door, unseen by anyone else.
—
In the private lounge, Cecilia finally gave in and let Helena and Martha dress her up for the evening. She’d been restless the entire time, her mind racing.
When the older women turned away, she secretly texted Harper, asking her to come by and fill her in on what was happening outside.
Harper showed up a few minutes later, Beta Sawyer trailing behind her.
Growing impatient, Helena stepped forward and took Cecilia’s arm. “He’s not coming here, “she said flatly. “Cassian’s keeping him busy. ”
Before Cecilia could say anything, Helena took her other arm and handed it to Martha. The two of them guided her to the door, though it felt more like they were dragging her.
Harper and Beta Sawyer stood frozen before scrambling after them.
In the hallway, a woman in a sleek black gown lingered near the corner, half-hidden in the shadows.
The moment the lounge door opened and she spotted Cecilia, her eyes widened.
She fumbled for her phone and started snapping photos like she’d just uncovered a scandal for the town gossip column.
Before she could hit send, a hand reached from behind and plucked the phone out of her grip.
She spun around. A young man stood there, tall, lean, and effortlessly dangerous in an open-collar suit. He didn’t look like the polished socialites in the ballroom. There was something raw about him, something that made your gut say not to mess with him.
While she stared, speechless, he scrolled through her phone, deleted the photos, and crushed the device in one hand.
The crack of metal and glass echoed down the hallway.
He tossed the ruined phone back to her like it was trash.
The woman just stood there, frozen, clutching the broken pieces as he walked away, hands in his pockets, not even glancing back.
“Tang ! “Harper’s voice rang out as she spotted him at the far end of the hall.
She grabbed his arm as he passed, relief and urgency flashing in her eyes.

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The readers' comments on the novel: Abandoned Luna Now Untouchable (Cecilia)
Loving the story. But only 2 pages a day. 😢...