Alpha's Regret Too Late to Love Me novel Chapter 256

“Sarah’s POV

Nate was right-my opportunity had arrived. The caller was none other than Thea, Alexander’s niece who he’d been raising.

It seemed Nate knew more about my life in North America than I’d realized, but i didn’t dwell on that thought.

“Answer it…

“Nate released my hand, leaning against the balcony

railing to check his phone. I stood beside him and swiped to accept the call. “Hello…”

Before I could even say Thea’s name, I heard the child’s weak voice on the other end. “Auntie…”

Concern immediately washed over me. “Thea, what’s wrong? You sound exhausted. Did something upsetting happen, or are you feeling unwell?”

“Neither…”

“Then what is it?”

“Auntie, do you not like Thea anymore?” The vulnerability in her small voice broke my heart.

“Hmm?” I was confused by her question. “Thea, why would you think that?”

“Because you haven’t come to see me since I got sick.” Her voice was heavy with disappointment. “Not even one call or text message.”

“Auntie must not like Thea anymore, that’s why you don’t want to talk to me.”

With a pang of guilt, I realized she was right-I hadn’t contacted Theain quite a while.

My emotions had been all over the place today, making me forget that she was still sick and emotionally vulnerable. She needed care and companionship, especially since her hospitalization was partly my fault. I had promised to keep her company.

“How could I not like you, Thea?” I soothed, my voice gentle. “You’re my favorite girl in the world.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. It’s my fault—l’ve been so busy today, running around like crazy, that I haven’t made it to the hospital yet.”

“Please don’t be upset or angry with me, okay? It’s late now, so why don’t you get some sleep, and I promise I’ll bring you some homemade chicken soup first thing in the morning. How does that sound?” I tried to offer something comforting and familiar.

“No.” Thea sniffled, her voice slightly choked. “I don’t want you to come tomorrow.”

“Thea feels bad. Thea wants Auntie to come now. Thea wants to see Auntie right away.”

“I miss you so much, Auntie. If you don’t come, I won’t be able to sleep all night, and I might get even sicker tomorrow.”

How could I resist such a heartbreaking plea? My heart had already melted into a puddle.

“Alright, I’ll come to the hospital right now. But then you have to be a good girl and go straight to sleep afterward.”

As soon as I finished speaking, the voice on the other end perked up dramatically. The transformation was so quick that any trace of sadness vanished. “Okay! Thea will be good.”

Oh , Auntie, wait! As if suddenly remembering something important Thea hurriedly added, “Thea’s at home now, not at the hospital. Thea will send you the address right away!!”

“Come quickly, Auntie! Thea’s waiting for you, mwah!” She hung up before I could even think about changing my mind.

Almost immediately, my phone chimed with a notification-Thea had sent me her location.

That was suspiciously fast. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just been skillfully manipulated.

But even if I had been played, I was completely willing. I put down my phone and turned to Nate. “I need to go out for a bit.”

I wondered-would anyone here recognize me?

A half hour later, I drove across the bridge that led to the lakes only estate-imposing and majestic under the heavy night sky, inspiring awe and a touch of fear.

The warm yellow glow of street lamps illuminated the ornate black iron gates as they slowly opened, as if they’d been expecting me all along.

I drove through, where a butler in a tailcoat stood ramrod straight, approaching as I parked.

“Miss Winters, the young miss has been waiting for you for quite some time.” The butler bowed slightly, gesturing with his hand. “Please,follow me.”

As I stepped out of the car, I immediately noticed that none of the staff were familiar.

Every face was new-not one person remained from five years ago when this had been my home.

It felt strange, almost like walking into a parallel universe where the physical structure was the same but everything else had changed.

“Thank you,” I replied politely, fighting back the wave of memories threatening to overwhelm me.

As he led me forward, the faint sound of an approaching car grew Louder.

Headlights swept across the entrance, and the butler paused without even looking. “Miss Winters, the Alpha has returned.”

I spun around, the bright headlights momentarily blinding me.

I instinctively raised a hand to shield my eyes. When I looked again, a Rolls-Royce Phantom had stopped on the lawn just a few yards away.

The passenger door opened, and a pair of long legs emerged first. My breath caught, my heart seemingly skipping a beat.