Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 172

Chapter 172

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“Of course you are. You’ve given the Grayson family such a precious gift. pause. “I was just thinking… with Richard’s generosity, and the baby’s future secured, perhaps we should discuss how the family can best support each other during this transition.”

Fiona quickly understood what Alexander meant.

Silence.

“Mom,” Fiona called out, her voice carrying into the sitting area. “Could you come here, please?”

I froze. For a moment, I considered pretending I hadn’t heard. But Alexander had already turned, his eyes finding mine with an expression that promised consequences if I didn’t comply.

I walked into the room on unsteady legs.

Fiona looked between us, her expression unreadable despite the exhaustion shadowing her features. “Did you know about this?”

1- My throat felt tight. “Your father mentioned the company was having difficulties.”

Fiona’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

“Father,” she said slowly, “I’m not stupid.”

Alexander’s smile faltered. “Of course not, sweetheart. I never said ”

“You’re asking me for money before the stock is even officially mine. Before I’ve recovered from childbirth. Before Richard has even announced the naming ceremony details.” She paused. “That doesn’t sound like ‘temporary difficulties. That sounds like desperation.*

“Fiona-

“But you know what, Father?” She shifted against her pillows, her voice taking on a tone of innocent curiosity. Why don’t you ask Hanna first?”

Fiona’s gaze swung to me, sharp and assessing. “Mom, didn’t you say you Have several shops at Howling Plaza? *

My mouth went dry. “I… yes, but-”

“Then surely you could mortgage one or two to help Father.” Her smile was pleasant, almost sweet. “After all, we’re family. And family helps family, right?”

I wasn’t really listening. Her words barely registered as guilt flashed hot arross my face-the kind of guilt that came from secrets eating away at you from the inside.

I’d reconnected with that gambling friend recently. The addiction had its claws in me again. From horse racing to gambling.

It had started as revenge, a way to hurt Alexander for his affair. I’d told myself it would be just once, just to feel something other than the hollow ache of betrayal.

But the rush of cards turning, chips sliding, the electric thrill of risk-it consumed me. Even losing every night couldn’t stop me from craving it, dreaming about it.

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12:16 Thu, Feb 19 m 0·

Chapter 172

The shops at Howling Plaza were already gone, sold off one by one. The money had vanished into the void of my losses

“I need to make a call, I muttered, brushing off Fiona and Alexander with a vague excuse before leaving the hospital room.

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In the elevator, my thoughts churned. I barely noticed where I was goings I stepped out on the ground floor, walking in a distracted laze

until I collided with someone.

I looked up. freezing. Mother? What are you doing here?”

Mother looked equally startled to see me.

“Anna is sick. I’ve been calling you for days-why haven’t you answered?

At the mention of my brother’s daughter, my face twisted before I could stop it.

The thought of Anna made me think of my own dead daughter, and hatred surged up from somewhere deep and poisonous. “Why would you call me about her ill? Just let me know when she’s dead.”

“You” Mother’s hand trembled as she pointed at me.

I moved to step around her, done with this conversation.

“Hannah!” Her voice cracked behind me, tears threatening. “You are such disappointment! From now on, I don’t have a daughter!*

My steps faltered for just a moment. I didn’t turn around. “Whatever you say.”

I kept walking, my wolf silent and dark inside me-as twisted as the rest of me had become.

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