From Betrayed Luna to Wolf Queen (Lillian) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24 The Gallery Visit

Lillian’s POV:

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At lunch, I took a sip from my glass, which held a specially prepared herbal infusion meant to help stabilize an Omega’s psyche after a bond–severance.

George approached to give his update. “Ms. Moore, both Julian and Iris have initiated efforts to contain the public backlash.”

Julian’s methods were reputed to be even more forceful and decisive than his brother Ethan’s had been. But this time…

As the Alpha of the Graves Pack, he was likely finding the situation particularly thorny to manage.

“Were the transfers successful?” I asked, referring to the control of the online narrative.

“Yes. A significant portion of the content is now being disseminated from overseas personal accounts, making removal efforts largely ineffective.” George stated this with calm assurance, as if discussing the weather.

I gave a satisfied nod. “Good. Ensure the topic maintains its momentum for at least a full week.”

Right now, Iris was probably clinging to the hope that, with the combined influence of the Graves Pack and her mother, the scandal would blow over quickly. She shouldn’t be in any particular hurry.

Well, this time I would let her experience what it means when even her formidable mother is powerless.

And let Julian and Margaret get a long, hard look at something in this world they couldn’t easily control.

George inclined his head. “Understood.”

set my glass down, my tone turning frostier. “Tomorrow, release the information about the hit–and–run three years ago–how she crashed into me and caused the loss of my first pup.”

Today’s revelation was the certification of my and Julian’s mate bond.

Tomorrow’s would be, “While her own mate, Ethan, was still alive, Iris coveted his brother Julian. In pursuit of him, she ntentionally struck his bonded mate with her car, causing a miscarriage and severe injury.”

What a truly damning sequence of events that painted.

She had the full backing of the Graves Pack, did she? And a powerful mother?

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Relying on that support, she believed she could act with impunity and harm others. This time… I was going to drag every one of her misdeeds into the light.

Let her see clearly just how the Graves Pack and Margaret intended to protect her now.

“It will be done,” George said. He turned and left to execute the arrangements.

When I was alone again, my phone buzzed with a call from my art gallery’s manager. I listened briefly before replying, “Alright. I’ll stop by this afternoon to see it for myself.”

After ending the call, I finished most of the meal on my plate. Noting my appetite, George sent a brief update to my brother on the Western Continent.

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Chapter 24 The Gallery Visit

Following a short rest after lunch, I informed George of my plans. “Have the car brought around. I’m going out.”

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George looked momentarily surprised. “Now? For your recovery, it would be more prudent to rest and allow your psychic energy to stabilize further.”

“I’m not going out to pick a fight,” I said flatly.

George had no rebuttal for that.

He had reviewed my medical file and knew the backlash from a severed fetal bond required significant recuperation, hence his concern. But it was clear some matters required my personal attention.

Reluctantly, George arranged for a car and a discreet security detail to accompany me.

The sedan came to a smooth stop in front of my gallery.

The manager, Judith, hurried forward, her demeanor respectful. “You’ve arrived.”

“Explain the situation. How could there be an issue with the commissioned piece?” I was not pleased. The works that left my gallery had never faced authenticity problems before.

Just as Judith began to formulate her response, a familiar voice called out from the direction of the VIP lounge. “Lillian.”

It was Victor.

I paused and looked over. Victor was lounging on one of the plush sofas in the secluded area, looking perfectly at ease.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, a frown touching my brow.

Judith added quietly, “This gentleman is the client who raised the concern about the authenticity of his commissioned painting.”

Victor stood and strolled toward me. Although he was Julian’s friend, he had always maintained cordial relations with me. Primarily because he’d never cared for Margaret’s ostentatious, nouveau–riche demeanor–a distaste that extended to Iris. In my books, that made him one of the more reasonable ones in that circle.

I crossed my arms. “What, precisely, is the issue with the painting?”

“There isn’t one,” Victor said, flashing a disarmingly bright smile.

“You…” My expression cooled instantly. Was he wasting my time?

Victor quickly held up his hands in a placating gesture, his smile turning apologetic. “Don’t be angry. Where have you been sequestering yourself? Your Alpha has been turning Gilneas upside down looking for you. And did you block my number, too? He tasked me with making contact, but my calls weren’t getting through”

I had, in fact, blocked all numbers associated with Julian’s inner circle, including Victor’s.

“What was there to find?” I replied, my tone indifferent. “Just the old apartment on Galaxy Road and Chloe’s place.”

“Exactly. And when you weren’t at either, he… well, let’s just say his mood hasn’t improved,” Victor said, raising a suggestive eyebrow.

Hearing that, my frown deepened. “So he sent you here to track me down?”

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11:36 am P p

Chapter 24 The Gallery Visit

In a manner of speaking. But don’t worry,” Victor added quickly, “you don’t have to tell me where you’re staying now.”

Hearing his assurance, I instinctively swept my gaze around the gallery’s elegant interior.

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Before I could voice my suspicion, Victor preempted me. “Relax. I haven’t breathed a word to him about you owning this studio and gallery. Especially not now, with tensions this high and Julian having so clearly sided with Iris before. I have no desire to be an accessory in their drama.”

I let out a soft, derisive sound. “Aren’t you afraid he’ll come after you when he finds out you withheld information?”

After all, at the moment, no one in Julian’s orbit could reach me–Victor was the sole exception.

Victor merely shrugged. “Why would he? He’s the one who alienated his own mate. He could use a lesson in consequences. Otherwise, these Alphas will really think you’re an easy target.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “You’re really going for the jugular this time, aren’t you? Taking on Iris so directly? Not worried that Margaret, that famously overprotective she–wolf, will come after you with everything she has?”

Margaret’s maternal ferocity was legendary.

I walked over and settled into a nearby armchair. “She would need the bandwidth and the capability to do so first.”

“Oh?” Victor’s interest was immediately piqued, his expression turning keen. “What does that mean? Do you have an ace up your

sleeve?”

Hearing the undisguised curiosity in his tone, I took a slow sip of the water Judith had brought for me. “Just wait and see.”

“Hey, come on,” Victor said, settling into the chair opposite me and picking up his forgotten coffee. “So… you’re sure you won’t be in over your head? If you need an ally, you know where to find me. I’ve got your back.”

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