The Breaking Point of Mate: Giving Up on My Alpha novel Chapter 99

Charger 99

Archer walked straight to his vehicle, got in, and drove away.

Dwight remained seated behind the wheel, the engine silent.

He watched the receding taillights, his gaze darkening.

After the banquet ended, guests departed one by one.

Marcus and Elmer were still deep in technical discussion as they left together.

Trista had filled up on snacks and barely touched her dinner.

She had already dashed upstairs, losing herself in a video game.

Only after most of the guests had gone did Melanie head upstairs to find her.

Trista slipped off her headphones, her eyes bright.

“Mom, are you done?”

“Mhm.”

Melanie hesitated.

She remembered Archer’s parting words.

“Your dad said he’d pick you up tonight. Call him and ask when he’ll arrive.”

The thought of playing with Camille tomorrow instantly lit up Trista’s face.

“Okay!”

The call connected almost immediately.

A few minutes later, she hung up.

“Dad said he’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”

“Alright.”

Melanie’s voice remained steady.

“Pack your things. We’ll go downstairs and wait for him.”

Trista instinctively wanted to ask for help–Melanie had handled nearly everything for her since she was little.

But when she glanced up and noticed the exhaustion in Melanie’s expression, the words caught in her throat.

When it was time, they took the elevator down.

The elevator was small and enclosed.

Trista gently tugged on her hand.

“Mom.”

“Hmm?”

“Lately… you’ve been talking less.”

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Chapter 99

Melanie didn’t answer immediately.

The metal walls of the elevator reflected her pale profile.

Trista continued softly,

“You used to check in with me every day–ask where I was going.”

She hesitated.

“Now you seem… so quiet.”

Melanie lowered her gaze.

She knew Trista wasn’t an oblivious child.

“Mommy’s just a little tired.” 1

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Trista pressed her lips together and didn’t push further.

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The night air was colder than expected.

The moment the revolving doors opened, icy wind clawed at them.

Trista immediately hunched her shoulders.

“So cold… Mommy, hold me.”

She was nearly six now–no longer light.

Melanie’s arms stiffened slightly as she lifted her, but she held her securely.

Trista buried her face in the curve of her neck.

She recognized the familiar scent of soft, warm apples clinging to her mother–though lately, it had grown noticeably fainter.

She nuzzled closer, clinging tightly.

The parking lot lights cast a harsh white glow.

Archer’s car came into view just as they stepped outside.

The headlights stretched long shadows across the pavement.

The vehicle pulled to a smooth stop in front of them.

The window lowered slowly.

Archer sat behind the wheel.

His scent was sharper than it had been in the lobby–crisp and clean, like untouched frost in a winter forest.

Trista didn’t leave Melanie’s arms.

Resting her head against her mother’s shoulder, she reached toward the car.

Her voice was soft, like the small whimper of a young wolf.

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Chapter 99

“Daddy… carry me inside.”

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