Chapter 23 The Slap

Chapter 23: The Slap

Chapter 23: The Slap

(Elena’s POV)

I slept peacefully in the Shadow Wing Guest Suite that night. For the first time in months, I didn’t lie awake wondering when Marcus would return home.

The next morning, I encountered him at breakfast in the Great Hall. He looked tired and haggard, his usually pristine Alpha presence showing rare signs of fatigue.

Dark circles shadowed his golden eyes. His perfectly styled hair was slightly disheveled, as if he’d run his hands through it repeatedly.

Catherine Hayes brought breakfast with her usual efficiency. She glanced between us expectantly, clearly waiting for me to help serve Marcus as I always had.

But I remained seated, calmly eating my own meal. I didn’t ask about his sleep or inquire about his preferences for the day.

Catherine’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. She sensed the subtle tension between us, wondering if we had quarreled.

Marcus noticed my indifference immediately. His jaw tightened as he watched me ignore his presence completely.

I could feel his irritation radiating across the table. But I continued eating without acknowledging him.

Catherine approached Marcus hesitantly. “Alpha, is the breakfast not to your taste this morning?”

“I have no appetite,” he said curtly, pushing back from the table.

He left abruptly without another word. His footsteps echoed harshly against the marble floors.

Catherine watched him go with worried eyes. “Oh dear, I hope I haven’t done something wrong with the

cooking.”

She turned to me anxiously. “Do you think he’ll dock my wages?”

“The Alpha’s mood has nothing to do with your food quality,” I reassured her gently.

Catherine lingered beside my chair, clearly wanting to say more. Her maternal instincts were getting the

better of her discretion.

“Miss Elena, if I may speak freely…” she began carefully.

I looked up from my plate, giving her permission to continue.

about you. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so angry when you

made me pause mid–bite. Catherine had worked for the Blackwood family for years

our dynamics closely.

always ask about his sleep and meals during breakfast,” she continued softly. “His displeasure today stems from

Chapter 23. The Slap

used to be my only chance for

Marcus.

But

had stopped revolving my life around him, why wasn’t he happy?

to Catherine’s well–meaning advice. I didn’t want to harbor any more unrealistic

Institute, Pack

Healer Rivers wants to see you

made my way through the familiar corridors. The antiseptic smell of the

sprayed with water. Oliver Rivers stood behind his mother’s desk, wielding a

laughed gleefully,

was soaked through, clinging uncomfortably to my skin. The cold water

discipline the unruly child. But I restrained myself, knowing any reaction would be twisted

expression perfectly crafted to show

we treat guests,” she scolded gently, though her eyes

satisfaction.

the handkerchief toward me. “I’m so sorry about

pulling tissues from my pocket

continued

my nerves.

to leave, Sophia’s voice stopped me

you remember that I’m

carried the authority Marcus had granted her. The

wound.

suddenly perked up with excitement. “Mommy, can the

“What a wonderful idea,

with malicious intent. “Elena, would you

me and Marcus’s son?”

She was flaunting their relationship as a family unit in

Chapter 23. The Slap

highlighting my childless status. The implication that she had

her provocation, I remained calm. “Buying a cake

She had expected

to my own workspace. Instead of personally fetching the cake, I

from a dessert shop using

(Sophia’s POV)

the delivery arrived at my office an hour later, I realized Elena had outsmarted me again. She had the cake delivered rather than

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