Chapter 21: Confrontation and Manipulation
Chapter 21: Confrontation and Manipulation
(Elena’s POV)
Marcus remained silent for a momen
then withdrew his gaze and sneered. “You remember it quite clearly.”
I could indeed remember clearly. I remembered every hurtful word he had ever said to me. It took me six years to wake up, but at least I didn’t waste my entire lifetime.
The car pulled up to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute. I followed Marcus through the familiar corridors, my footsteps echoing against the polished floors.
We stopped outside Sophia’s recovery room. Marcus pushed open the door without knocking.
(Sophia’s POV)
When I saw Marcus enter, I smiled and sat up in bed. “Marcus, you…”
But when I noticed Elena behind him, my expression instantly stiffened. My hands secretly gripped the bedding tightly.
I couldn’t understand why he would bring Elena to see me. What was his purpose?
Elena approached me with a slight smile. “Senior Healer Rivers, I’m very sorry about what happened before.”
I was stunned. I couldn’t believe this woman would actually apologize to me.
Elena then bowed three times. “I wish Senior Healer Rivers good health, fulfillment of wishes, and long lasting prosperity.”
I was speechless. The three bows made it seem like Elena was paying respects to the dead.
My face flushed with anger, but I had to maintain my composure in front of Marcus.
Marcus pulled Elena away with slight dissatisfaction. “Is this your apology?”
I quickly intervened, forcing sweetness into my voice. “Marcus, forget it, I’m fine. Healer Elena has sincerely apologized…”
But secretly I gritted my teeth as I stared at his hand holding Elena’s arm.
Elena freed her arm from his grasp. “You heard it yourself – the person involved said to forget it. Also, you only asked me to bow my head to Senior Healer Rivers. Isn’t bowing more sincere than just lowering my
head?”
(Marcus’s POV)
I narrowed my golden eyes, studying her carefully. Something seemed different about Elena.
Her tone was calm, almost detached. This wasn’t the submissive mate I was used to controlling.
Elena calmly moved her gaze away from mine. “I’ve already apologized and bowed as required. I won’t disturb you two any further.”
She left without looking back. Her footsteps faded down the corridor.
Chapter 21 Confrontation
Sophia turned to look at me, her face darkening with anger. She had underestimated Elena
(Elena’s POV)
After washing my hands in the Moonstone Washroom, I composed myself in front of the mirror. My reflection looked pale but determined,
I emerged to find Marcus waiting in the corridor. I lowered my head, pretending not to see him.
But he grabbed my arm. “Have you really developed a temper during this time? Is this another one of your
schemes?”
He forced me to face him directly. At such close distance, I could even smell the faint pine scent on his coat.
For a moment, I felt dazed by his familiar presence.
I quickly regained my composure and stepped back. “Alpha Marcus has misunderstood. I have no intention of playing any schemes.”
I paused, meeting his golden eyes. “I just… want to help Alpha Marcus and Sophia be together.”
Marcus’s expression grew colder. He stepped closer. “You think you can just help whenever you want?”
“Isn’t this what you wanted?” I countered.
“What do I want?” he demanded.
“You know better than I do, Marcus. If you think I’m preventing you and Sophia from rekindling your relationship, you don’t need to take action personally to avoid dirtying your hands.”
Marcus frowned, clearly understanding the implication. “Elena, you…”
But Sophia suddenly appeared at the end of the corridor. She seemed shocked by the scene before her.
Her face went pale. She collapsed to the ground in a faint.
Marcus immediately rushed past me. “Sophia!”
He lifted her in his arms while shouting for pack‘ healers. “Get a healer here now!”
Throughout the entire incident, he never looked back at me.
Watching his figure disappear into the emergency bay, I smiled bitterly. What had I been expecting?
Had I hoped Marcus would turn back for even a moment? But I knew he wouldn’t. He had no feelings for me and was truly heartless.
(Marcus’s POV)
After Sophia fainted, I stayed in her room until she woke up. The healers had run several tests to determine
the cause.
Director Henry Baker entered with a professional smile. “Alpha Marcus, good afternoon.”
“Why did Sophia faint?” I asked directly.
Baker consulted his medical chart. “It’s an old condition from not properly recovering after giving birth to Oliver. Her body is still weak.“,
Sophia, pale and frail–looking, struggled to sit up. “I’m sorry for worrying you, Marcus.”
Chapter 21. Confrontation:
I visibly relaxed. “Oliver still needs you. You can’t collapse like this.”
I turned to Baker. “Arrange the best private recovery room for her healing. Spare no expense.”
(Sophia’s POV)
This was my chance. I had to make my request now while Marcus was concerned.
“Marcus, I have a favor to ask,” I said softly.
He nodded. “What do you need?”
“Since I have no family and don’t want to always trouble you, could you have Elena take care of me?”
Marcus’s expression shifted slightly. I pressed on quickly.
“I want to get closer to Elena. I trust her healing skills completely.”
When Marcus hesitated, I felt panic rising. “Don’t you trust me?”
“It’s not that,” he said slowly.
“I don’t want to be seen as unapproachable due to my position. Besides my child, you’re my only friend since returning to the pack territory.”
My attitude was sincere, as if I genuinely wanted to reconcile with Elena.
Though Marcus had always agreed to my requests before, this time he hesitated. My anxiety increased with
each passing second.
Finally, Marcus spoke. “Elena isn’t suitable to care for you.”
My heart sank, but he continued.
“However, I can place Elena under your supervision as your direct subordinate. She won’t disobey pack
hierarchy.”
He paused, his golden eyes cold. “It’s time to temper Elena’s attitude.”
I was surprised but pleased. While Elena posed a threat, she couldn’t shake my position in Marcus’s heart.
I had felt his genuine concern when I fainted. That gave me confidence.
(Elena’s POV)
The next day, Marcus’s pack lawyer somehow convinced the victim’s family to accept compensation and settle. They were no longer pursuing David’s responsibility.
When David was released from the Territorial Enforcement Station, the Blackthorne family held a welcome
dinner.
Patricia was relieved, fussing over him. “You’ve lost weight and suffered inside.”
Richard nodded approvingly. “Perform well in front of your brother–in–law. He helped greatly.”
When David asked about his sister, Richard’s expression darkened. “She’s unfilial. Didn’t help and only cause
trouble.”
He pointed a stern finger at David. “Persuade your sister not to think about severing her mate bond with
Marcus.”
