< Chapter 31 Exposed Con
Chapter 31: Exposed Corruption
Chapter 31: Exposed Corruption
(Elena’s POV)
Heidi Cross was enjoying her power trip, paying no attention to Nathan’s words. At this moment, she crossed her arms smugly.
“Oh, getting angry out of embarrassment? I was just saying-”
Her words were cut short by William Cross, who covered her mouth with his hand. His face had gone pale as he recognized the gravity of their situation.
William Cross stepped forward, bowing deeply to Nathan Sterling. His voice trembled with nervous respect.
“Young Master Sterling, please forgive my mate’s inappropriate behavior. She doesn’t understand the proper
protocols.”
He shot a warning glance at Heidi, whose eyes widened with sudden realization. The Sterling family held
significant influence in Northern Territory circles.
Nathan’s expression remained cold and unforgiving. “Your mate pushed Elena deliberately. I expect a proper
apology.”
William frantically nudged Heidi, who reluctantly stepped forward. Her earlier arrogance had completely
evaporated.
“I… I apologize for pushing you,” she mumbled, avoiding eye contact with me.
Nathan’s voice carried quiet authority. “Leave now. Don’t let me see this kind of behavior again.”
The Cross couple hurried away, their staged drama completely forgotten. The crowd began dispersing. disappointed by the anticlimactic ending.
I looked at Nathan with genuine concern. “Your arm is injured because of me. Let me take you for an
examination.”
Nathan shook his head, trying to downplay the injury. “It’s nothing serious. Just a minor bump.”
“Please,” I insisted. “I need to make sure you’re not seriously hurt.”
He smiled despite the pain. “If it makes you feel better, then alright.”
At the Emergency Healing Bay, the examination revealed only superficial bruising. Nathan flexed his arm
experimentally.
“See? Just a bruise. You worry too much,” he said with a reassuring smile.
I felt guilty for involving him in my troubles. “I’m sorry you got hurt because of my situation.”
Nathan’s expression grew thoughtful. “I always seem to find you being bullied. Professor The
would be very worried if he knew.”
e Ashworth
My heart clenched at the mention of my former mentor. “Please don’t tell Professor Ashworth. I’m leaving in a little over a month anyway.“/
Chapter 31 Exposed Corr
Nathan nodded understandingly. “Where are you planning to go?”
Before I could answer, Marcus’s voice cut through our conversation. “Leaving? Where exactly are you planning to go?”
I turned to see Marcus standing in the doorway, his golden eyes fixed on me with dangerous intensity.
Nathan interjected with barely concealed sarcasm. “Shouldn’t you be with your chosen one? You did publicly acknowledge your relationship earlier.”
Marcus remained unfazed by the pointed reminder. “You seem to have excellent timing for overhearing conversations, Young Master Sterling.”
The tension between the two men was palpable. Nathan stood up, his friendly demeanor disappearing.
“I should visit my relatives in the recovery ward,” Nathan said to me. “Take care of yourself, Elena.”
As he walked past Marcus, his smile completely vanished. The cold look he gave Marcus spoke volumes about his feelings.
I tried to leave as well, but Marcus blocked my path. His presence filled the small space with overwhelming
authority.
“Explain your comment to Nathan about leaving,” he demanded. “Are you planning to abandon your pack
duties with me?”
Anger flared in my chest. “You’re being completely unreasonable. Don’t involve Nathan in our mate bond
issues.”
Marcus grabbed my wrist, his grip firm and possessive. “Repeat what you just said.”
I met his gaze defiantly. “Do my words make you uncomfortable? Considering your deep relationship with
Sophia?”
His eyes darkened dangerously, but I didn’t wait for his response. I pulled free and walked away, ignoring
whatever expression crossed his face.
I entered the Steel Ascent, grateful for the brief respite from his overwhelming presence.
Upon reaching the first floor, I went directly to the Healer’s Station. I picked up the phone with determined
resolve.
“Northern Territory Council? I need to report corruption at the Central Healing Institute.”
I could no longer endure this situation. It was time to take decisive action.
Two days later, rumors about my supposed involvement with William Cross were completely dispelled.
Territorial enforcement officers had taken William Cross away for investigation.
The institute buzzed with shocked whispers about the corruption charges. My vindication felt bittersweet but
necessary.
In my healing chamber, I was explaining surgical procedures to a patient with a brain tur
woman listened intently while her son took notes.
The elderly
“Please prepare for the healing session tomorrow morning,” I instructed. “The procedure will take several
hours.”
Chapter 31 Exposed Cort
As the patient and her family left, Heidi Cross suddenly barged into my chamber. Her face was twisted with rage and desperation.
Pack Nurse Rachel tried to stop her. “Mrs. Cross, you can’t just-
“Get out of my way!” Heidi screamed, pushing past Rachel.
She pointed an accusing finger at me. “You caused my mate’s arrest! How could you be so vindictive?”
I maintained my composure, feigning innocence. “I don’t understand what you mean.”
Heidi’s face grew redder with fury. “Don’t play dumb! I know you reported him!”
She raised her hand as if to strike me, but security guards rushed in to restrain her.
Sophia arrived at that moment, quickly moving to pacify Heidi. “Please calm down. Violence won’t solve
anything.”
She turned to me with false concern. “Elena, you’re being too ruthless to a colleague.”
I responded coolly. “You didn’t consider me a colleague when you were slandering me.”
Sophia tried a different approach. “Perhaps if you hadn’t been involved with William Cross-“.
“Careful about slander,” I warned sharply. “William Cross is under investigation for bribery and embezzlement. I hope you haven’t been involved in his corrupt activities.”
Heidi’s face went white as the implications hit her. The severity of her mate’s situation was finally sinking in.
Sophia’s composure cracked slightly. She hadn’t expected me to know the specific charges.
“I suggest you both focus on extricating yourselves from this situation,” I continued calmly.
Sophia grabbed Heidi’s arm, pulling her toward the door. They left quickly, their earlier bravado completely
gone.
(Sophia’s POV)
In the Institute Corridor, Heidi clutched my arm desperately. “Sophia, please help my mate keep his position.
We can’t survive without his income.”
I silenced her with a sharp gesture. “Keep your voice down! Do you want everyone to hear?”
My mind raced with panic. If Heidi revealed our connection to William’s corruption, everything would unravel.
“I’ll help you,” I assured her, struggling to maintain composure. “But you must stay quiet about our
arrangement.”
Heidi nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face. I watched her leave, my frustration boiling over.
Elena had somehow turned the entire situation around. My carefully planned attack had backfired
spectacularly.
Even worse, Marcus had left my healing chamber immediately after publicly acknowledging our “relationship.” He hadn’t spent any time with me.
He hadn’t visited Oliver and me at our residence since Oliver’s discharge. The distance between us felt wider
