Chapter 28: The Trap at the Birthday Banquet
Chapter 28: The Trap at the Birthday Banquet
(Elena’s POV)
Margaret Blackwood chuckled as she received the gift, her weathered hands carefully examining the elegant wrapping. “You thoughtful girl.”
Isabella urged her to open it quickly, acting coquettishly like a child eager for approval. “Grandmother, please look inside! I searched everywhere to find something perfect for you.”
Inside the box lay a pure white jade Moon Goddess statue with an oily luster that caught the light beautifully. The craftsmanship was exquisite, every detail carved with precision.
Diana immediately praised it, her voice filled with maternal pride. “Isabella knew you loved the Moon Goddess and lunar symbols, so she specially picked this gift after searching for a whole day.”
Victoria rolled her eyes at Diana, equally despising this sister–in–law from a scholarly family. She found her hypocritical and overly eager to please.
Such flattering words could only come from the second son’s mate. Victoria’s disdain was barely concealed behind her polite smile.
I stood among them without breaking the atmosphere, observing the family dynamics with practiced neutrality. I knew Margaret had two sons: the eldest Alexander Blackwood was a diplomat and Marcus’s biological father, while the second son Sebastian was slightly less capable.
Sebastian worked as vice chairman of Shadowmere Medical Consortium founded by Margaret. His only
daughter with Diana was Isabella, the spoiled princess of the second branch.
Margaret put the Moon Goddess statue back in the box carefully. “So thoughtful indeed.”
Her tone was measured, neither warm nor cold. I sensed something beneath her polite acceptance.
Isabella giggled, revealing her true intention. “Sister Sophia helped me choose this!”
She intended to create goodwill for Sophia with the old lady, but unknowingly stepped on a landmine. Diana
and Sebastian nearly fainted from anger, their faces draining of color.
Margaret’s face showed no emotion as she asked slowly, “Who helped you choose?”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Everyone held their breath.
Isabella tried to salvage the situation by holding the old lady’s arm. “Grandmother, you misunderstood Sister
Sophia back then. She’s not like certain people who approached cousin for status!”
She pointed meaningfully at me with a smug expression. Her young face twisted with malicious satisfaction.
Before Margaret could respond, Sebastian pulled Isabella away roughly. “Stop speaking n
grandmother and sister–in–law!”
ense in front of
His voice was sharp with panic. “Sophia” was a forbidden name for the old lady, and Isabella had chosen the worst possible timing at the birthday banquet.
Isabella shook off her father’s hand defiantly. She looked at me with pure contempt, her eyes blazing with
Chapter 28 The Trap at th
hatred.
“She’s not my sister–in–law!” Isabella declared loudly. “If she hadn’t used dirty means to climb up, could she have been marked by a Blackwood Alpha?”
Her voice grew shriller with each word. “Look what she is, how dare she compare with Sister Sophia!”
Victoria scolded Diana harshly, her authority as the main branch’s Luna evident. “You haven’t taught your daughter properly. Such words without considering the occasion bring shame to the Blackwood family.”
Though she disliked me, I was still her son’s Luna. It wasn’t the second branch’s place to point fingers.
After Victoria left with the guests, the Great Hall became spacious and eerily quiet. Suddenly, a sharp slapping sound echoed through the room.
Isabella covered her cheek in disbelief, staring at Grace Whitmore who had struck her. The head housekeeper’s face was stern and unforgiving.
Grace calmly explained that the slap was on behalf of the old lady. “The Blackwood family couldn’t raise such a narrow–minded young lady. If you continue being unruly, you shouldn’t return to the ancestral manor.”
No one in the Blackwood family dared contradict Grace because her words represented the old lady’s intentions. Her authority was absolute in household matters.
Isabella tearfully turned to Marcus for support, her eyes pleading desperately. But he coldly glanced at her, his golden eyes showing no sympathy.
“No matter what, she is your Luna,” Marcus said firmly.
Isabella was stunned. Previously Marcus had never intervened when she mocked or targeted me.
After some socializing with other ladies, I felt tired and wanted to leave. The constant tension and false smiles had drained my energy completely.
I went upstairs toward the Master Suite, seeking refuge from the social games below. But as I pushed open the door, someone grabbed my arm and I stumbled into a man’s embrace.
Marcus kissed me forcefully before I could speak. His breath was hotter than usual, and I could sense his unusual state through our clothes.
When I tried to push him away, panic rising in my chest, I protested, “Marcus, look clearly, it’s me-”
I heard the door being locked from outside with a decisive click.
Confused about who could have locked us in, I had no time to think. Marcus desperately sought to unite with me through our mate bond, his movements frantic and uncontrolled.
Despite my struggles and protests, he acted like a crazed wolf. He showed no consideration for my feelings, lost in whatever had taken hold of him.
When I regained consciousness, only Grace was beside my bed. She looked at me with weathered eyes.
ne pity in her
Grace explained gently that someone had drugged the young Alpha with an aphrodisiac. “That explained his behavior. A female healer examined you for minor tears and swelling, which have been treated with moonlight herb.”
Marcus’s POV)
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In the study, several servants who had contact with my drinks stood in a line. They trembled with fear under
my cold gaze.
After reviewing surveillance footage, Manor Servant Thomas’s steps faltered noticeably. His guilt was written across his pale face.
When dragged out by elite guards, he knelt and confessed desperately. “I was forced to do it! It was the young Luna! The young Luna made me do it, saying she wanted to conceive your heir…”
Isabella burst into the study, her eyes bright with vindictive triumph. “I knew Elena had ill intentions! She’s shameless for using such despicable methods!”
After I had the servant dragged away and left the study, Isabella smiled triumphantly. “Marcus, you should
cast Elena out.”
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