CHAPTER 52: BLONDE.

Mirabel’s expression hardened at Ariana’s words.

"You’re right," she muttered quietly, her voice edged with tension.

Ariana’s eyes gleamed as she stepped closer, her voice lowering into something darker.

"Now that she’s in the pack," she began, her tone laced with cruelty, "if it turns out she isn’t a werewolf... if she fails to awaken her wolf during the Second Gala, then she’s nothing but a mere human. A fragile little lamb among predators."

She let out a soft, mocking laugh, the disdain in her voice practically dripping from her lips.

"And the only use she’ll have for the Ashford family will be to surrender her blood. Once the virus begins to spread again, we’ll need her to produce the pills that will save our people. Her blood is her only value. And once that value is exhausted... well, you know what comes next."

Mirabel’s lips curled into a slow, sinister smile, the venom finally returning to her expression.

"You’re absolutely right, Ariana," she said with icy composure. "I’ve been tormenting myself for nothing when I should have been relaxing... preparing."

She turned, her gaze cold and calculating.

"Once I bond with the three Alpha heirs, I’ll become their Luna. Immediately."

"And once I have that status," she added, her voice darkening to a whisper, "I’ll make sure Victoria is cast aside like the unwanted mistake she is. No mercy. I’ll turn the Alphas against her one by one. I’ll even poison her own brothers against her. She won’t find a single ounce of peace in this pack."

Her eyes narrowed, gleaming with malice.

"Her second life will end in a death far more brutal than the first."

*******

The half moon hung bright in the sky casting errie glow over everything on Earth.

Victoria, along with Callum, Theo, and Lucian who had all declared they were going to protect her had ironically drunk themselves into a stupor, leaving Victoria to protect them instead. They’ve all arrived at the Ashford mansion at last.

"Carry them gently to their rooms," Victoria instructed, her voice calm yet tired as she glanced at the three unconscious men draped over the shoulders of the guards.

"Yes, young Miss," the two male servants chorused in unison, adjusting the weight of the Ashford brothers on their backs before making their way toward the young masters’ wing of the estate.

Mr. and Mrs. Ashford had already retired to their chamber as they couldn’t be more worried since Callum, Theo and Lucian were with Victoria. Most of the servants had also retreated for the night except for a few who remained on duty, awaiting the return of the Ashford children.

Victoria made her way to her room, expecting to once again share the space with Mirabel and endure her terrible sleeping posture. But to her surprise, the room was empty.

"Did she finally go to her own room?" Victoria raised an eyebrow, a flicker of hope sparking in her chest as she stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind her.

"That’s great then or perhaps she’s spending the night at a friend’s house," she murmured to herself with a smile. "Well, whatever. I can finally get a good night’s sleep tonight atleast."

"Goodnight, Victoria. I feel bloated to be honest. Have to relax now." came Leo’s familiar voice, echoing softly as he vanished into the locket around her neck.

Without wasting time, Victoria changed into her nightwear. She didn’t bother taking a shower as she had already swum earlier at Blonde’s house, and a second wash felt unnecessary. She pulled the duvet over her body, let out a tired sigh, and closed her eyes, surrendering herself to sleep.

****

Meanwhile, back at Blonde’s mansion...

The moment the guests had all gone home, Blonde had changed into a tattered blouse and skirt, a stained apron hanging loosely from her neck. Despite the late hour, she moved around the large, silent mansion, cleaning every inch of the place.

She swept the floors, dusted every surface, washed a mountain of dishes, and even scrubbed the swimming pool until everything sparkled with cleanliness. The scent of lemon soap clung to the air.

Her thoughts drifted to the flower vase Dickson had broken earlier. It had been a priceless piece...worth millions and one of her boss’s most cherished possessions.

Blonde stared at the shards that had been swept into a corner, her heart heavy.

"I’ll just lie about it," she whispered, letting out a weary sigh. "I’ve already spent my entire salary entertaining them. Now I’ll have to survive on my savings for the rest of the month."

She stood and stretched, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.

"Well, it’ll help me get by... once it’s month-end, I’ll receive my next payment. Let me just go to bed. Tomorrow’s another day."

Just as she turned to walk toward the servant quarters....

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Her heart jumped.

"Who’s that?" Blonde asked warily, her voice trembling slightly as she approached the door. She hesitated for a moment, then opened it cautiously.

Standing there was a middle-aged woman, her elegant form framed by the light bulb. Her sleek, tailored suit clung to her body and streaks of white ran through her well-styled black hair. In her arms, she held a tiny, adorable puppy that yipped once, its tail wagging.

Beside her stood a tall, devastatingly handsome man. His curly brown hair framed a chiseled jawline, and his eyes, blue as the oceans held a cool, unreadable expression. His long lashes framed them beautifully, and his full, rosy lips were pressed into a firm line. He was dressed in a black, expertly tailored suit, sharp and imposing.

Blonde’s blood ran cold.

Why is she back already? And why... why is she here with Jackson?!

She stood frozen, her mouth dry and her thoughts spinning.

"Are you just going to keep standing there?" the woman’s voice cut through her stupor, elegant and cold.

Blonde jolted from her thoughts, panic overtaking her as she dropped to her knees immediately.

"Mrs. Williams. Mr. Jackson. Welcome home," Blonde said as she swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile. "I was just... surprised to see you return so early with the young master."