Elizabeth’s POV
I had barely pulled up to the villa when I noticed a group of people gathered at the entrance, their presence unmistakable in the dim evening light.
The sight made my heart sink.
It was my adoptive parents‘ family, and from the looks on their faces, this wasn’t a social call.
They eyed the luxury car I stepped out of with a flash of jealousy that quickly transformed into eager, fawning smiles.
It was a performance I had seen before–one they had perfected over the years whenever they needed something from me.
Alice, however, stood off to the side, her head down, eyes narrowing with resentment.
It was clear that she hadn’t let go of her bitterness.
Even now, when their family was in a crisis, Alice couldn’t hide her distaste for me.
I walked up the steps slowly, letting the cool night air calm my nerves before speaking.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
They wouldn’t be here unless they needed something–again.
Morpheus, my adoptive father, cleared his throat, the guilt in his eyes making it obvious that the situation was worse than usual
“We came to ask for your help, Elizabeth. It’s… it’s about the pack’s finances.”
His voice wavered as he spoke, and I could already tell where this was going.
From their stumbling words, I quickly pieced together the story.
Morpheus had gotten into trouble with gambling again.
Unable to repay his debts, he had borrowed a large sum of money using Alice’s name, promising to invest it in a ‘surefire business deal that would turn things around for the family.
Naturally, he had been swindled out of every penny.
Now, he was left with nothing but crushing debts and no way to pay them back.
I crossed my arms, keeping my expression unreadable, though inside I felt a mixture of exasperation and pity.
“So you want me to fix this. Again,”
My adoptive mother, Shakira, wrung her hands nervously.
“We’ve always relied on you, Elizabeth. You know that. You’ve helped us before… millions even. Please, just this last time.”
Her voice cracked with desperation, but I had heard these promises before.
Every time I helped them, they found a way to dig themselves deeper into trouble, like a bottomless pit that could never be filled.
I shook my head firmly. “No. Not this time.”
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Alice, who had been quiet until now, snapped her head up, eyes blazing with anger.
“You selfish-!” Her words were cut off by a sharp crack.
Marla had slapped her across the face, and the shock was enough to silence Alice’s outburst.
12:22
The Luna Marked with Lies, The Queen Crowned by Revenge
Chapter 147
Don’t you dare speak to Elizabeth like that!”
Morpheus growled, his tone more fearful than scolding.
They both knew they were at my mercy now, and any show of arrogance or hostility would only seal their fate
I was momentarily taken aback.
Never before had my adoptive parents disciplined Alice in my defense.
They had always treated her like the golden child, even when it was clear she had done wrong.
But now, with their backs against the wall, they were willing to do anything to appease me.
This makes me a little curious.
What other tactics would they come up with in order to come after me for the money?
It didn’t even occur to me at the time that they would throw a bombshell over it.
Morpheus’s voice softened, almost pleading.
“Please, Elizabeth, we have nowhere else to turn. You’re our only hope.”
I opened my mouth to reply when headlights swept over the driveway, and the low purr of an engine signaled the arrival of someone else.
A familiar someone.
Leo stepped out of his car, his presence immediately commanding attention.
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