100: The Unraveling of Deception

Chapter 100. The Unraveling of Deception

(Marcus ckwood’s POV)

Sophia’s sudden embrace caught mepletely off guard. Her arms wrapped around me desperately her tears soaking through my shirt

Elena watched this scene expressionlessly, offering only a faint smile. It seems I should give you two some

space”

Before Sophia could speak, I pulled her out of my embrace and walked towards Elena “Go home and wait for

me

Elena left without a word, her footsteps echoing in the corridor. Sophia bit her lip and stepped in front of me trying to block my gaze.

“Marcus, please intercede with Margaret ckwood,” she pleaded, “Don’t let them transfer me from the

institute”

She reached out to grab my arm, but I suddenly shook her off. The force sent her stumbling backward.

Sophia stared at me, stunned and hurt by the coldness in my eyes. “Marcus?”

“I know about your rtionship with Nathan Sterling,” I said, my voice cutting through the air like ice

Her face paled instantly. “What are you talking about?”

The Crimson Moonrise Hotel,” I continued relentlessly. “Your repeated meetings in the same room. Amber Stone recovered the surveince footage”

Sophia’sposure crumbledpletely. She copsed at my feet, tears streaming down her t

“Nathan forced me!” she cried desperately. “He threatened to harm Oliver if I didn’t cooperate

I stared down at her, disbelief and disillusionment washing over me. “You’re still lying

“Im not lying” she insisted, grabbing at my legs

“I know you deliberately switched the room numbers in the Lunar Sleep Research Project,” I said coldly. “You framed Elena so Nathan could y the hero”

Sophia’s face went white as snow. Her mouth opened and closed bsoundlessly /b

*Tve been unwilling to believe you were capable of such deception,” I admitted, pain creeping into my voice

“Despite suspecting your actions for monthsb./bb” /b

I turned away bfrom /bher, unable to blook /bat her tear–stained face. “I indulged you out of obligation to our past

rtionship. Guilt over my arranged mating to Elena”

“Marcus, please-

“I felt responsible for your misfortunes,” I continued. “I tried topensate you and Oliver, even at Elena’s

expense.”

Sophia crawled closer, her hands reaching for me I only wanted to scare Elena! I never intended real harm!”

Chapter 100. The Unravel

“I knew you created difficulties for Elena at the institute,” I said, my voice hollow. “I assumed my mate bwould /b

understand and forgive me.”

I finally looked down at her. “But the situation spiraled out of control.”

“I was desperate!” Sophia sobbed. 1 just wanted your attention!”

“What about David and Elena’s parents?” I demanded, my voice sharp as a de.

Sophia’s eyes widened in terror. “I had nothing to do with those Incidents! I swear!”

I studied her face for a long moment, searching for deception. After contemting, I summoned my Elite Guards through the inte.

“You’ll be transferred to the Shadowmere Private Healing Sanctuary,” I informed her. “Don’t contact me again.”

Sophia’s face crumpled with despair. “Marcus, no-

“I’ll arrange for Oliver to be sent to you after you’ve recovered,” I added coldly.

The guards entered and helped Sophia to her feet. She looked back at bme /bwith broken eyes as they escorted her away.

Two dayster, bI /bwas discharged from the healing facility unexpectedly. Upon returning to Moonhaven Estate, I felt relieved to see Elena’s shoes and bag in the entryway.

She was home.

I noticed a calendar on the side table with five dates circled in red. None of them seemed significant to me.

(Elena ckwood’s POV)

I emerged from the Master Suite, phone pressed to my ear. “Yes, I understand. Tomorrow at two

I was visibly startled to see Marcus standing in the hallway.

“Who was that?” he asked.

“Just… someone about selling my car,” I said quickly.

Marcus frowned. “You’re selling your Midnight Shadow BMW?”

“I need a new one,” I exined, avoiding his gaze.

“I’ll buy you a car instead, he said firmly. “It’s my duty to provide for my mate.”

When I hesitated, Marcus preemptively raised his hand. “Don’t mention severing our mate bond.”

I looked at him with surprise, then smiled mischievously. Fine. I want five million.”

To my shock, Marcus immediately pulled out his phone. “Amber Stone, transfer five million to Elena’s

ount.”

“Do you need more?” he asked casually.

I stared at him, taken aback by his immediatepliance. “I… Hhave to meet the car buyer.”

I quickly left, iming urgency/Marcus watched me go, a pleased expression on his face.

I sold my BMW at a ridiculously low price, amused by my unexpected windfall. Five million dors for agreeing not to mention bond severance.

Chapter 100: The Unraveli

Marcus ckwood was certainly generous when it suited him.

b(/bSophia Rivers‘ POV)

I left the healing facility in a daze, unable to believe Marcus’s coldness. Back in my car, I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white.

I wouldn’t concede defeat to Elena. Not yet.

Isabe ckwood met me at the Moonlight Wellness Spa, her face troubled. “I can’t stop thinking about

Adrian Whitmore.”

“Still bothered by Elena’s connection to him?” I asked, settling into the plush chair.

Isabe nodded miserably. “She has everything I want. Marcus, Adrian’s attention, everyone’s sympathy.”

I leaned forward, an idea forming. “What if Elena were to sever her mate bond with Marcus and leave the Northern Territory?”

Isabe’s eyes widened. “Then she wouldn’t be an obstacle to my pursuit of Adrian.”

“Exactly,” I smiled. “She’d be out of your way permanently.”

“But how could Elena sever her mate bond with my cousin?” Isabe protested. “She specifically came to mate with him!”

“Specifically?” I was stunned by her choice of words.

Isabe exined eagerly. “My mother Diana told me that Margaret ckwood epted Elena because she had saved Marcus’s life as a child.”

My blood ran cold. “Saved his life?”

“There was a k********g attempt on Marcus when he was young, Isabe continued. “Elena re

somehow.”

him

The revtion hit me like a physical blow. Elena hadn’t just been chosen randomly–she had a history with Marcus that predated everything.