Free Web NovelChapter 185: Chapter 185 Blood Will Answer
Sylvia’s POV
I stepped into the hospital room with Caesar and Noah flanking me, their presence offering silent support as we approached Mother’s bed. Alpha Astra lay still, her usually commanding presence diminished against the stark white sheets.
Her lips—typically adorned with bold crimson lipstick that had become her signature in boardrooms across the territory—were now pale and colorless.
“Mom, I’m so sorry.” I apologized silently, guilt washing over me in waves.
This was my fault. My stubborn defiance had put her in this hospital bed. I shouldn’t have been so selfish, so focused on my own feelings that I’d pushed her to collapse. What were my petty grievances compared to her health?
Frostline Enterprises could function without me, but it needed Alpha Astra. The pack needed her. I’d been foolish to think my problems deserved priority over her wellbeing. After everything I’d been through these past months, I should have known better, should have been more mature.
I lowered my gaze, unable to find words adequate for the moment. The weight of responsibility pressed down on my shoulders like a physical burden.
Caesar seemed to sense my internal struggle. His warm hand covered mine, his touch gentle yet grounding. "If Alpha Astra sees you blaming yourself like this, it will only distress her more," he whispered, his voice carrying that natural authority that made even simple statements feel like wisdom.
I looked up at him, wanting to explain how deeply responsible I felt, but words failed me. Instead, I simply nodded. He was right, of course. After everything I’d been through, I couldn’t keep shifting blame—this time, I needed to own my part in what happened.
"The Alpha’s awake!" Noah’s voice cut through my thoughts, his tone urgent but controlled.
My head snapped up, and I found myself looking directly into Mother’s eyes—not the sharp, calculating gaze of the business titan who commanded respect throughout the territory, but something softer, more vulnerable. Despite her obvious weakness, I could see her trying to appear strong for my benefit, and that broke something inside me.
My chest tightened painfully. This was the woman who had conquered boardrooms and rival packs alike, now confined to this sterile prison of a hospital room. The sight was profoundly wrong.
"Mom, you’re finally awake," I said, my voice catching with emotion I hadn’t realized was so close to the surface. I’d thought myself stronger than this, more in control of my feelings. Apparently, I was wrong.
Alpha Astra’s eyes softened when she noticed my reddened eyes. Something shifted in her expression—concern, perhaps even guilt.
"I’m fine," she rasped, her voice rough from disuse. "Don’t worry."
The dryness of her lips and the rasp in her voice only intensified my concern. I quickly moved to pour her some water, holding the cup to her lips with trembling hands.
"Mom, it’s good you’re okay. Please drink this and don’t worry about anything else right now," I urged, supporting her head as she took small sips.
"I’m fine..." she insisted, struggling to sit up against the pillows.
I rushed to help her, adjusting the pillows behind her back. "Mom, whatever you need, just tell me. I’m right here."
"Alright, I know," she replied, looking at me with an unexpected warmth that made my heart ache. Something seemed different in her gaze—perhaps this health scare had shifted something between us.
Caesar stepped forward smoothly, his presence commanding yet respectful. "Alpha Astra, how are you feeling now? Is there anything you need?"
Mother’s expression faltered slightly as she registered his presence. "Caesar is here too?" Her gaze shifted. "And Alpha Noah as well?"
Confusion flickered across her face, then alarm replaced it as realization dawned. "The company! Sylvia, I need to be discharged immediately. I have to get back to headquarters."
"Why, Mom? You’ve just regained consciousness," I said, bewildered by her sudden urgency.
Panic edged into her voice. "You don’t understand. My sudden absence—the company needs leadership. The stock prices could plummet if word gets out that I’m hospitalized."
I couldn’t help but sigh. Even now, the business came first. "Mom, rest is what matters most right now. Your health is the priority."
I tried to ease her back against the pillows, but she resisted. "Frostline Enterprises needs me. I can’t just lie here."
"Everything’s fine, Mom," I assured her. "Your hospitalization has been kept completely confidential. The outside world knows nothing, and Frostline Enterprises is running smoothly."
Her expression remained skeptical. "Are you certain about that?"
"Absolutely," I confirmed, then gestured toward Caesar and Noah. "If you don’t believe me, they can both testify that Frostline’s stock hasn’t been affected in the slightest."
Mother’s gaze traveled between the two men, seeking confirmation. Though she trusted me, I understood her need for additional reassurance when it came to the company she’d built from the ground up. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
Noah and Caesar exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
"It’s true," Noah added with that quiet confidence that always seemed to put others at ease. "We were extremely discreet when we arrived. No one knows you’re here."
Relief visibly washed over her. "That’s good. Thank you, Sylvia." The genuine appreciation in her eyes caught me off guard. "You’ve really grown up. I can rest easier knowing that."
"Mom, what do you mean by—" I began, but a familiar voice cut through the moment like a blade.
"How dare you show your face here, Sylvia!"
We all turned toward the doorway, following the sound of that accusatory voice. When my eyes landed on Selene’s slender form, something cold and dangerous flashed through me.
