Free Web NovelChapter 186: Chapter 186 The Other Daughter
Sylvia’s POV
Selene’s voice filled the hospital room with venom, making my wolf bristle beneath my skin. I could barely tolerate her act anymore. If she hadn’t blocked my attempts earlier, I might have seen Alpha Astra much sooner.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice cold and measured.
Her lips curled into a nasty smile. She strode toward us on her high heels, moving with practiced elegance that seemed particularly over-the-top today. Despite all eyes on her, she showed no hint of discomfort.
Her target was clear—she headed straight for me with unmistakable hostility.
Caesar instinctively stepped in front of me, his broad shoulders creating a protective barrier. His wolf was clearly on high alert, sensing the danger Selene represented. I could feel the tension radiating from his body as he shielded me from her approach.
Contempt flashed in Selene’s eyes as she observed Caesar’s protective stance. "How touching," her expression seemed to say. Undeterred, she looked past Caesar and locked eyes with me.
"What exactly do you mean by that?" I asked, genuinely confused by her hostility.
Mother sat up straighter in her hospital bed, watching Selene with puzzled eyes. Something seemed different about her today—or perhaps this was who she had been all along? I noticed Mother’s expression shift subtly, a seed of doubt beginning to take root behind her careful mask of Alpha composure.
"I mean," Selene said with theatrical emphasis, "that Mother is in this hospital because of you, and yet here you are, shamelessly showing your face at her bedside."
Her accusation dropped like a bomb, silencing everyone in the room.
Selene then turned her attack toward Mother, her eyes wide with manufactured hurt. "Mother, why?" she demanded. "Why is it that I was the first one by your side, but you didn’t wake for me? Yet Sylvia shows up for barely a moment, and suddenly you’re conscious?"
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "This world has no shortage of liars. I guess I’m just the fool."
Pain flashed across Mother’s face. The realization seemed to hit her that both her daughters were suffering because of her, each in their own way.
"I..." Mother began, her voice trailing off, unable to find words to address Selene’s accusations.
I maintained my composure, refusing to take the bait. "Yes, I upset Mother, and that was wrong. I’ll apologize properly and take responsibility for my actions," I stated firmly. "You don’t need to worry about that."
"How ridiculous!" Selene scoffed, making it clear she didn’t believe me for a second.
"But," I continued steadily, "blaming Mother for when she regained consciousness? That’s completely inappropriate. How could she possibly control when she wakes up? You’re being absurd."
Selene stared at me, momentarily speechless in the face of my logic. Caesar remained positioned between us, his stance making it abundantly clear whose side he was on.
"Fine, I understand now," Selene said, pointing at each person in the room accusingly. "You’re all so noble, and I’m the villain. Is that it?"
She took a deep breath, clearly unwilling to let her previous schemes be forgotten. With tears welling in her eyes—tears I strongly suspected were as fake as her concern—she held up a bag she’d brought.
"Mother, I brought your favorite fish soup and some snacks you love," she said, her voice suddenly soft and wounded. "But I suppose..."
She glanced around the room dramatically, pausing for effect. Mother sat up straighter, visibly anxious about what Selene might say next.
"You have so many people surrounding you now. You clearly don’t need me anymore. I should just leave," she declared, setting down the food and turning away without hesitation.
"Selene, where are you going?" Mother called out, her voice cracking with emotion.
Selene paused for just a moment at the doorway, then continued walking without another word.
Mother’s quiet sobs finally broke the silence, pulling everyone back to reality.
"Mom, what’s wrong?" I asked, bending down beside her bed, genuinely surprised by her tears.
"You’re both my children," she said with a sigh. "Of course I care for her too. Even though she’s not my blood, I’ve watched her grow up. When she talks about leaving like that, how could I not be upset?"
Seeing Mother’s distress and self-blame made my chest tighten. Despite everything, I couldn’t help feeling sympathy for her position.
Mother glanced at Caesar and Noah, looking slightly embarrassed. "You’ve all been here for so long. Perhaps you should go home and rest now."
Noah opened his mouth to protest, but Caesar spoke first, his words surprisingly smooth and charming.
"Alpha Astra, spending time with you isn’t a waste. It’s what family does," he said with such natural warmth that everyone, myself included, was momentarily stunned. "Being here for our elders is something I’m more than happy to do."
I almost did a double-take. Caesar’s diplomatic skills were clearly deeper than I’d realized.
"We’ll stay tonight to help care for you," I added, recovering quickly.
Mother shook her head. "I have nurses here, and you all have work. You should go home and not waste your time."
"But—" I started to protest.
"No buts," Mother interrupted firmly. "Go home. I’ll be fine. James is here too, remember?"
"How about this," I suggested. "Let me stay with you for a while, and when Beta James comes back, I’ll leave."
Caesar and Noah both nodded eagerly.
Mother’s eyes darted between Caesar and Noah, then settled on me with newfound clarity.
"Perhaps you gentlemen could give me a moment with my daughter?"
Caesar immediately caught her meaning, and he placed a gentle hand on Noah’s shoulder.
"Alpha Smith, how about we step outside and chat?" Caesar offered smoothly.
Noah hesitated, his golden hair catching the hospital room’s fluorescent light as he glanced at me with concern. "Are you sure you’ll be alright?" he asked.
I nodded, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "I’ll be fine."
Caesar’s eyes met mine, and a wordless understanding passed between us. frёewebηovel.cѳm
"I’ll drive Noah Smith home and come back for you later," he promised, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Take all the time you need with your mother."
