Chapter 110

Elena's POV

After composing myself, I decided to go and greet Gerald.

Back in the banquet hall, I noticed more media personnel with cameras and recording equipment had arrived. A massive LED screen dominated one wall, broadcasting live footage from throughout the venue.

It seemed Kelly truly enjoyed being high-profile, even inviting media to her birthday party.

I spotted Gerald seated at the head table, Victoria beside him. My stomach twisted painfully at the sight. She now occupied the seat where I once sat.

Taking a deep breath, I approached their table with Jason following close behind. "Gerald," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the emotions churning inside me.

His eyes widened slightly. A complex mix of emotions flashed across his face—surprise, pain, and something that looked almost like guilt.

"Elena," he acknowledged with a curt nod. "Come sit with us."

"No, I'll just sit at that table with Jason," I declined, then asked, "Why didn't Mom come?"

"Her health hasn't been good, so I didn't let her come," he replied.

I turned to leave and caught a glimpse of Victoria's smug smile.

"Elena, please come sit here, you two should talk." Victoria, seeing this, quickly stood up, about to give up her seat for me.

She truly was a skilled actress, playing the role of a virtuous woman at this moment.

I noticed the displeased looks from members of both the Blackwood and Cooper families. Her performance was successful.

"No, you sit. Take good care of Gerald, he's getting old and there are many things he can't eat that might cause him discomfort. You should be attentive to that."

With nothing else to say, I followed Jason to another table. I could feel Victoria's triumphant gaze boring into my back.

"I'm sorry," Jason whispered as we sat down. "I shouldn't have brought you here. This was a mistake."

I straightened my shoulders. "No, it's okay. I need to face this sooner or later. I'm not the same girl I was six years ago."

"You're stronger now. But still, this must be difficult for you. Would you like to rest for a bit? We can step outside."

I nodded gratefully. "Some fresh air would be nice."

The hotel garden offered a welcome respite from the tension inside. I inhaled deeply, letting the scent of roses calm my frayed nerves.

"It's windy here. Wait here a moment while I get you a jacket," Jason said.

I nodded.

"Ms. Winter?" a male voice called from behind me shortly after.

I turned to see a well-dressed young man whose calculating eyes didn't match his friendly smile. "Yes?"

"I'm Jacey's student. She mentored me during my medical research."

I frowned. I had no recollection of him.

"Hello, did you need something from me?"

"It's like this, Jacey gave me this book to pass to you. She's gone abroad. She specifically instructed me to find you and give you this book."

The young man suddenly produced a book.

I hesitated. "She went abroad? Where to?"

"Yes, she went to Elysium, but she said if you miss her, you can call her, or visit her anytime."

"She specifically told me to bring this book to you. I've been looking for you for a long time without success. Fortunately, I came here with my family today and happened to meet you," he continued.

I took the book.

"It contains information about treating dissociative identity disorder—what some still call 'split personality,'" he said.

My guard instantly went up. I'd never discussed such conditions with Jacey.

"Who told you someone has this condition?" I asked carefully.

"Jacey mentioned you were researching this. She said you described someone with typical symptoms," he replied smoothly. "May I ask who the patient is?"

My heart immediately began racing!

"Can you tell me who it is? I specialized in psychology and studied abroad. This condition is extremely rare, perhaps I can help you."

As he spoke, a strange fog settled over my mind. His words echoed unnaturally, and I found it increasingly difficult to focus.

"You can really help him?"

"Of course, as long as you tell me who he is and describe his symptoms." He was gradually leading me to reveal the secret I had been hiding.

This wasn't normal. Something was very wrong.

I fought against the intrusion. I felt like I was drowning in molasses, my thoughts becoming sluggish.

"I need to go," I said abruptly, but my legs felt heavy, unresponsive.

"Just tell me who has these symptoms, Elena," he pressed. "Is it Richard Blackwood?"

With horror, I realized I was about to answer. My mouth was opening against my will. Desperate, I bit down hard on my lower lip, drawing blood. The sharp pain and coppery taste snapped me back to full awareness.

"Stay away from me," I growled.

His eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously. "Your willpower is stronger than I expected," he murmured, reaching for my arm. "But we're not finished."

I turned to run, but he was faster, blocking my path. "Just a few more questions," he said, his voice again taking on that hypnotic quality.

The fog returned, heavier this time. I felt myself slipping, losing control of my own thoughts. In a final desperate move, I reached up and yanked the silver hairpin from my updo, driving it into my forehead just enough to break skin.

The searing pain of silver against my wolf blood was excruciating, but effective. Blood trickled down my face as I collapsed to the ground, but my secret was safe.

Richard's POV

When I arrived at the scene, my father was raising a glass to toast Kelly when the enormous screen suddenly switched to a live feed from the garden. The volume increased automatically, drawing everyone's attention.

There was Elena, speaking with a man I didn't recognize. Their voices came through clearly.

"...typical symptoms of split personality," the man was saying.

I froze. This was my condition, the secret my family had kept hidden until now.

"Cut the feed!" my father barked at the nearest security guard, his eyes flashing gold with rage. "NOW!"

"His symptoms... his symptoms are terrible. When he has an episode, he becomes violent, wanting to destroy everything. Also, he creates his own personalities, which is extremely rare. In that personality, he does whatever he wants, such as..."

As Elena's voice continued to come through the screen, anger began to burn within me. Was she trying to expose my secret?

When I thought she was about to reveal everything, her face showed a struggle. She seemed to awaken and began questioning the man.

As the man pressed her further, Elena pulled out a silver pin and drove it into her forehead. Blood trickled down her forehead, and I felt something break inside me. It was as if that pin had pierced my heart.