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SOFIA'S POV

“Yeah, I'm sure it must be very suspicious.”

It sent some roaring with laughter while others simply voiced their approval.

A feeling of déjà vu washed through me. This scene looks familiar… almost like I have seen it before.

Just then, pictures of the exact same thing happening—the only difference being the protagonist who was on the receiving end—flashed through my mind.

I lifted my palm, covering my heart, which ached, and let out a wry smile. Was this what Doc felt when everyone was against him—

My heart throbbed.

No, not everyone was against him, I stared at Leon again, remembering how anxious he looked trying to protect Doc.

But now, that same Leon stood aside, watching me with a pale Ava sitting beside him, as I faced the brunt of the crowd’s words without a single budge on his side.

Something flickered through his eyes—guilt or doubt? But whatever it was caused him to stand in his spot firmly.

Well, if he isn't going to help me, then I'll just help myself.

I scanned the crowd which had formed, taking in the expressions they showed.

I knew these people.

Just some days ago, some had smiled at me, sending goodwill to my children. Others had sent fresh fruits to us.

But now,

Those same people stood opposite me, their faces squeezed in anger, eyes bearing disgust against me.

But fortunately, no dirty insults were thrown at me.

It might probably be because the last reversal—the event where they accused Doc but he ended up innocent—was still fresh in their memories.

But the looks in their eyes told me that reality might not be too far off.

Despite being the former Alpha's house, Ava's living room wasn't enough to contain everyone, some resorting to peeking from the windows. Taking a quick glimpse outside through the wide doors revealed it was packed, brimming with pack members who came to see.

An idea sparked inside my head. Wait, the crowd had just gone through a disaster and would want to capture the person responsible, but…

What if I successfully expose Ava here? Wouldn't it be killing two birds with one stone? Not only will I clear my name, but I would also be able to swiftly retrieve my son… and also help the pack.

The only problem is, how do I do it? I sneaked a look at Ava.

Bottling the rage that grew at her pretentiousness, she sat on the sofa, her body limp, face pale, while her arm cradled her throat—a constant reminder as she drew everyone, playing the victim.

If I hadn't seen her earlier, even I would have been fooled. When did Ava learn how to act so well?

Besides, I never strangled her! How did it elevate to that? Thinking about it, a lot of things didn't make sense.

Also, why is everybody protecting her so much? They haven't allowed me to explain myself and already convicted me. Is it because her father was their former Alpha? Or do they still not regard me as part of them? Whatever the reason was, it hurt—really bad.

It gave me the feeling of being in the rough, turbulent sea on a raft battling with insecurity and loneliness while being dragged behind a yacht.

A yacht everyone was on, partying without worries—well, everyone apart from me.

I shook my head, my mind swiftly rotating, searching for a way to drag myself out of this predicament.

My eyes lit up. Instead of blaming her, why don't I just fairly narrate what happened? Because if I keep doing this, firstly, it's clearly not taking me anywhere, and secondly, it would look like I'm suppressing her as the stronger one.

I don't believe the pack members would be so unreasonable.

If I tell them what I heard, they should believe it, wouldn't they?

I cleared my throat and started, despite the uncertainty coating my being.

“I was with the crowd when everyone suspected Doc's involvement with the people who knocked out the pack.

But then I noticed that Ava, who was formerly in the crowd, was missing, so I decided to look for her as I wanted to ask her some questions.

I turned to the crowd.

As some of you might already know, my son, Alex, is missing. He was kidnapped from the pack during this chaotic period when everyone was unconscious and the pack was left unguarded.

I just wanted to look for my son. All I want is for him to come back. Is that too much to ask?”

I choked on a sob, my voice breaking as I fought tears.

My words appealed to the pack members' emotions as they quieted down, the murmurs hushing.

The hidden, sharp words slung at me ceased. I had successfully gained everyone's attention.

Especially from the mothers and people who had children—some had already developed red eyes.

They could at best understand what I am feeling.

With eyes trained on me, I continued my story. “Ana, who was taking care of my mind while I and the Alpha were out of the pack, said she fainted, and when she woke up, Alex was gone. Currently, she has been moving around the pack, still in disbelief that someone who was in her care is gone.” I paused again, staring at the ceiling, desperately trying to not let the tears flow.

I blinked it away. It was only after I was sure that it had dispersed to a safe limit did I resume my speech.

I had brought up the Alpha, Leon, and Ana to increase my credibility.

So it wasn't a surprise when I heard voices confirming my words come out from the crowd—some had seen the anxious Ana searching through the pack.

While everyone knew that the Alpha and I had been out of the pack.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Ava's lips open, probably sensing the changing currents amongst the pack members, who were no longer as hostile to me as they were before.

But I wouldn't allow her to crumble down my efforts.

I never gave her the chance to say anything.