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When Samantha returned home, Pamela's expression immediately darkened, her face contorting with a mix of anger and concern. Her eyes, sharp and intense, seemed to glimmer with a dangerous light, almost like a predator watching its prey. "Didn't I warn you not to go out alone? How many times do I have to tell you to listen to me?" she asked in a voice that was low but filled with a menacing edge. There was something about her tone that made it clear she wasn't just upset—she was furious, and her words carried a warning.

Samantha hesitated for a moment, but then she decided to speak up. "Mom, there's something really important I need to tell you," she said, her voice soft but firm. Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Pamela's hand and pulled her into her room, shutting the door behind them. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with tension, and Samantha leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "I just got a message," she said, her words coming out hurriedly. "Bella is pregnant." Her statement hung in the air, leaving Pamela stunned.

Pamela's reaction was immediate, her surprise evident in the way her eyes widened. The light in her gaze shifted, resembling the gleam of moonlight on a still, dark lake. "What did you say?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Samantha quickly explained, recounting the details she had heard from Breanna. Pamela's worry began to grow, her mind racing with questions. If this news was true, it needed to be confirmed as soon as possible—there was no room for uncertainty.

Without wasting any time, Pamela grabbed her phone and dialed a familiar number. Her fingers, tipped with sharp nails, gently tapped against the screen as she waited for the call to connect. When Itzel answered, Pamela wasted no time getting to the point. "I heard that Bella is pregnant. Is it true?" she asked, her tone urgent and demanding.

On the other end of the line, Itzel froze. She was busy in her human form, caught off guard by the unexpected question. After a brief pause, she replied, "No way. I haven’t heard anything about this from Elinor." Her voice carried a note of disbelief, as though she couldn't imagine such a thing being true.

Pamela quickly explained the situation, her words coming out in a rush. "Breanna told Samantha that Bella sacrificed herself to save a sick child," she said. "I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I thought you might have some answers." Her voice faltered slightly, and the tension in her body was obvious.

Itzel felt a strange sense of relief upon hearing Pamela's uncertainty. If Elinor hadn't mentioned anything, perhaps the rumor was just that—a baseless rumor. Still, a part of her couldn't ignore the possibility that there was some truth to the story. She sighed, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. "I’ll look into it," she finally said.

Meanwhile, Pamela's thoughts took a darker turn. If the news was false, there was nothing to worry about. But if it turned out to be true, it could complicate everything. A small, sinister smile crept onto her lips, though Itzel couldn't see it through the phone. She silently hoped that Bella wasn’t pregnant—keeping such a secret hidden would be much easier.

Itzel, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Rumors often carried a kernel of truth, and Breanna was not someone who would easily mislead Samantha. As she thought about it, another concern surfaced in her mind. If Bella was carrying Alpha Xavier's child, Elinor would likely be thrilled. But why would Elinor keep such a thing a secret?

Leaning against her desk, Itzel's thoughts grew more focused. She decided she needed to investigate further. "I’ll visit Elinor and find out what’s really going on," she said to herself. Determined, she grabbed a basket of ripe fruits and made her way to the Xavier estate.

When Itzel arrived, Elinor greeted her warmly, her face lighting up with delight at the sight of her visitor. The two women exchanged pleasantries, chatting casually about family matters and other small topics. Itzel skillfully guided the conversation, steering it towards Leo's condition. She asked about his treatment, her tone light but curious. Elinor sighed, her expression turning more serious. "The child’s condition is stable for now," she admitted. "Alpha Xavier assured us there’s no major issue. Once Bella gives birth and undergoes the blood and water treatment, the illness will be cured."

Itzel’s heart sank as she processed Elinor’s words. So the rumors were true. Bella was pregnant, and her child was being counted on to save Leo. Anger bubbled within Itzel, though she quickly masked it with a calm expression. How could Elinor keep something so important hidden? If Breanna hadn’t let the secret slip, Itzel might never have known.

Forcing a smile, Itzel responded with feigned enthusiasm. "That’s wonderful news for you," she said. "Not only will you save your grandson, but you’ll also have another grandchild to celebrate." Her words were kind, but her thoughts were anything but.

Elinor nodded, though her expression grew troubled. "Yes, having more grandchildren is a blessing," she said. "But Bella complicates things. Alpha Xavier wants a fresh start with her, but now that Samantha is pregnant too, what are we supposed to do?" Her voice wavered, revealing the depth of her concern.

Itzel’s mind raced as she considered the situation. Elinor’s hesitation was clear, and it could pose a problem if she changed her mind about any agreements they had made. Trying to sound reassuring, Itzel spoke up. "The success of treating leukemia with blood depends on compatibility," she said, her tone calm but firm.

Elinor frowned, confusion clouding her features. "What are you trying to say?" she asked.

Itzel explained carefully. "The child Bella is carrying might not have compatible blood with Leo," she said. "But Samantha’s child could be a match instead."

Elinor’s eyes lit up with understanding. "So, we could use Samantha’s child instead of Bella’s?" she asked, a hint of relief creeping into her voice.

"Exactly," Itzel replied. "There’s no need to worry. Let both women give birth, and everything will work out. Leo will get the treatment he needs, and you’ll have more grandchildren to celebrate."

Elinor nodded, her tension easing. "You’re right," she said. "I need to think more carefully about this."

Just as the conversation was winding down, the sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted them. Riya burst into the room, her breath coming in quick gasps. "Alpha Xavier has returned," she announced.

Elinor’s face brightened at the news. "Why have you come home so early today?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

The door to the living room swung open, and Alpha Xavier entered with a commanding presence. Mark followed close behind, his movements quick and purposeful. Alpha Xavier’s gaze landed on Itzel, and his expression tightened slightly. Though he managed a polite nod, it was clear he no longer regarded her favorably.

Once inside his study, Alpha Xavier wasted no time. He powered up his computer and began reviewing the security footage from the estate. Cameras had been strategically placed around the property, capturing every detail. As he watched, his eyes widened in shock. The footage revealed moments he hadn’t expected to see, and the truth of that night began to unfold before him.