Chapter 143 Shifting Shadows in the Mansion

Chapter 143 Shifting Shadows in the Mansion
Hushed whispers echoed through the dim corners of the main kitchen in the Moreno Clan mansion. News of Cassen's and Madam Diana's arrest spread like wildfire across every corner of the estate.

Sera, still disguised as Ana, stood frozen before the kitchen sink. Her hands, covered in soapy suds as she washed dishes, locked up instantly.

"Did you hear the news?" a middle-aged maid named Aunt Inah whispered to her coworker, completely oblivious to Sera standing right beside them.

"About Alpha Cassen? Oh Lord, the whole mansion is in an uproar, Auntie!" the second maid, a young girl, replied in a trembling voice. "He and Madam Diana were officially arrested by the police a few minutes ago in the courtroom. Word is they were both proven to be the brains behind the premeditated murder of the Borne Clan family!"

"Shh! Keep it down!" Aunt Inah scolded, glancing toward the kitchen door. "That's not all. There's something way more shocking. Turns out Alpha Rolex isn't dead!"

"What?! Alpha Rolex is still alive?" the young maid gasped softly.

"Yeah! The guy who’s been posing as Dion Lady Maya’s bodyguard is actually the real Alpha Rolex!"

Clack!

The porcelain plate in Sera's hands nearly slipped from her fingers as her strength suddenly drained away. With violently trembling hands, she quickly placed the dish into the sink.

"Ana? What's wrong with you? You look so pale," Aunt Inah said, taking a step toward Sera.

"I-I... I'm just shocked, Auntie," Sera stammered, trying to steady her voice. "Is that news really for sure?"

"Of course it is!" the young maid chimed in. "The entire clan council has appointed Alpha Rolex as the new leader, and Lady Maya was made Luna! How do you not know? Aren't you Lady Maya's personal maid?"

"I... I was busy in the back room earlier," Sera made up an excuse. "Excuse me, Auntie, I need to go check on my baby."

Without waiting for a response, Sera turned around and hurried out of the kitchen. She navigated the dark corridors of the mansion toward her room. Once inside, she shut the heavy door and locked it tight from within. Sera walked over to the bed and scooped little Leon's sleeping body into her arms.

"Alpha Rolex is still alive..." Sera whispered into the quiet room. Tears she had been holding back finally streamed down her cheeks. "And Cassen... Cassen's been arrested. How could all of this happen?"

Sera clutched her hand to her chest. A chaotic web of emotions surged through her soul. On one hand, relief washed over her knowing the truth was finally out—Cassen and Madam Diana truly had to answer for their cruel past sins. But on the other, a sharp pain stung her heart. After all, Cassen was her lawful husband.

Yet the most bewildering part was the truth about Alpha Rolex. If Dion was Alpha Rolex, it meant the man who had been helping her—the one who made her chest flutter strangely with a sensation so like a mate bond—was her husband's family's mortal enemy.

Suddenly, a heavy knock rattled her door from the outside.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Ana! Open the door!" a guard's loud voice barked through the wooden door.

Sera quickly wiped her tears and held Leon tightly. "J-just a moment!" she called back. She straightened her clothes and cracked the door open slightly. "What is it?"

Outside stood two guards clad in Moreno Clan uniforms bearing a new crest.

"Lady Maya—I mean, Luna Maya—wants you in the main hall right now," the guard said coldly. "Bring your baby too."

Sera's heart hammered against her ribs. "Why is Luna Maya calling for me this late at night?"

"Don't ask questions! Just follow Luna's orders!" the guard snapped sharply.

"Alright... alright, I'll be right there," Sera nodded quickly.

After the guards left, Sera looked down at Leon's innocent face in her arms. "Don't worry, sweetie. Mommy will protect you," she whispered before stepping out into the hallway.

In the grand main hall, the atmosphere stood in stark contrast to Sera's quiet room. The crystal chandeliers glowed brightly, reflecting a lavishness that had now changed hands. Maya stood gracefully in her luxurious red dress beside Alpha Rolex, who looked imposing yet coldly distant.

Sera stepped forward with her head bowed, playing the part of Ana, the obedient servant. "You called for me, My Lady... I mean, Luna Maya?"

Maya turned around, sweeping her eyes over Sera from head to toe with a tight, superior smile.

"Ah, Ana. My faithful maid," Maya mocked softly. "Come here. Look who's standing beside me now."

Sera took a few steps closer while keeping her gaze on the floor. "Congratulations on your appointment as Luna, My Lady. And congratulations to Alpha Rolex."

Alpha Rolex fixed his gaze on the maid before him. His sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing straight through Sera's disguise, sending a chill down her spine.

"You look like you're shaking, Ana," Alpha Rolex called out, his voice deep and heavy. "Are you afraid of me? Or are you afraid of the changes in this mansion?"

Sera swallowed the bitter lump in her throat. "N-no, Alpha. I am just a lowly servant... I am overwhelmed and a bit startled by everything that happened tonight."

Maya let out a soft laugh, resting a hand on Alpha Rolex's shoulder. "Don't scare her, darling. She's just a naive maid I picked up off the street. But remember, Ana..." Maya stepped closer, dropping her voice right next to Sera's ear. "...starting tonight, the rules in this place have completely changed. Anyone who is still loyal to Cassen or tries to play with fire behind my back will end up far worse off than Diana Moreno. Do you understand?"

"I-I completely understand, Luna Maya," Sera whispered, gripping the edge of Leon's blanket to hide her violently trembling hands.

"Good," Maya said with satisfaction. "Now take your baby and prepare some warm tea for my room. Alpha Rolex and I have a lot of important things to discuss tonight."

"Yes, Luna. Excuse me." Sera bowed deeply and turned around slowly, walking out of the hall with steps as measured as possible.

As Sera walked away, Alpha Rolex kept his eyes locked on her retreating back, his brow furrowed.

"What is it, Alpha? Why do you keep staring at that maid?" Maya asked, puzzled by his unshifting glare.

"The baby's scent... and that woman's heartbeat," Alpha Rolex muttered softly to himself. "Far too restless for an ordinary maid."

"Ah, she's always been a timid thing," Maya dismissed casually. "Don't pay it any mind. What matters now is our future and the Moreno Clan."

In the hallway leading toward the kitchen, Sera leaned her back against the cold stone wall, gasping for air.

That was too close... she thought in terror. Maya is growing more powerful and treacherous by the second, while Alpha Rolex has dangerously sharp senses. If I make one wrong move, it's over for both me and Leon.

She looked down at Leon, who had woken up and was staring up at her with big, innocent eyes. "Mommy can't give up," Sera whispered firmly to herself. "I have to survive this disguise until I find the best way to get us both out safely."