232

Alpha Xavier stepped out of his vehicle with a regal air and entered the pharmacy, his keen senses alert. He immediately spotted Riya and Clem near the medicine counter, but noticed the latter's restless behavior. As he stepped into the elevator, Alpha Xavier saw Clem edge away from Riya, and take initiative to greet him. "Xavier," he said.

Xavier's voice caught Riya's attention and she turned around to face him, a look of surprise on her face. Thankfully, Clem intervened, creating room for her to regroup. After a momentary lapse, Riya approached Alpha Xavier as if nothing had happened. "Xavier, when did you come back?" she asked.

"I just got back today," replied Alpha Xavier. "How's my mother doing?"

"She's recovering well, but her temper is still fiery as ever," Riya replied.

When Alpha Xavier noticed that he and Riya were discussing personal matters, he bid Clem goodbye. The moment he did, Alpha Xavier observed that Clem appeared a little flustered. Was it just his imagination? His eyes lingered on Clem as he walked away, prompting a small thump in Riya's heart. She forced a smile. "Who was that just now?" she inquired.

Alpha Xavier was taken aback. Did Riya not know Clem? Had he been mistaken then? He decided to ask. "Craig's driver," he replied.

"Oh, the secretary's driver," Riya responded dryly, before explaining, "I've become something of a local celebrity recently, so I came to pick up some Honeysuckle soup."

"You've worked hard," Alpha Xavier commended. He knew how temperamental his mother could be and without his presence, Riya would bear the brunt of her wrath. "I'll find two more nurses for her, so you can rest for a bit."

"I don't need to rest. I can take care of Madam," Riya quickly interjected. Alpha Xavier was generous and paid her an exorbitant salary. Despite the insults she had to endure from Elinor when she was working in the Xavier household, the money was worth it. Besides, there was a bigger reason why she remained: a highly paid position in Pamela's scheme. She could not risk losing her status by allowing a new nurse to replace her.

Afraid that Alpha Xavier might insist on her resting, she quickly offered her services. "I've been by Madam's side for a long time, so I'm more familiar with her preferences. Madam, don't worry. I'm sure she won't be satisfied with my new care."

Alpha Xavier saw the sense in her words and nodded. "If you can't hold on any longer, just tell me."

Bella waited patiently in the car and asked about Alpha Xavier's mother when he returned. "Is your mother okay?" she questioned.

"Riya said she's fine. She's recovering quite well," came the reply.

"Go and see her."

"I'll find some time to visit her," he replied, before driving away with Mark. During their journey, Alpha Xavier briefed Mark on his observations. "Those two acted as though they didn't know each other. There's something fishy going on here. Find out who Clem is."

Mark nodded, ready to carry out his tasks.

Although Beta Craig had forbidden Samantha from leaving the house, she felt a strong urge to visit Elinor in the hospital. She bought Elinor's favorite foods and went to see her. Upon seeing Samantha, Elinor was overjoyed and peppered her with questions. Samantha answered her queries, pleasing Elinor even more. She realized that Samantha was more amiable than Bella. "Samantha, have you received any news?" she asked.

Samantha's shy smile was all the reply Elinor needed. "That one didn't come," she said.

"Really?" Elinor exclaimed, her spirits lifted. "Have you checked it out?"

"Not yet," Samantha replied.

"Please do that as soon as possible. If it's good news..." Elinor trailed off, her mind filled with the possibilities. If Samantha were to be pregnant, it would be a dream come true for Bella and Alpha Xavier to start their family.

Samantha informed Pamela about Elinor's reaction and the mother and daughter discussed their experiences. When Beta Craig returned, he ordered Pamela to tidy up the room and prepare a child's room.

Pamela did not need any explanation to know what Beta Craig was implying. She loathed Bella's son, but kept a straight face. "Does Bella want to move in with her child?" she asked.

"Yes!" Beta Craig replied curtly. "The room should be beautifully decorated."

Aunt Maleah was thrilled at the news. "Leave it to me, Secretary. I will ensure that everything is perfect and exquisite," she said."Thank you." The words slipped out of Beta Craig's mouth in a low growl as he finished speaking. His eyes narrowed, glowing with a fierce intensity, as Samantha swiftly served him a cup of tea. He accepted the drink and took a sip, the warmth seeping into his veins as he stared at her.

"It's been several years since you graduated," he said, his voice laced with a predatory edge. "Do you have any plans?"

Samantha's heart pounded in her chest, startled by his question. Her plans were simple: to marry Alpha Xavier, the coveted Wife of the pack's president. But she hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I haven't thought about it yet," she replied, her voice wavering.

Beta Craig's brows furrowed, his grip tightening around the teacup. He couldn't fathom how an adult, especially his own daughter, could lack ambition and direction. It was a disgrace to their kind, to humanity itself. Thoughts of Samantha and Bella, his two daughters, filled his mind. Why did they seem so drastically different, like creatures from different worlds?

Bella, ever elusive, kept to herself. Even when she married Alpha Xavier and joined the powerful pack, she remained in the shadows. Beta Craig had rarely seen her in high-end establishments or mingling with the rich and privileged.

Samantha, on the other hand, was entirely different. She thrived in the allure of opulent places, constantly engaging in petty battles with the wealthy young ladies. She knew nothing but the pursuit of pleasure. He despised her for it, his gaze turning cold. "Since you have no plans, I've made one for you. I'll send you to study abroad."

"Abroad?" Samantha's voice trembled, her intentions to marry Alpha Xavier now disrupted. Going abroad was nothing but an obstacle standing in her path. "Dad, I don't want to study abroad."

"What else would you do if you don't want to study abroad? Others like you start working early, striving for success. Yet you seem content with your idle existence, indulging in trivial pleasures day after day. Is that how you want to live your life?" Beta Craig sneered, the disappointment evident in his gaze.

Samantha couldn't find the words to respond. She glanced at her mother, Pamela, seeking solace, but found none.

"Samantha has not been idle. She had ambitions to work, but circumstances led to delays. She fell sick and needed time to recover..." Pamela interjected, defending her daughter.

Beta Craig's expression softened slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. "We, as parents, were at fault for the past hardships you endured. Now, I want to make amends and send you abroad. If you study hard, I believe you will achieve great things."

"Why should Samantha study abroad? We are unfamiliar with the place, and I don't want my daughter to suffer," Pamela quickly interjected, taking a stand.

"Suffer? Why do you consider it suffering when someone with potential wants to venture abroad?" Beta Craig's voice rose, an unnatural edge to his tone.

"Dad, I don't want to go. I don't want to leave you," Samantha begged, her voice choked with tears.

"You can't bear to leave us? What nonsense are you spouting? Do you want to stay here forever, wasting away with us?" Beta Craig sneered, his disappointment turning into anger. Samantha bowed her head in silence, unable to utter a word. Pamela quickly intervened, "Craig, if Samantha doesn't want to go, you don't have to force her. I can help her find a job, and she can start working."

"Now it's not about work, it's about Bella. Bella and Leo will be returning soon. Alpha Xavier will surely visit. Samantha being at home all the time does not bode well. Sending her to study abroad is the best solution for everyone," Beta Craig declared, his tone unwavering.

Samantha bit her lip, her face contorted with anguish. "Dad, if this is your concern, then I will move out."

"You still don't understand, do you? Your presence here will only bring trouble for Bella and Alpha Xavier. The best course of action is for you to go abroad," Beta Craig stated, his intentions crystal clear. Samantha's face paled, shock and despair consuming her. She turned to Pamela, desperation in her voice. "Mom, I don't want to leave. I won't leave even if you beat me to death!"

Pamela's heart ached, but a forced smile remained on her face. "Since it's for Bella's sake, let Samantha study abroad. Craig, make the arrangements. I will convince Samantha to agree."

As soon as Beta Craig retreated to his study, a deep frown etched on his face, Pamela and Samantha returned to their room. Behind closed doors, Samantha expressed her frustration. "Mom, Dad is forcing me to leave just to make Bella comfortable. I am also his daughter. How can he be so biased?"

Pamela remained silent, deep in thought. Beta Craig had been kind to her and Samantha earlier. Why was he acting so strangely now? Was it because of Bella's imminent return, or was there something else troubling him?

Samantha's anxiety heightened as her mother stayed silent. "Mom, why did you agree to him? You should have found a reason to refuse."

"What are you arguing about?" Pamela scowled. "You're still here, aren't you? I was just stalling for time. I have more power than you. Don't worry, I won't let you go abroad."

"What can we do now?" Samantha pleaded frantically. "Mom, why don't we tell Dad about my pregnancy? Maybe he won't let me go abroad."

"Idiot!" Pamela's voice dripped with exasperation as she glared at her daughter. "Reveal your pregnancy now, and you'll only be signing your own death warrant. I know your father too well. He will force you to go to the hospital and have the baby."

"What should we do then? Wait until the baby is born?" Samantha questioned, desperation lacing her words.

"There's no need to wait that long. I'll come up with a plan. Just stay obediently at home for now and don't go anywhere," Pamela assured her.

As Beta Craig settled into his study, a furrow deepening on his forehead, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Samantha's tearful reaction to the idea of leaving was expected - she was used to the comforts of pack life, after all. Pamela had spoiled her excessively, so he assumed she would object as well. Yet, she had initially voiced her disapproval but swiftly changed her stance. It was an abnormal reaction for a mother.

Aunt Maleah, his trusted aide, knocked on the door and came in, serving him tea. She observed him closely, furrowing her brow in concern. "Don't worry, sir. The young lady just had a momentary outburst. She'll calm down soon."

Beta Craig nodded, musing for a moment before a question tumbled out of his mouth. "How has your family been recently?"

"Everything is fine," Aunt Maleah replied, her voice steady.

"Hmm," Beta Craig mused. "You must be diligent in your duties at home."

Aunt Maleah nodded, her expression serious. "I will be vigilant."

Beta Craig fell silent, his thoughts consumed by the unsettling events. Something was brewing beneath the surface, and he couldn't shake off the growing unease.