“ Cynthia , you’re drunk , ” he muttered , his voice strained . “ I’m not drunk ! ” she protested , grabbing him by the collar . “ I really like you , Kennard . Can’t you just stay with me tonight instead of going back to my sister ? ” Alpha Kennard hesitated . “ Alright , alright , I’ll stay here and take care of you tonight . The scene inside was full of warmth and intimacy . I stood at the door , a cold breeze sending shivers through me . My mate’s betrayal left me with a soul – wrenching pain . Looking at the fresh video recorded on my phone , I smiled in satisfaction . Chapter 9 The day I was discharged from the hospital , no one came to pick me up . Alpha Kennard claimed he was swamped with pack’s work , Alpha Cynthia was at home perfecting her piano performance for her upcoming birthday gala , and my so – called parents were busy orchestrating the grand celebration for their cherished daughter . Not for me , of course . Never for me . The nurse , bless her kind heart , helped me pack my few belongings into a worn bag . The first thing I did after leaving the hospital wasn’t going home ; I hailed a cab and headed straight to The Ambersy Pack’s packhouse . When my so – called parents first brought me back into their lives , they’d thrown a grand recognition party , flaunting me as the long – lost daughter of The Ambersy Pack’s Alpha and Luna . It was all for show . People marveled at how “ lucky ” I was to have been found by such loving parents . But if they truly cared , why had they chosen Alpha Cynthia’s birthday – the most significant day in her social calendar – to hold the event ? Why had they paraded her around , letting her bask in the spotlight , while I stood ignored in the shadows ? That party was nothing more than a tool to show off their generosity , and it left scars deeper than any wound . Still , it served one benefit : everyone in The Ambersy Pack now knew who I was , so getting in was easy . I went straight to the The Ambersy Pack’s Werewolf Council’s office . I knocked on the door , and once inside , I laid the pre – printed document on the desk . The person across from me was initially surprised to see me , but as he read through the document , his expression gradually became serious . “ What are you planning to do? Luna Emma . ” he asked . I met his gaze , unflinching . “ It’s difficult , isn’t it ? Trying to change stupid Alpha Cynthia’s suppression and manipulation . I imagine your job hasn’t been easy , Gamma Bowman . He leaned back in his chair , his brows furrowing as he studied me . “You understand the consequences of this , don’t you ? If you go through with this , Alpha Cynthia won’t recover . You’ll destroy her reputation , her position , everything . Are you sure this is what you want ? ” “ That’s the idea , ” I replied , allowing a cold smile to curl my lips . His fingers drummed against the desk. “ You realize this isn’t a game . Once you start this , there’s no turning back . “ Good , ” I said simply . “ I’m not interested in turning back . For a moment , Gamma Bowman looked as though he might refuse . Then , his shoulders relaxed , and a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth . “ So , then , ” he said , extending a hand across the desk . “ Here’s to a successful partnership . As expected , no one welcomed me when I got home . However , our housekeeper , Helen , warmly greeted me at the door . Ever since I was identified and brought back , I’ve often brought them food and clothing , so I have a pretty good relationship with the house staff . “ Where are my parents ? ” I asked casually. Chapter 9 Helen gave an awkward smile , “ They’re inside helping Alpha Cynthia practice piano . I nodded and walked straight to the dining table . “ Helen , I’m hungry . Could you fix me something to eat ? ” Quietly , I sat at the table eating . Recently, all my meals have been sent by Alpha Kennard , which I couldn’t really stomach . This was the first proper meal I’ve had in days . Unfortunately , some people just can’t stand to see me content . “ Why didn’t you greet me and your mother when you got home ? Do you have any respect for your parents ? “ . A familiar scolding voice intruded . I pretended not to hear , continuing to eat my meal . “ Bang ! ” A large hand slammed down on the table next to me , startling everyone around . I looked up at the man I was supposed to call my father . He was glaring at me with such anger that , to him , I seemed more like an enemy than his daughter . “ I haven’t been eating well lately , ” I said evenly . “ Today’s my first day out of the hospital , and I haven’t seen any concern from my parents . I thought it best not to disturb you . “ You ungrateful child ! ” he spat , his voice rising . “ How dare you blame us ? We’ve been busy helping your sister prepare for her birthday performance . It’s an important event ! ” Before I could respond , Alpha Cynthia entered the room , her expression smug as she clung to our mother’s arm . “ Yes , sister , Mom and Dad have been so worried about you ” she said sweetly , though her words dripped with mockery . “ Shouldn’t you at least let them know you’re okay ? ” I looked at Alpha Cynthia and the woman next to her , supposedly my mom — or rather , her mom . Together , they made me seem like the ungrateful daughter who couldn’t understand her parents . But I wasn’t falling for that anymore . “ Is she a pup? ” I asked coldly, my voice cutting through their pretense . “ Does she not have hands or a brain ? Why does she need someone watching her practice piano? ” Their faces turned red , but I wasn’t finished . “ Is watching an able – bodied person play piano more important than picking up your injured daughter from the hospital ? ” I sneered at their embarrassed faces . My father’s face darkened further . “ Is that how you talk to your parents ? Ungrateful child ! ” I looked at the enraged man , remembering he’d never raised his voice to Alpha Cynthia . I let out a humorless laugh . “ Ungrateful ? Ever since I came back , I’ve gone out of my way to take care of you . I’ve researched meals for your health , bought you local ginseng , and used my own money to cover expenses . Has your precious daughter ever done the same ? ” “ I didn’t want to spend much of the family’s money , so I started working early and used my earnings , even for my startup . Every time I make money , I give half to you . Could she do the same ? ” “ And every single thing you’ve ever mentioned liking , have I ever not bought for you ? Till now , do you think Alpha Cynthia even knows your preferences ? ” Watching the three of them speechless , I shook my head in self – mockery . “ But she’s your little sister , ‘ my mother finally said , her voice shaky . “ Cynthia has health issues and deserves more care . I stared at my mother , shaking my left arm slightly . “ Take a good look ,” I said bitterly . “ Who’s in worse shape now ? ” The room fell into a heavy silence as I set down my utensils ; I couldn’t eat any longer Before leaving , I quietly said to the two bewildered middle – aged people , “ Spoiled love will only ruin her, and soon enough , you’ll regret it . I turned and went back to my room , starting to prepare the materials for my plan formally . I wasn’t fazed anymore , no longer yearning for family or love . Nothing is as reliable as holding your fate in your own hands . The days recovering at home passed quickly . As Alpha Cynthia’s birthday approached , she and my parents were out every day , so I spent my time chatting with the pack worker and resting . Watching Alpha Cynthia return full of energy every night , I began looking forward to the day just as much as she was .