Chapter 237
Elle’s POV
249
Brad’s arms wrapped around me suddenly, pulling me against his chest with an intensity that made my heart skip. His amber eyes held something I couldn’t quite read pain, maybe even regret.
“What does that mean?” I asked, my voice unsteady as I searched his face. “Brad, you’re scaring me.”
His large hands cupped my face gently, Alpha warmth radiating from his touch. “In a moment, you’ll understand everything. Let Susan enjoy this lunch first, okay? Elle… I’m sorry. About your mother’s situation, I’m truly sorry.”
A chill ran down my spine. Why was he apologizing? Why did his voice sound so hollow, so final?
“Brad, what’s going on?” My voice rose despite my efforts to stay calm. “Why won’t you just tell me?”
He pressed his forehead against mine, his amber eyes closing briefly. “You’re right – Susan deserves to be happy today. If this is meant to be a tragedy, let it come later.”
Before I could demand more answers, Susan emerged from the kitchen carrying simple home–cooked dishes, her face glowing with joy. When she saw us standing so close together, her smile brightened even more.
I’ll help you, Mom,” I said quickly, moving toward her.
“No need,” Susan waved me off gently. “You’re carrying precious cargo – I can handle this. Should we invite those bodyguards to join us?”
“Too many people came today, there’s not enough room,” I explained, forcing my voice to sound normal. They’re eating in the cars outside.”
Once Susan disappeared back into the kitchen, Brad’s hand found mine, squeezing tight. “After lunch, I’ll have Alex arrange a video call between both families. Then you’ll know everything.”
“Both families?” My stomach dropped. “What do you mean both families?”
Brad’s thumb traced across my cheek. “Try to smile, Elle. Susan will notice if you don’t. Whatever happens, I won’t abandon you.”
I stared at him, completely lost. Why was he talking about abandoning me? And what did he mean about the mate bond? I barely understood what that even
meant.
He pulled me toward the bathroom before I could ask more questions. “Let’s wash our hands for lunch.”
Sitting at the dining table, I stared at the spread of food but couldn’t bring myself to eat. Everything smelled wrong, tasted like cardboard.
“Elle, is the food not to your liking?” Susan asked, concern creeping into her voice.
I shook my head, forcing a smile. “No, it’s perfect. I was just thinking about morning sickness remedies for you. I forgot to bring some anti–nausea medication.”
“Oh, I haven’t felt sick at all!” Susan beamed. “Not even a little queasy. Isn’t that wonderful? I think this pregnancy is a blessing from above.”
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Chapter 237
A blessing? My heart clenched. How could this be a blessing when it might kill her?
Brad’s hand found mine under the table, his warmth anchoring me. ‘Elle’s been gaining weight quickly, so she’s trying to be more careful about portions, he told Susan smoothly. “The doctors at Rayne Medical have her on a specific nutrition plan. You should eat more though Elle’s been worried about your appetite.”
“Of course! Susan said happily. “You shouldn’t worry about your figure now, honey. The baby needs nutrients.”
I nodded absently, my mind spinning. “I’m a little tired. I think I need to rest.
Brad immediately set down his fork. “I’ll go with you. Susan, please eat plenty.”
Something in our manner must have seemed off because Susan watched us leave with a puzzled expression.
Back in the bedroom, I spun around to face Brad. “You mentioned both familys. What does that mean?”
Brad took a deep breath. “Elle… we’re mates now. We should be honest with each other about everything, right?”
I nodded slowly.
“Do you know who you really are?” he asked carefully.
My face went cold. “And then what?”
“Some things can’t be hidden anymore. Susan’s pregnancy wasn’t an accident it was deliberate.”
‘I don’t understand.”
Brad’s expression grew grave. “Someone’s using Susan to force you back to the Blair family.”
‘What do you mean?‘ I demanded. “Brad, just say it plainly!”
‘Malcolm works for Eleanor Blair, Alex just traced his signal – he’s at the Blair family estate right now.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. I sank onto the bed, my mind reeling.
‘Malcolm works for Eleanor Blair? How is
t possible?.
‘Keep going,” I whispered.
Brad continued reluctantly, “Susan used to work for the Blair family. When she left, she was given an alchemical compound that made her permanently infertile. That’s why…”
The truth crashed over me like a tidal wave. Eleanor had said I would return to the Blair family she’d been so certain. Now I understood why.
Eleanor had said I would return to the Blair family she’d be?
–
”
so certain, so confident. Now I understood why. From the very beginning, I’d been led by the
nose.
Susan was Eleanor’s person, She’d been given those fertility drugs not as punishment, but as preparation. The compound was designed to make her infertile.
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Chapter 237
Only a woman who couldn’t conceive would be trusted to raise the Blair family’s precious daughter. Only someone who posed no threat of having competing children would be given that responsibility.
Malcolm wasn’t a coincidence. He was inevitable.
All these years, Eleanor had been watching everything. She let me claw my way out of that hell alone. Then, the moment I finally escaped the West family. she sent Malcolm to my freshly–divorced, emotionally vulnerable mother.
She’d calculated it perfectly. Susan, hurt and lonely after leaving Tony, would be susceptible to someone showing her kindness and attention.
‘This is all so absurd,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face.
Brad pulled me into his arms. “I’m sorry, Elle. If I’d investigated Malcolm earlier, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.”
“This isn’t your fault,” I shook my head. “I expected Eleanor to make a move eventually. I just never thought she’d use Susan. My voice broke. I know I’m Blair family blood. She’s forcing me to acknowledge it. But why? Why does she need me back so desperately?”
“A video call with your biological parents should answer that.”
“Wait.” Horror crept into my voice. “You said Susan was given fertility drugs, but she can’t actually carry a pregnancy…”
“This child exists because Eleanor arranged it. But Susan’s body, weakened by decades of chemical suppression, can’t handle it. Plus, with the hemolytic incompatibility…” Brad’s voice was grim. “It’s extremely dangerous for both mother and child. The survival odds aren’t good. That’s why I think you should
ne is running out, Elle. Even with the best speak with the Blair family parents soon they might have alchemical remedies for their own compounds. Time medical care, we can probably only save one of them.”
The room spun around me. “I understand. I know what I have to do.”
‘I’ll have Alex prepare the video connection.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath. If I couldn’t escape this, I’d face it head–on.
I opened the bedroom door, ready to talk to Susan about everything. But when I stepped into the living room, the house was empty.
Susan was gone,
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
