Clutching a small pouch filled with the money she had painfully gathered, she approached the reception desk of the healers’ hall.
“Good afternoon,” she said softly. “I’ve come to settle Marcus Sinclair’s monthly care fee.”
The young healer nodded politely and began checking the records carved into the crystal ledger stone used by the hall.
After a few moments, however, a small frown appeared on her face.
She looked up at Aria in confusion.
“But Miss Sinclair… your brother’s expenses have already been covered.”
Aria froze.
“What?”
The healer turned the ledger stone so Aria could see the name inscribed beneath the payment mark.
The moment Aria read it, fury surged through her veins.
Caleb Lutherford.
Her fingers tightened around the pouch of coins.
How dare he?
The healer shifted nervously as Aria’s expression darkened.
“I want that payment reversed,” Aria said coldly.
Her voice remained steady, but anger burned beneath every word.
“Return the gold he gave. I will cover my brother’s care myself.”
She placed her pouch firmly on the counter.
The healer hesitated but nodded slowly. Matters involving Alphas were rarely questioned—but Aria’s determination made it clear this was not negotiable.
Aria grabbed the pouch again and strode out of the healers’ hall, her mind blazing with anger.
He had already destroyed their lives.
And now he wanted to pretend he was helping?
---
She arrived at Caleb’s estate soon after.
The place was painfully familiar.
Once, it had been filled with warm memories—late evenings waiting for him, quiet meals shared beneath the moonlight, whispered conversations about the future they once believed they would have together.
Now the place felt suffocating.
Forcing down the ache rising in her chest, Aria walked straight toward Caleb’s private chambers.
“Wait—Lady Lutherford!” one of the servants called hurriedly. “The Alpha instructed that no one should disturb him.”
Aria didn’t stop walking.
“It’s Aria Sinclair now,” she said sharply.
Without hesitation she pushed the door open.
What she saw inside made her stomach twist with disgust.
Caleb stood beside the large oak desk, half dressed.
A woman sat on the edge of the desk before him, barely covered by a thin sheet.
Both of them froze when Aria stepped inside.
The woman gasped in panic before scrambling down and fleeing toward the adjoining room.
Caleb quickly pulled on his shirt while Aria turned her face away in revulsion.