Chapter 155: Chapter 155
Emily’s POV
I walked into the private wing of Northridge Medical Center. My heels clicked against the floor as I headed to the executive suite at the end of the hall. The nurses nodded respectfully as I passed. They knew better than to stop Alpha Liam’s daughter.
I placed a modest bouquet of white lilies on the bedside table, their scent mingling with the antiseptic smell of the room.
My father lay there.
Once the most feared Alpha of the Rogue faction, now he was just a shell. Tubes ran from his nose and arms. The steady beep of machines was the only sign he was still alive. He’d had a sudden illness last year and was rushed to the hospital, but he never recovered.
Nova stirred restlessly within me. "He deserves worse than this."
I brushed my fingertips against the cool sheets. Was it wrong that part of me felt satisfied seeing him this way? But thinking about how he’d controlled every part of my life, even killed my fiancé and mate Leo... Not pulling his tube right now was already more mercy than he deserved.
His fingers twitched slightly at my presence. I felt the familiar pressure of his mind-link opening.
"You’re late." His voice in my head was weak, but still commanding.
"I have my own life now, Father," I replied coldly. "One you no longer control."
"The faction is falling apart without me. Without an Alpha. You need to find Kieran Carver. He’s the only one with the power to hold them together."
I didn’t want to deal with him.
He continued, "Kieran is still your husband. You haven’t separated yet. He can legally take over my Rogue faction. The reason I had you marry him can finally be useful!"
I let out a bitter laugh. "So I was always just your tool? So you can continue your legacy of terror and bloodshed? I don’t think so."
"Everything I built—"
"Everything you built was on the backs of innocent wolves you terrorized," I snapped. "While you’ve been lying here, I’ve been quietly dismantling your criminal enterprises one by one. The legitimate businesses will remain under new management with no ties to your Rogue faction."
His monitors beeped faster, anger showing despite his weakness. "You ungrateful—"
"Save your strength," I interrupted coldly. "I’m not here for your approval. I’m here because, despite everything, I’m not quite as heartless as you taught me to be."
I turned away from his bed, grabbing my purse. "I’ve told the doctors to keep you comfortable. But I’m not paying for any experimental treatments. Nature will take its course."
I felt his fury through our fading link, but I blocked it as I walked toward the door. For years, he’d controlled me through fear and manipulation. No more. Leo might be gone, but I wouldn’t dishonor his memory by continuing my father’s legacy.
As I stepped out of the hospital and into the parking garage, the evening air felt fresher.
My phone buzzed with a notification that the security system had caught movement near my condo.
I pulled up the feed to see Matt Foster pacing near the elevator.
Right on cue.
I smiled to myself as I drove back to my building. He was exactly where I needed him to be—agitated, curious, and desperate for answers.
By the time I reached the underground parking, I was prepared. I stepped out of my car and deliberately took my time, pretending not to notice him until he made his move.
It didn’t take long. As I approached the elevator, a strong hand gripped my wrist and slammed me against the wall.
I met Matt Foster’s furious gaze without flinching. His eyes burned with anger as his hands gripped my shoulders tightly.
"What do you know about Kyra’s plans?" he demanded, his voice rough with frustration.
I stared at him before letting out a soft chuckle. His forehead creased as he clenched his jaw.
"You seem to have two personalities," I observed coolly.
He gritted his teeth. "Just tell me what you know! What is she planning and what information does she have?"
I licked my bottom lip and pushed against his chest. He stepped back, glaring dangerously as I crossed my arms. "You offered help two days ago, Matt Foster. Why are you harassing me now?"
He shook his head. "You better tell me everything you know!"
I smirked and slowly walked toward him. I gently grabbed the collar of his dress shirt and pulled him down slightly. His lips parted involuntarily, his eyes never leaving mine.
"Why don’t you try asking nicely?" My voice was a silky purr.
"I’m not here to negotiate with you!" he growled.
I released his collar and turned away. "Then we have nothing to talk about—"
"Wait!" He grabbed my wrist again as he cursed under his breath. "What do you want?"
An evil grin spread across my lips as I faced him. "I want Kyra to suffer."
His eyes widened. "What the fuck? Aren’t you her friend?"
I chuckled. "That’s what she believes. Now, can you help me?"
His jaw clenched again as he slowly nodded. "What do you want me to do?"
"Investigate," I answered simply. His forehead creased.
"Investigate?"
I tilted my head. "Yes! Prove to her that she’s following the wrong information and chasing the wrong people."
He stared into my eyes. "You want me to investigate my own family?"
I chuckled. "Come on, Matt Foster! I know you want to know the truth more than anyone. So..."
"Why are you doing this? Why do you want to hurt her?"
I stared at him. "You seem to have grown fond of your cousin. Tell me, can you really help me, or should I go ask your twin brother instead?"
Kyra had told me everything about Matt and Mason—perfect information to execute my plan.
Matt sighed and nodded, pushing his hands into his pockets. "Fine! I’ll investigate."
I smirked. "Good luck!"
He watched me with a hardened expression before turning away. He mounted his motorcycle and drove off while my smirk faded.
My face turned emotionless as I stared at the empty space where he’d disappeared.
"Go on, be my puppet."
I smiled to myself as I entered the elevator. Matt didn’t realize he was playing directly into my hands. By investigating his family, he’d actually be helping Kyra uncover the truth—which was exactly what I wanted.
Kyra had been there for me when no one else was. Unlike my father, I understood loyalty. And while Matt thought I was betraying her, I was actually setting up the pieces to bring her justice. Sometimes, playing the villain was necessary to protect those you care about.
