Chapter 97
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Chapter 53: Family Secrets and Aftermath – 1
Chapter 53: Family Secrets and Aftermath
(Katherine’s POV)
“I told you long ago that bastard must not be allowed to live!” I sobbed, pointing an accusing finger at William’s face.
My voice echoed through the sterile hospital corridor, each word dripping with years of suppressed rage. “All because of your affair back then, fathering a child with that woman! Now, your bastard has caused Connor to be gravely injured, his life hanging
by a thread p>
William’s face darkened with shame as hospital staff and other visitors glanced our way. I didn’t care who heard. My son was fighting for his life because of his mistakes.
“Listen to me, William,” I hissed, stepping closer. “If anything happens to Connor, I’ll have someone kill that bastard of yours p>
William flinched as though I’d struck him. His jaw tightened, eyes flashing with a
mixture of guilt and defensiveness.
“What’s the point of bringing this up now?” he growled, keeping his voice low. “I never wanted her to have that child. Frederick’s mother told me she’d aborted it, then
secretly ran off to America. What could I do p>
My fury only intensified at his pathetic excuses. “I think you’re just pretending ignorance. Maybe you were secretly happy she gave you a child p>
The words hung in the air between us, sharp and poisonous. William’s face contorted with anger, but I could see the truth in his eyes.
(Richard’s POV)
I stood awkwardly nearby, witnessing the Rivers family’s dirty laundry being aired in public. As Alpha of the Winters pack and Olivia’s father, I’d come to support my daughter through this nightmare, not to be privy to another pack’s scandals.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed my face as Katherine’s accusations grew louder. This was hardly the time or place for such revelations.
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< Chapter 53 Family Secret
+6 Points >
Eleanor Rivers, Connor’s grandmother, sat rigidly in a nearby chair. Despite her
obvious grief, she maintained a formidable composure that commanded respect. Her
silver hair was perfectly styled despite the hours of waiting, her posture impeccable.
“Enough!” she suddenly barked, her aura oppressive and cold. “What time do you
think it is to be quarreling like this? You’re humiliating the entire Rivers pack in front of
our in–laws p>
Her authority silenced the room instantly. Even Katherine, still trembling with anger
and tears streaming down her face, dared not continue her tirade.
(Eleanor’s POV)
I fixed my sharp gaze on Katherine, my daughter–in–law of thirty years. Her behavior
was unacceptable, regardless of her distress.
“Katherine,” I said coldly, “Connor is still fighting for his life inside. Saying things like ‘if
anything happens‘–are you cursing your own son p>
Katherine’s tears flowed harder as she stammered, “Mother… I didn’t mean that p>
William’s patience snapped again. “Stop crying,” he ordered harshly. “Our son is still in
surgery. Crying now is just unlucky p>
Katherine turned away, weeping silently into her handkerchief. Her shoulders shook
with the effort of containing her sobs.
Richard Winters stepped forward awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable but trying to offer
comfort. “Connor is blessed,” he said stiffly. “He’ll be fine p>
I nodded slightly in acknowledgment of his attempt. At least someone was trying to
maintain decorum in this dreadful situation.
(Olivia’s POV)
I stood apart from the Rivers family, my back against the cold hospital wall. Their
voices faded into meaningless noise around me.
None of it registered–not Katherine’s accusations, not William’s defenses, not
Eleanor’s reprimands. My world had shrunk to a single point of crushing self–blame
and fear.
Each second dragged like an eternity. My chest felt tight, my heart throbbing painfully
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against my ribs. I couldn’t breathe properly, as if I were drowning on dry land. +8 Points Every heartbeat was torment. Regret clawed at my insides like a living thing. If only I hadn’t rushed to the rooftop. If only I’d trusted Connor’s plan. If only I’d been less impulsive. The beautiful engagement gown I still wore was stained with Connor’s blood. I couldn’t bring myself to change, as though removing it would somehow sever my connection to him. Desperate hope and terror battled within me. What if the silver had spread too far? What if the doctors couldn’t save him? What if the last memory Connor had of me was my foolish, reckless decision that put him in danger? Time inched forward with excruciating slowness. The sun sank lower outside the windows, shadows lengthening along the hospital corridor. Then, at last, the doors to the operating room opened with a soft click. Katherine rushed forward, her quarrel with William instantly forgotten. “Doctor, how is my son?” she demanded, voice trembling. The others swarmed behind her. I remained frozen, my hands trembling violently, palms slick with sweat. Hope and dread warred within me as the surgeon finally removed his mask. Exhaustion lined his face, but it gave way to a faint smile. “The patient is out of danger now p> Comments Watch Ads (0/20) > O Vote