Chapter 16
970 Words
At Maple Grove Haven, I was adrift in a sea of grief when my phone rang.
It was Julian. "
Olivia, don't let pride cloud your judgment. Get back to the venue," he said, assuming I'd stormed off because of the rigged results.
"No, Professor, I'm on my way,"
I replied, forcing myself to gather my shattered pieces and head back.
In the parking lot, I came face - to - face with the very people who'd been haunting my nightmares: Alpha Sean and Claire.
His gaze landed on me like a frigid blade, but I ignored him, my eyes locking onto Claire, nestled in his arms. A mocking sneer curled my lips. "Claire, you really saw Ellie?"
Her eyes flickered for a split second, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course it's true," she said firmly, then put on a wounded expression. "Olivia, what's that supposed to mean? You think I'm lying to Alpha Sean?"
"Aren't you?" I shot back, my voice laced with venom.
She raised her voice, feigning indignation.
"Of course not!" Her eyes reddened, and she turned to Alpha Sean, her voice pleading. "Alpha Sean, you believe me, right? I'm not lying—I really saw Ellie."
"I believe you," he said, his voice low and resolute.
His words felt like a dagger twisting in my already broken heart. It was the same old story. No matter how blatant Claire's lies were, Alpha Sean always chose her side.
"Olivia, I saw Ellie," Claire insisted, her voice unwavering.
I laughed, a sharp, sarcastic sound.
"Claire, I didn't know you had the gift of seeing ghosts in broad daylight…"
Before I could finish, Alpha Sean's furious roar cut through the air.
"Olivia, enough! I'm warning you—this is the last time. If I hear you curse Ellie again, don't expect me to hold back." With that, he stormed off, carrying Claire in his arms.
I sank down against the car, my body trembling.
I'd returned to the venue clinging to a tiny sliver of hope.
I'd thought that when he found no sign of Ellie, he'd finally believe me and give me back what was rightfully mine. But his reaction?
It was clear that tonight's outcome was set in stone.
A million dollars was pocket change to the wealthy, but for me, it was the difference between giving Ellie peace and failing her once again.
After what felt like an eternity, I managed to pull myself together and head upstairs to prepare.
At the awards ceremony, the host droned on about the program as I waited backstage with the other finalists.
Claire sat front and center, draped in a custom X - brand gown from next spring's collection, a dress secured by none other than Alpha Sean.
She was the first to wear it, flaunting her privilege. I heard whispers behind me. "Claire, is that X - brand's new spring haute couture?"
"Yup," she replied softly.
"Your mate spoils you rotten. I'm so jealous," someone gushed.
Her gaze softened as she looked at Alpha Sean in the front row.
"Yeah, he loves me. He's always been good to me."
As the compliments poured in, she threw a subtle, triumphant glance toward the shadows where I sat.
Onstage, the host finally got to the final awards.
He opened the envelope, his voice booming.
"The first - place winner of this competition is—Claire."
I curled my lips into a cold smirk.
I'd known the result, but hearing her name still made my blood boil.
I looked toward the front row, and Alpha Sean's cold eyes met mine, devoid of any warmth.
"The second - place winner, Olivia," the host announced.
The words felt like ashes in my mouth.
As the announcements ended and applause filled the room, the host called,
"Please welcome our winners to the stage!"
Claire rose first, strutting confidently toward the platform.
Her perfect makeup and stunning gown made her the center of attention, but when I stepped out behind her, I could feel the crowd's focus shift.
Every eye, including Alpha Sean's, landed on me. I even caught a flicker of something in his eyes—was it awe?
Claire's smile wavered for a moment.
Despite all her efforts, she couldn't outshine me.
Her hands gripped the fabric of her gown, her knuckles turning white as she fought to maintain her facade.
The three of us lined up onstage.
"Now, please welcome Alpha Sean, to present the first - place award to Claire," the host said.
Alpha Sean's appearance sent a stir through the crowd.
I watched with a forced, cold smile as he handed Claire the prize money.
Hatred burned in my chest, and he seemed to sense it, catching my glare from the corner of his eye.
When Claire looped her arm through his for the photo, he didn't pull away, fueling the rumors that she was his mate.
Whispers reached my ears.
"Honestly, Claire and Alpha Sean's silhouettes look just like that leaked photo from a month ago, when he rented out island for his pup's birthday."
The words hit me like a punch, dragging me back to the day I'd cremated Ellie.
"Next, please welcome Alpha Alexander Grayson, alpha of Grayson packs, to present the second - place award to Olivia," the host said.
The crowd buzzed with excitement at the mention of Alpha Alexander.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever came next.
A tall, handsome wolf in a deep gray suit rose, his refined features carrying an air of authority.
He stepped onto the stage, took the trophy from the host with a curt nod, and approached me.
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