Wagered To The Cold Hearted Alpha

Chapter 7:

At the mall, Ricard quickly guided Coco to high-end stores, where he picked out stylish and well-fitting outfits for her. Coco felt a bit uneasy about this, as it was her first time visiting such upscale places. Moreover, it was the first time someone cared so much about her attire.

However, not long after they started shopping, a group of Coco’s old friends from high school passed by and recognized her. They stopped, their curious eyes scrutinizing every item Coco and Ricard held.

“Hey, Coco, why the sudden effort to dress up? Changed your style or got a rich boyfriend?” one of them, Jenna, sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Oh, who would’ve thought our old country bumpkin friend would level up,” another, Liz, chimed in with a fake smile. They circled Coco, their eyes scanning her from head to toe as if assessing whether she deserved her new clothes.

“I…” Coco timidly hid the shopping bags behind her. Her past poverty made her feel insecure in front of these wealthy girls.

“She is my wife, and I want her to wear what suits her best,” Ricard suddenly appeared behind Coco, gently resting his hand on her trembling shoulder. “I believe no one here may judge that.” Ricard spoke firmly, his voice cold but polite.

Seeing the well-dressed man in front of them, the bullies quickly understood his wealth and power. Everything he wore was designer, and his watch was worth no less than $100,000. His presence was imposing. If he wasn’t a wealthy businessman, he was certainly someone significant in politics. The man claiming to be Coco’s husband was clearly someone they couldn’t mess with.

The bullies exchanged glances, understanding each other without words. They bowed their heads and left quietly.

“Thank you, Ricard.” Coco looked at Ricard, her eyes shining with gratitude. She was genuinely thankful to the man before her.

Ricard said nothing, helping Coco carry the shopping bags. They left the mall together.

At the same time, news of Ricard’s recovery spread widely, not just in political circles and the media but also reaching Coco’s family.

Chantel, Coco’s half-sister, heard the news and was furious. In just a few days, her sister had become the most prestigious woman in the Red Moon Pack. She couldn’t accept this.

“No! How can she live better than me? I won’t allow it!” Chantel screamed, smashing a glass vase on the floor. She had always been the pride of their parents, believing she deserved better than Coco. Anything Coco had should be hers, including Steven.

One thing that made Chantel jealous and resentful of Coco was Coco’s relationship with someone as talented as Steven. She hated it! That’s why she seduced Steven. Watching Coco clueless and happy while being deceived gave Chantel immense satisfaction. But she never imagined that after ending her five-year relationship with Steven, Coco would become a Luna! Chantel was truly disheartening.

“I’ve worked so hard. Why do you still have a better life than me!” Chantel growled, her eyes turning red. Her teeth ground together with a chilling sound. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure.

“Coco, you need to come home immediately. There’s something important to discuss,” Chantel said over the phone, her voice tense and filled with malice.

On the other end, Coco remained calm. She pretended not to know anything, responded nonchalantly, and hung up.

Coco knew this return wouldn’t be just a normal family conversation. A significant conspiracy awaited her.

“I need to visit home,” Coco told Ricard.

Ricard, who had been reading, paused. He could guess the nature of Coco’s relationship with her family from her tone.

“Be careful. Call me if anything happens.”

“I will.”

Coco realized her life had changed forever, and now she had to face challenges not just from the outside but from within her own family.

“Don’t worry, Ricard, nothing will happen!” Coco smiled reassuringly.

Coco entered her family home with a sense of unease. Chantel and her parents put on forced smiles, making her feel even more uneasy. They invited her to sit and sip tea, but the heavy atmosphere didn’t lift.

“So, how have you been these days? Are they treating you well?” her father began, smiling in a way Coco found different from usual.

“Yes, rich people have many rules. Are they making things difficult for you?” Mrs. Smith added, pouring her a cup of tea.

Their unusual warmth made Coco uncomfortable. Usually, they didn’t care whether or not she was around. Her stepmother was constantly nitpicked, and her beloved father barely showed any concern.

“Coco, have a sip! This is an expensive herbal tea! Your father and I had a hard time getting it!” Mrs. Smith said, placing the cup in her hand, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“Drink it, dear! It’s very good!” her father urged.

Coco, not thinking much, took a sip. The aroma and sweetness of the tea filled her mouth. It was indeed delicious, unlike anything she had tasted before.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith, along with Chantel, exchanged knowing glances as Coco drank. A barely noticeable smile appeared on their lips.

Five minutes later, Coco’s head spun. Everything seemed to whirl around her.

“What’s going on? Why do I feel so dizzy?” Coco looked at the cup in her hand, realizing something was wrong.

“What did you put in this?” Coco glared at her family, her eyes filled with fury.

“Oh, nothing, just some regular herbal tea,” her stepmother replied, avoiding her gaze.

Coco wanted to say more, but felt her strength waning. Within a minute, she couldn’t fight the drowsiness any longer and passed out.

Unconscious, Coco didn’t know how long had passed. When she woke up, it was pitch dark around her. She remained trapped in a securely locked room.

“Let me out! Let me out!” Coco pounded on the door.

No one responded. This was a meticulously planned scheme by her own family. The people she called family had plotted against her.