Chapter 145 Bait
Alpha Sebastian had already swallowed a full helping of humiliation that morning. Now Alpha Killian was serving him a second course. The words stuck in his throat like a stone.
"A billion-dollar empire behind you, and you’re renting out your property?" Alpha Sebastian’s mouth twisted.
Alpha Killian renting meant he was bleeding money somewhere. That kind of news could shake the market.
Alpha Killian didn’t even blink. "I’ve got too many houses and no mistress to gift them to. Empty is empty."
Alpha Sebastian gave him a look full of anger. Just helpless anger.
Alpha Killian raised a brow. His voice was challenging. "So, Alpha Sebastian. Still renting, or not?"
Alpha Sebastian came here only for Eira. He would sign the lease if Jordan found her.
"If you’re going to rent the place, Alpha Killian, aren’t you going to open the door and let your tenant look?" Alpha Sebastian tried to buy time.
Alpha Killian gave Mrs. Jones a quick look.
She stepped forward and unlocked the door.
Alpha Sebastian walked inside. Alpha Killian and Mrs. Jones stayed in the courtyard.
"Alpha," Mrs. Jones whispered. "I’ve hung Miss Crawford’s old clothes out at Number Twenty."
Number Twenty was the other empty villa Alpha Killian owned.
--
When Jordan came around the corner, he stopped.
He saw Alpha Killian standing in the courtyard. [Wasn’t Alpha Killian supposed to have a celebration dinner today?]
"Alpha Killian." Jordan nodded.
Alpha Sebastian’s voice barked from inside. "Get in here."
Jordan hurried inside to report. "Alpha. Luna Eira is living here at Southridge Estates. It’s Number Twenty. Not next door."
"You’re sure?" Alpha Sebastian asked.
Jordan spoke with confidence. "Positive, Alpha. Her clothes are still drying. The place is clean."
Alpha Killian and Mrs. Jones walked in just then.
"Well, sir?" Mrs. Jones asked. "Are you taking the place or not?"
Alpha Sebastian thought for a second. He’d take it. Four million a year. He could find the money.
It would leave him almost broke, but he had to spend money to catch her.
He wouldn’t let Alpha Killian see him hesitate. He signed the contract fast. Wrote the check right there.
Off to the side, Jordan’s eye twitched.
[ Alpha Sebastian, you’re almost out of money. You don’t have this kind of cash. The company is losing money fast]
"Signing so eagerly, Alpha Sebastian." Alpha Killian’s voice was smooth. "All for Eira?"
That one line was enough. Alpha Sebastian tore the check loose and pushed it forward.
Mrs. Jones took it after Alpha Killian nodded.
Money in hand, they left.
Jordan felt something was wrong. A rental? And Alpha Killian came himself? It didn’t make sense.
Alpha Sebastian turned to him. "Is anyone at Number Twenty right now?"
Jordan shook his head. "No."
"She’s probably at the Silix Institute." Alpha Sebastian sighed. "We’ll wait. Later."
They both sat down.
--
Money in hand, Alpha Killian and Mrs. Jones headed off toward Number Nine.
"What do we do with the money?" Mrs. Jones asked.
"You take it. Use it for Eira’s groceries," Killian said. "Four million a year. Enough?"
Mrs. Jones’s mind was already racing. "That should cover it, Alpha."
"Good." Killian still thought it was too little.
He handed her a card. "If it’s not enough, use this. And get Eira to move out sooner."
Mrs. Jones nodded. "Don’t you worry, Alpha. I’ll have Miss Crawford all packed up by the weekend and a car on standby."
"Drive it straight over where?"
Mrs. Jones shook her head. "Not yet."
Alpha Killian said nothing, but the look on his face said enough.
Mrs. Jones sighed. "Oh, don’t look at me like that. I’m working on it."
She paused.
"Although, if you’re worried about Miss Crawford, you might want to head to the yacht."
Alpha Killian finally looked at her.
"Why?"
"Because she’ll be surrounded by people. And you’re hardly the only Alpha who’ll notice her." Mrs. Jones gave him a pointed look. "Wait too long, and someone else might get there first."
Alpha Killian’s jaw tightened.
"Get the car ready."
--
Isabella was sprawled on the couch, scrolling through Serena’s latest post.
A luxury yacht. A deck full of handsome, well-dressed men. The kind of life Isabella had always dreamed about.
She sat up at once and opened Serena’s chat.
[Where are you? Is this some kind of party?]
Serena took a moment to reply. She knew Isabella too well to miss what she wanted.
[Want to come?]
Isabella’s fingers flew over the screen.
[Would that be okay?]
The answer came back almost immediately.
[Absolutely.]
Isabella jumped off the couch and rushed to her room. She needed a new dress, perfect hair, and a full makeover. If she caught the eye of one of those men, her life could change overnight.
And Serena would help her.
Isabella spent nearly an hour getting ready before finally walking out in a light summer dress.
Luna Margaret was still on the sofa, staring at her phone. Ever since she had come home from the hospital, she had worn the same angry expression.
"Mom, I’m heading out."
Luna Margaret looked up and frowned. "Out again? You’ll freeze in that dress."
"I’ll bring a coat. It’s warm on the yacht."
"A yacht?" Luna Margaret’s eyes narrowed. "Who’s taking you?"
"Serena, obviously."
Luna Margaret’s face darkened. She lifted a hand.
"Sit down. You’re not going."
Isabella stared at her. "What? Why not?"
"From now on, you stay away from Serena. That’s not up for debate." Luna Margaret’s voice was sharp. "She isn’t the person you think she is."
Isabella’s brows drew together.
"Mom, what are you talking about? You loved Serena. You wanted her to marry my brother. She’s always been good to us. She’s bought us beautiful gifts and taken us to the best places."
"Those gifts were paid for with your brother’s money!"
Luna Margaret’s anger finally boiled over.
"Every dollar Serena spent on this family came from Sebastian’s accounts. She wasn’t being generous. She was spending your brother’s money and making all of us thank her for it."