NovelOnlineChapter 23 The Slap
Chapter 23: The Slap
Chapter 23: The Slap
(Elena’s POV)
| slept peacefully in the Shadow Wing Guest Suite that night. For the first tin months, | didn’t lie awake
wondering when Marcus would return home.
The next morning, | encountered him at breakfast in the Great Hall. He looked tired and haggard, his usually
pristine Alpha presence showing rare signs of fatigue.
Dark circles shadowed his golden eyes. His perfectly styled hair was slightly disheveled, as if he'd run his hands
through it repeatedly.
Catherine Hayes brought breakfast with her usual efficiency. She glanced between us expectantly, clearly
waiting forto help serve Marcus as | always had.
But | remained seated, calmly eating my own meal. | didn’t ask about his sleep or inquire about his preferences
for the day.
Catherine's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. She sensed the subtle tension between us, wondering if we had
quarreled.
Marcus noticed my indifference immediately. His jaw tightened as he watchedignore his presence
completely.
| could feel his irritation radiating across the table. But | continued eating without acknowledging him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCatherine approached Marcus hesitantly. “Alpha, is the breakfast not to your taste this morning?”
“I have no appetite,” he said curtly, pushing back from the table.
He left abruptly without another word. His footsteps echoed harshly against the marble floors.
Catherine watched him go with worried eyes. “Oh dear, | hope | haven't done something wrong with the
cooking.”
She turned toanxiously. “Do you think he’ll dock my wages?”
“The Alpha’s mood has nothing to do with your food quality,” | reassured her gently.
Catherine lingered beside my chair, clearly wanting to say more. Her maternal instincts were getting the
better of her discretion.
“Miss Elena, if | may speak freely...” she began carefully.
| looked up from my plate, giving her permission to continue.
“I can see the Alpha cares about you. Otherwise he wouldn't be so angry when you don’t show concern.”
Her words madepause mid-bite. Catherine had worked for the Blackwood family for years and observed
our dynamics closely.
“Previously, you would always ask about his sleep and meals during breakfast,” she continued softly. “His
displeasure today stems from your lack of attention.”
Chapter 23. The Slap
| reflected on her observation. Those breakfast moments used to be my only chance for intimate time
Marcus.
| would carefully gauge his mood and try to make conversation. But | always seemed to say the wrong thing and
ruin the atmosphere.
Now that | had stopped revolving my life around him, why wasn’t he happy? Wasn't this what he wanted?
| chose not to respond to Catherine’s well-meaning advice. | didn’t want to harbor any more unrealistic fantasies
about our mate bond.
At the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute, Pack Nurse Rachel approachedwith a professional smile.
“Healer Elena, Senior Healer Rivers wants to see you in her office,” she informed me.
| nodded and made my way through the familiar corridors. The antiseptic smell of the healing institute filled my
nostrils.
Upon entering Sophia's office, | was immediately sprayed with water. Oliver Rivers stood behind his mother’s
desk, wielding a bright blue water gun.
“Got you, bad woman!” he laughed gleefully, pumping the toy weapon for another shot.
My white shirt was soaked through, clinging uncomfortably to my skin. The cold water dripped down my arms
onto the floor.
| felt the urge to discipline the unruly child. But | restrained myself, knowing any reaction would be twisted
against me.
Sophia approached with a handkerchief, her expression perfectly crafted to show maternal concern.
“Oh my, Oliver! That's not how we treat guests,” she scolded gently, though her eyes sparkled with
satisfaction.
She extended the handkerchief toward me. “I'm so sorry about his behavior, Healer Elena.”
“No need,” | declined, pulling tissues from my pocket instead.
| dabbed at my wet shirt while Oliver continued giggling behind the desk. His childish laughter grated against
my nerves.
When | turned to leave, Sophia’s voice stoppedcold.
“Healer Elena, | hope you remember that I’m your supervisor now,” she said with deliberate emphasis.
Her tone carried the authority Marcus had granted her. The reminder of my demotion stung like a fresh
wound.
Oliver suddenly perked up with excitement. “Mommy, can the bad aunt buya moonberry cake?”
Sophia's smile turned predatory. “What a wonderful idea, Oliver.”
She looked directly at me, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. “Elena, would you mind buying a cake for
The emphasis on “Marcus’s son” was deliberate and cutting. She was flaunting their relationship as a family unit
in front of the legitimate Luna.
Chapter 23. The Slap
Her words were designed to humiliateby highlighting my childless status. The implication that she had given
Marcus what | couldn't was crystal clear.
Rather than being affected by her provocation, | remained calm. “Buying a cake is no trouble at all”
My composed response clearly frustrated her. She had expected anger or jealousy, not indifference.
| left her office and returned to my own workspace. Instead of personally fetching the cake, | simply ordered
delivery from a dessert shop using my phone.
(Sophia’s POV)
When the delivery arrived at my office an hour later, | realized Elena had outsmartedagain. She had the
cake delivered rather than personally fetching it.
23
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