Chapter 20 : The Ultimate Choice Chapter 20 : The Ultimate Choice ( Elena's POV ) I returned home exhausted , my body feeling like it had been drained of all energy . The confrontation at the institute had left me emotionally raw My phone buzzed with a message from Director Baker . I read it with growing disgust . I Senior William had only received a warning for privately reassigning positionis and delaying healing sessions . No real punishment whatsoever . I wasn't surprised by this lenient outcome . As long as no lives were lost , such matters would be minimized within the pack hierarchy . Without replying , I pulled out the crumpled note from my pocket . The word " Blackwood " stared back at me like an accusation , I I stared at it for a long while , my hands trembling slightly . Then I tore it up and threw the pieces in the trash . The next morning , I was awakened by Amber Stone's phone call . Her voice was terse and professional . " Your parents are causing trouble at the Consortium over David's matter ," she informed me coldly . " Alpha Marcus wants you to come handle it . " Before I could fully process this shocking news about my brother , Amber had already hung up . Panic shot through me like silver poison . What had happened to David ? I skipped breakfast and rushed to the Blackwood Consortium headquarters , my heart pounding with dread . ( Marcus's POV ) At the Blackwood Consortium's executive office , I sat behind my desk reviewing territorial reports . I barely acknowledged the Blackthorne parents standing before me . Richard and Patricia pleaded desperately , their voices filled with desperation . " Marcus , we're all family through Elena's mating , " Richard implored , his pride clearly wounded . " Please spare David , he can't have a criminal record . " I knew his son's dreams of joining the Territorial Enforcement Station would be shattered with a conviction . When they called me " family ." I looked up coldly . " Did I ever acknowledge that bond ? " My dismissive attitude left them speechless . Their faces went pale with shock . I continued ruthlessly . " You've gained plenty of benefits from the Blackwood name over the years . What makes you think you're qualified to negotiate with me ? " ( Elena's POV ) I arrived outside the Command Chamber just in time to hear Marcus's cutting words . " What makes you qualified ? " The phrase pierced my heart like a silver dagger . But remembering the note with " Blackwood written on it E Chunter 20 Thel and Sophia's schemes , I steeled myself . I entered decisively , my chin raised with determination . " Alpha Marcus , " I said , my voice steady despite my inner turmoil . " You promised to help David if I cooperated with your demands . " Now you're breaking that promise arbitrarily . " My father immediately scolded me . " Elena ! How dare you be disrespectful to the Alphar Marcus claimed David deserved imprisonment for assault . His golden eyes showed no mercy . I revealed what I had discovered . " I consulted pack lawyers and found David acted in self - defense , not as the initial aggressor . " Marcus remained unmoved , his expression cold as winter stone . " I'm not a lawyer I finally lost control . My hands slammed down on his desk with a loud bang . " What are your true intentions ? " I demanded , abandoning my facade for the first time in six ye years . Amber Stone watched in surprise . She had never seen Elena display any temper toward the Alpha After a tense silence , Marcus delivered his ultimatum with a slight smile . " Either David goes to prison , or you bow your head to Sophia ." " Your choice " The choice devastated me completely . My parents immediately urged me to prioritize my brother's future over my pride . " Elena , think about David's career , " my mother pleaded tearfully . " He's worked so hard for this opportunity My father nodded vigorously . " Your pride isn't worth destroying his life " Both parents , despite knowing my pain , pressed me to help David . I felt utterly betrayed by their lack of support . My mother rationalized desperately . " Mating requires one party to make sacrifices for pack harmony . " I realized I had always been strong but never had anyone as my support . The loneliness crushed me like a physical weight . I laughed bitterly through my tears . " Fine , I'll bow my head . " I wiped my eyes and asked with fake composure . " Are you satisfied now , Alpha ? " ( Marcus's POV ) I felt uncomfortable seeing her forced indifference . But I reminded myself she had disobeyed me and deserved this consequence . I instructed Amber to visit the law firm with my message . " Tell them to proceed with David's case . " told Fl Then I told Elena to accompany me to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute . During the car ride , Elena sat silently beside me . She stared out the window and treated Her complete indifference irritated me more than her anger had . as if I didn't exist . Chapter 20 The Ultimate " Are you now giving me attitude ? " I asked , my voice sharp with annoyance . She turned to look at me with cold , empty eyes . " You previously instructed me to remain quiet and not bother you when we shared the same space . " " I'm simply following your orders , Alpha . " Comments Watch videos get points ( 0/10 ) > H Vote Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!