Chapter 21 : Confrontation and Manipulation Chapter 21 : Confrontation and Manipulation ( Elena's POV ) Marcus remained silent for a momen then withdrew his gaze and sneered . " You remember it quite clearly ." I could indeed remember clearly . I remembered every hurtful word he had ever said to me . It took me six years to wake up , but at least I didn't waste my entire lifetime . The car pulled up to the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute . I followed Marcus through the familiar corridors , my footsteps echoing against the polished floors . We stopped outside Sophia's recovery room . Marcus pushed open the door without knocking . ( Sophia's POV ) When I saw Marcus enter , I smiled and sat up in bed . " Marcus , you ... " But when I noticed Elena behind him , my expression instantly stiffened . My hands secretly gripped the bedding tightly . I couldn't understand why he would bring Elena to see me . What was his purpose ? Elena approached me with a slight smile . " Senior Healer Rivers , I'm very sorry about what happened before . " I was stunned . I couldn't believe this woman would actually apologize to me . Elena then bowed three times . " I wish Senior Healer Rivers good health , fulfillment of wishes , and long lasting prosperity . " I was speechless . The three bows made it seem like Elena was paying respects to the dead . My face flushed with anger , but I had to maintain my composure in front of Marcus . Marcus pulled Elena away with slight dissatisfaction . " Is this your apology ? " I quickly intervened , forcing sweetness into my voice . " Marcus , forget it , I'm fine . Healer Elena has sincerely apologized ... " But secretly I gritted my teeth as I stared at his hand holding Elena's arm . Elena freed her arm from his grasp . " You heard it yourself - the person involved said to forget it . Also , you only asked me to bow my head to Senior Healer Rivers . Isn't bowing more sincere than just lowering my head ? " ( Marcus's POV ) I narrowed my golden eyes , studying her carefully . Something seemed different about Elena . Her tone was calm , almost detached . This wasn't the submissive mate I was used to controlling . Elena calmly moved her gaze away from mine . " I've already apologized and bowed as required . I won't disturb you two any further . " She left without looking back . Her footsteps faded down the corridor . Chapter 21 Confrontation Sophia turned to look at me , her face darkening with anger . She had underestimated Elena ( Elena's POV ) After washing my hands in the Moonstone Washroom , I composed myself in front of the mirror . My reflection looked pale but determined , I emerged to find Marcus waiting in the corridor . I lowered my head , pretending not to see him . But he grabbed my arm . " Have you really developed a temper during this time ? Is this another one of your schemes ? " He forced me to face him directly . At such close distance , I could even smell the faint pine scent on his coat . For a moment , I felt dazed by his familiar presence . I quickly regained my composure and stepped back . " Alpha Marcus has misunderstood . I have no intention of playing any schemes . " I paused , meeting his golden eyes . " I just ... want to help Alpha Marcus and Sophia be together . " Marcus's expression grew colder . He stepped closer . " You think you can just help whenever you want ? " " Isn't this what you wanted ? " I countered . " What do I want ? " he demanded . " You know better than I do , Marcus . If you think I'm preventing you and Sophia from rekindling your relationship , you don't need to take action personally to avoid dirtying your hands . " Marcus frowned , clearly understanding the implication . " Elena , you ... " But Sophia suddenly appeared at the end of the corridor . She seemed shocked by the scene before her . Her face went pale . She collapsed to the ground in a faint . Marcus immediately rushed past me . " Sophia ! " He lifted her in his arms while shouting for pack ' healers . " Get a healer here now ! " Throughout the entire incident , he never looked back at me . Watching his figure disappear into the emergency bay , I smiled bitterly . What had I been expecting ? Had I hoped Marcus would turn back for even a moment ? But I knew he wouldn't . He had no feelings for me and was truly heartless . ( Marcus's POV ) After Sophia fainted , I stayed in her room until she woke up . The healers had run several tests to determine the cause . Director Henry Baker entered with a professional smile . " Alpha Marcus , good afternoon . " " Why did Sophia faint ? " I asked directly . Baker consulted his medical chart . " It's an old condition from not properly recovering after giving birth to Oliver . Her body is still weak . " , Sophia , pale and frail - looking , struggled to sit up . " I'm sorry for worrying you , Marcus . " Chapter 21. Confrontation : I visibly relaxed . " Oliver still needs you . You can't collapse like this . " I turned to Baker . " Arrange the best private recovery room for her healing . Spare no expense . " ( Sophia's POV ) This was my chance . I had to make my request now while Marcus was concerned . " Marcus , I have a favor to ask , " I said softly . He nodded . " What do you need ? " " Since I have no family and don't want to always trouble you , could you have Elena take care of me ? " Marcus's expression shifted slightly . I pressed on quickly . " I want to get closer to Elena . I trust her healing skills completely . " When Marcus hesitated , I felt panic rising . " Don't you trust me ? " " It's not that , " he said slowly . " I don't want to be seen as unapproachable due to my position . Besides my child , you're my only friend since returning to the pack territory . " My attitude was sincere , as if I genuinely wanted to reconcile with Elena . Though Marcus had always agreed to my requests before , this time he hesitated . My anxiety increased with each passing second . Finally , Marcus spoke . " Elena isn't suitable to care for you . " My heart sank , but he continued . " However , I can place Elena under your supervision as your direct subordinate . She won't disobey pack hierarchy . " He paused , his golden eyes cold . " It's time to temper Elena's attitude . " I was surprised but pleased . While Elena posed a threat , she couldn't shake my position in Marcus's heart . I had felt his genuine concern when I fainted . That gave me confidence . (Elena's POV ) The next day , Marcus's pack lawyer somehow convinced the victim's family to accept compensation and settle . They were no longer pursuing David's responsibility . When David was released from the Territorial Enforcement Station , the Blackthorne family held a welcome dinner . Patricia was relieved , fussing over him . " You've lost weight and suffered inside . " Richard nodded approvingly . " Perform well in front of your brother - in - law . He helped greatly . " When David asked about his sister , Richard's expression darkened . " She's unfilial . Didn't help and only cause trouble . " He pointed a stern finger at David . " Persuade your sister not to think about severing her mate bond with Marcus . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!