Chapter 28 : The Trap at the Birthday Banquet Chapter 28 : The Trap at the Birthday Banquet ( Elena's POV ) Margaret Blackwood chuckled as she received the gift , her weathered hands carefully examining the elegant wrapping . " You thoughtful girl . " Isabella urged her to open it quickly , acting coquettishly like a child eager for approval . " Grandmother , please look inside ! I searched everywhere to find something perfect for you . " Inside the box lay a pure white jade Moon Goddess statue with an oily luster that caught the light beautifully . The craftsmanship was exquisite , every detail carved with precision . Diana immediately praised it , her voice filled with maternal pride . " Isabella knew you loved the Moon Goddess and lunar symbols , so she specially picked this gift after searching for a whole day ." Victoria rolled her eyes at Diana , equally despising this sister - in - law from a scholarly family . She found her hypocritical and overly eager to please . Such flattering words could only come from the second son's mate . Victoria's disdain was barely concealed behind her polite smile . I stood among them without breaking the atmosphere , observing the family dynamics with practiced neutrality . I knew Margaret had two sons : the eldest Alexander Blackwood was a diplomat and Marcus's biological father , while the second son Sebastian was slightly less capable . Sebastian worked as vice chairman of Shadowmere Medical Consortium founded by Margaret . His only daughter with Diana was Isabella , the spoiled princess of the second branch . Margaret put the Moon Goddess statue back in the box carefully . " So thoughtful indeed . " Her tone was measured , neither warm nor cold . I sensed something beneath her polite acceptance . Isabella giggled , revealing her true intention . " Sister Sophia helped me choose this ! " She intended to create goodwill for Sophia with the old lady , but unknowingly stepped on a landmine . Diana and Sebastian nearly fainted from anger , their faces draining of color . Margaret's face showed no emotion as she asked slowly , " Who helped you choose ? " The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees . Everyone held their breath . Isabella tried to salvage the situation by holding the old lady's arm . " Grandmother , you misunderstood Sister Sophia back then . She's not like certain people who approached cousin for status ! " She pointed meaningfully at me with a smug expression . Her young face twisted with malicious satisfaction . Before Margaret could respond , Sebastian pulled Isabella away roughly . " Stop speaking n grandmother and sister - in - law ! " ense in front of His voice was sharp with panic . " Sophia " was a forbidden name for the old lady , and Isabella had chosen the worst possible timing at the birthday banquet . Isabella shook off her father's hand defiantly . She looked at me with pure contempt , her eyes blazing with Chapter 28 The Trap at th hatred . " She's not my sister - in - law ! " Isabella declared loudly . " If she hadn't used dirty means to climb up , could she have been marked by a Blackwood Alpha ? " Her voice grew shriller with each word . " Look what she is , how dare she compare with Sister Sophia ! " Victoria scolded Diana harshly , her authority as the main branch's Luna evident . " You haven't taught your daughter properly . Such words without considering the occasion bring shame to the Blackwood family . " Though she disliked me , I was still her son's Luna . It wasn't the second branch's place to point fingers . After Victoria left with the guests , the Great Hall became spacious and eerily quiet . Suddenly , a sharp slapping sound echoed through the room . Isabella covered her cheek in disbelief , staring at Grace Whitmore who had struck her . The head housekeeper's face was stern and unforgiving . Grace calmly explained that the slap was on behalf of the old lady . " The Blackwood family couldn't raise such a narrow - minded young lady . If you continue being unruly , you shouldn't return to the ancestral manor . " No one in the Blackwood family dared contradict Grace because her words represented the old lady's intentions . Her authority was absolute in household matters . Isabella tearfully turned to Marcus for support , her eyes pleading desperately . But he coldly glanced at her , his golden eyes showing no sympathy . " No matter what , she is your Luna , " Marcus said firmly . Isabella was stunned . Previously Marcus had never intervened when she mocked or targeted me . After some socializing with other ladies , I felt tired and wanted to leave . The constant tension and false smiles had drained my energy completely . I went upstairs toward the Master Suite , seeking refuge from the social games below . But as I pushed open the door , someone grabbed my arm and I stumbled into a man's embrace . Marcus kissed me forcefully before I could speak . His breath was hotter than usual , and I could sense his unusual state through our clothes . When I tried to push him away , panic rising in my chest , I protested , " Marcus , look clearly , it's me- " I heard the door being locked from outside with a decisive click . Confused about who could have locked us in , I had no time to think . Marcus desperately sought to unite with me through our mate bond , his movements frantic and uncontrolled . Despite my struggles and protests , he acted like a crazed wolf . He showed no consideration for my feelings , lost in whatever had taken hold of him . When I regained consciousness , only Grace was beside my bed . She looked at me with weathered eyes . ne pity in her Grace explained gently that someone had drugged the young Alpha with an aphrodisiac . " That explained his behavior . A female healer examined you for minor tears and swelling , which have been treated with moonlight herb . " Marcus's POV ) < Chapter 28 The Trap at th In the study , several servants who had contact with my drinks stood in a line . They trembled with fear under my cold gaze . After reviewing surveillance footage , Manor Servant Thomas's steps faltered noticeably . His guilt was written across his pale face . When dragged out by elite guards , he knelt and confessed desperately . " I was forced to do it ! It was the young Luna ! The young Luna made me do it , saying she wanted to conceive your heir ... " Isabella burst into the study , her eyes bright with vindictive triumph . " I knew Elena had ill intentions ! She's shameless for using such despicable methods ! " After I had the servant dragged away and left the study , Isabella smiled triumphantly . " Marcus , you should cast Elena out . " Comments Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!