, Three Wishes , One Alpha's Fatal Betrayal 8.8 % , Three Wishes , One Alpha's Fatal Betrayal 9.0 % Chapter 20 Liora stood rooted to the spot , watching as they walked away . The image of their retreating figures blurred , swallowed by the crowd , yet the sting lingered . Her phone buzzed In her hand , jolting her out of her trance . " Liora ! Where are you ? " Zoe's voice rang out , vibrant and full of energy , a stark contrast to the heaviness pressing down on Liora's chest . " We're at the center of the venue , dancing by the bonfire ! Hurry up and join us ! " Liora blinked , swallowing the lump in her throat . She forced herself to respond , promising to meet Zoe soon . Following her friend's directions , she made her way through the lively crowd , her steps heavy at first but quickening as the music grew louder . When she arrived , the scene was almost shirtless , well - built young men danced around the blazing bonfire , their movements primal and joyous , their laughter echoing under the full moon . The air was electric , a mix of smoke , wine , and raw energy . Zoe was at the center of it all , her movements wild and unsteady , the telltale signs of having indulged in too much wine . Liora rushed to her , steadying her friend just as she nearly toppled over . " Liora ! " Zoe beamed , throwing her arms around her . " You made it ! Isn't this amazing ? " Liora smiled faintly , letting Zoe lean against her as the group around them erupted into cheers and laughter . Despite her heartache , the warmth of their welcome was hard to ignore . What Liora didn't notice was how close their celebration was to the restaurant where Arnold , Linda , and Alex had settled in for their meal . Arnold , seated by the window , glanced outside as he lifted his glass to drink . His hand froze mid - motion . There , not far from the bonfire , was Liora . She was assisting Zoe , her arms wrapped around her friend's waist to steady her . The flickering firelight danced across her face , highlighting the faint curve of her smile . Arnold frowned . " Something wrong ? " Linda's voice pulled his attention back inside . She tilted her head , studying his expression . " Is the food not to your liking ? " " Nothing , " Arnold replied , his tone neutral . " I just thought I saw someone I recognized . " Linda shrugged , seemingly uninterested . She turned back to Alex , who was regaling her with a tale of his recent adventures . Arnold lowered his head , poking at his plate absently . But the image of Liora lingered in his mind . After a few moments , he found himself glancing out the window again , almost unconsciously . This time , Liora was gone . Had he imagined it ? Or had it truly been her ? Even if it had been , what did it matter ? He had long since convinced himself that her presence - or absence ... was irrelevant to him . Yet , as he tried to refocus on his meal , another thought crept in , unbidden . Why were there so many men around her just now ? ( 0 ) Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.