, Three Wishes , One Alpha's Fatal Betrayal 12.6 % Chapter 28 Even so , it was the closest they'd sat in months . Liora could clearly catch the scent of Arnold - a blend of cigars and pine . The unique aroma , a hallmark of him as her mate , acted as a subtle and invisible bond , drawing the two closer despite themselves . No matter how much Arnold wanted to ignore it , the mate bond carried a magnetic pull for both of them . The tension he had been holding onto for days seemed to ease slightly with Liora's proximity . Yet , Arnold remained stiff and unnatural . What was she planning to do next ? In the past , Liora would have gone out of her way to strike up conversation , offering desserts or fruits to Arnold as an excuse to engage him . But this time , Liora stayed silent . She showed no intention of making an effort to connect with him . She quietly ate her dessert, completely uninterested in breaking the silence or teasing Arnold into a conversation . Strangely , this left Arnold feeling unsettled . The old lady exclaimed , " The two of you sitting together is like a painting . " Liora sniffed softly and couldn't help but glance at Arnold , a helpless smile tugging at her lips . Their appearances were indeed well - matched , but this harmony existed only on the surface . Everything seemed perfect - except for the lack of love between them . Liora's thoughts were interrupted when a small hand took hers and shook it gently . " Mom . " Alex looked up at her tentatively . " I'm sleepy . Can you take me to my room to rest ? " By the time dinner ended , it was already late , and the old lady had asked everyone to stay overnight at Lancelot Manor . Liora nodded and led Alex upstairs to his room . As they walked , Alex hesitated before asking , " Mom , are you ... busy tomorrow morning ? " He had considered letting his mom take him to school if she insisted . But deep down , he still preferred Aunt Linda to accompany him . It would be easier if Liora had other plans . Liora shook her head . " No , I'm not busy . Why do you ask ? " Hearing her reply , Alex lowered his head , disappointment evident in his posture . " Nothing . " He had been hoping for something ... anything..that would give him an excuse to spend more time with Aunt Linda tomorrow . But now , that hope was gone . Liora noticed his unusual behavior but didn't press him further . Since Alex didn't explain , she decided to let it go . ( 0 ) ⊙ ( 0 ) 07.21 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.