Chapter 2 What had been a haze of unspoken desire hardened into ice in a heartbeat. Lucien's voice grew cold with anger. "Leo's just a kid! As his mother, it's your job to guide him-and you've failed. I'm letting this go, so what gives you the right to complain?" Mother? I laughed mockingly to myself. When had Leo ever treated me as a mother? He considered me lower than a servant. Lucien had fallen for my sister Serena at first sight. They became mates, and Serena became the pack's Luna. The union of a powerful Alpha and a prominent noblewoman brought great benefits to my family as well. They were deeply in love, but Serena passed away shortly after giving birth to Leo. Fearing the loss of their protector, my family sent me-the unanticipated illegitimate daughter, the one exiled to the borderlands-to the pack. They used my face, which resembled Serena's, as a sub*stitu*te. When Lucien first saw me, he was still murmuring Serena's name, almost believing she had returned from the dead. The moment I spoke, the light in his eyes died. He wanted to send me away, but looking at my face, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Lucien loved Serena deeply and didn't want a new mate, but he needed a woman to care for his infant son. So, the two families drew up an eight-year contract. On the surface, I remained in the pack as his companion, but there was no real marital bond, nor was I recognized by the pack as the true Luna. A cold, hard contract bought out eight years of my youth. The irony was, after being Leo's mother for eight years, technically, I could come and go freely. There wasn't even a bond to break; I could simply leave. I pushed these thoughts aside and said calmly, "I don't feel wronged. The deal we had is over, and lingering here without any clear role only hurts your name-and Leo's." Lucien's frown eased slightly. His gaze was scrutinizing, but his tone softened. "Bear my child, and I'll give you more than a name-I'll give you the title of Luna, the true mate of the Chapter 2 Alpha, recognized by the whole pack." "No need," I interrupted him. No one is born wanting to be a sub*stitu*te. In this lifetime, I've had my fill of being a shadow. How could I bring a child into the world to repeat the same fate? I straightened my clothes and took out the terminal for managing internal pack affairs and the asset documents. "I've organized everything-the acc*ounts, the household matters. Serena's friend, the housekeeper, can take charge until you decide on a new mate. Leo has grown, and he deserves tutors who can give him more than I can. My role as his teacher has come to an end." Lucien waved his hand dismissively. The invaluable asset documents and that contract scattered across the floor. He stepped on them without a shred of pity. "Elara, don't be ungrateful. Considering it's your 'birthday,' I'll let this slide. Stay in your room these next few days and reflect on your actions." The door slammed shut, isolating me inside. I looked out the window at the bright stars in the night sky and smiled faintly. Today wasn't my birthday at all. It was the anniversary of the day Lucien first met Serena. My mother and her faction had studied him more than he knew himself. They told me to choose a date as my new birthday, a date my mother had carefully selected. The night before I was sent to the pack, Isabella, my father's wife and my nominal mother, spoke to me at length for the first time. She instructed me to imitate Serena in every way, saying only then would I gain Lucien's favor. As she wished, he remembered this date. It was the only day of the year I could feel a sliver of warmth, even if it was stolen. What is stolen must eventually be returned. As I sighed, a sharp pain struck my forehead. Leo was hiding behind a pi11ar, gleefully waving a slingshot. "If you keep clinging on, next time it won't be a stone, it'll be a silver bullet!" Chapter 2 He boasted about his aim, completely forgetting who had taught him. Years ago, Isabella had placed the infant Leo in my arms, saying earnestly, "Sometimes the one who raises a child loves them even more than the one who gave birth. If you treat him with genuine heart, he will surely see you as his mother one day." I, too, had once harbored foolish, unrealistic hopes amidst this false prosperity. After eight years, one man regarded me as nothing, and the other hated me with every fiber of his being. "The night wind is cold; be careful not to catch cold," I offered him one last reminder before turning back to my room. Chapter 2 In the world of "Crimson Heiress" by CrushReel, business magnate Zelda falls victim to a treacherous plot orchestrated by her own brother and husband, unwittingly surrendering her empire to the cunning Yasmina. As Yasmina's sinister intentions unravel, Zelda meets a tragic fate. However, a twist of fate brings Zelda back to life, setting the stage for a riveting saga of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Exploring themes of deceit, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships, "Crimson Heiress" delves into the intertwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of a captivating blend of CEO dynamics, time travel elements, and mysterious reincarnations. The narrative unfolds within the opulent setting of a grand mansion, where secrets are as abundant as the characters' ambitions. As Zelda navigates through her journey of transformation and retribution, readers are drawn into a web of drama that promises unexpected twists at every turn. What sets "Crimson Heiress" apart is its seamless fusion of suspenseful storytelling with elements of glow-up narratives and intricate character developments. With its gripping plotline and immersive exploration of vengeance and second chances, this ongoing tale captivates audiences seeking a compelling blend of mystery and drama. Discover the allure of "Crimson Heiress" for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.