Chapter 28

Lauren. “I expected better from you, Lauren. How could you ruin such a good plan?” Father's tone cut through the silence like a sharpened blade, and I couldn't escape the weight of his disappointment. The failed attempt to expose Arya's true identity had left a sour taste in the air, and my father's displeasure was evident as he paced the living room with controlled frustration. I shifted uncomfortably on the plush sofa, battling the urge to defend myself. After all, I didn’t see him looking for ways to achieve our goal. “Father, I thought revealing Arya's true identity would make Tyler reconsider. I didn't anticipate his stubborn loyalty.” His pacing halted, and his stern gaze fixed on me with a disapproving intensity. “Stubborn loyalty? You've underestimated the situation, Lauren. Tyler isn't a mere pawn. He's the Alpha, and we need him on our side.” I bristled at his rebuke, a spark of defiance igniting within me. “I understand the stakes, Father. But Arya is in the way of what