Chapter 128: Chapter 128 Schemes Fall Apart

Chloe’s POV

My scheme to slip that special wine to both of them and capture their compromising moment had seemed brilliant earlier.

During the entire lunch, anxiety had twisted my stomach into knots, but I convinced myself that everything would work out perfectly once they found themselves sharing a bed come morning.

Alpha Hugo’s decision to give those earplugs to the children was absolutely perfect for my plan.

Nothing would disturb their sleep, leaving the couple completely undisturbed for hours.

After settling the kids into their beds, my phone buzzed with Vance’s response to my earlier message.

"We’re going to play a fun challenge," I announced, perching on the small chair beside their three beds.

"What kind of challenge?" Tara asked curiously.

"I want to see who can keep their eyes shut the longest. Whoever manages to keep them closed wins," I explained with false enthusiasm.

Their eyes snapped shut immediately. This trick always worked on them.

Their competitive nature would eventually lull them to sleep naturally.

With their eyes safely closed, I opened the email with trembling fingers. My expectations for Vance’s reaction had been sky-high.

I imagined his fury at Bella would consume him, that he would demand I document everything and send him constant updates so he could monitor their every move.

I expected him to question how she could behave so recklessly, bringing another man into their home mere hours after his departure.

Reality crashed down on me brutally.

My hopes shattered completely as I read the harsh words on my screen.

The subject line alone made my heart plummet: stop talking nonsense about my wife.

The tone was already crystal clear.

Dear, dear Chloe, Yes, I arrived safely, fine, like I promised. Never encountered such a storm, but I wish it had struck you instead so you wouldn’t have sent me this garbage.

What exactly do you mean my wife went there and something is developing between her and the alphas? Who gave you permission to spy on her?

I asked for updates about her, not wild theories.

Her urgent departure could have a thousand explanations.

What reaction were you expecting from me?

What were you implying, that Bella felt aroused and rushed off to summon Hugo, as if I wouldn’t know my own wife?

Listen carefully, since you’ve already planted these poisonous seeds, if anything occurs because of your interference, you will bear full responsibility.

So even if he arrived there planning something with her or seeking intimacy with her, you’re standing guard duty, ensure nothing transpires.

Because if it happens and anything develops between them, I will personally hunt you down, no questions asked.

Keep vigilant watch and prevent anything from occurring.

And never disrespect my wife in that manner again.

Simply provide news and information without adding your twisted interpretations, understood?

That concluded his message.

My entire body trembled by the time I finished reading.

Tears gathered and dissolved repeatedly in my eyes.

The urge to sob uncontrollably nearly overwhelmed me, but the children hadn’t fallen asleep yet.

Zack’s eyelids were still flickering. I glanced at the mirror and saw my face burning crimson from embarrassment, pain, and humiliation.

The inability to cry properly made my misery complete.

Then the terrifying realization struck me. If those two consumed that wine and anything transpired between them, Vance would murder me.

He wouldn’t just kill me, he would also demand explanations for how I managed to record them yet failed to intervene.

I pressed my palms against my face. At least I had contacted him first.

At least I discovered his true feelings before executing such a catastrophic plan.

If I had sent him footage, he would have come for my throat exactly as he promised.

Once the little ones were definitely asleep, I rushed from the room and headed straight for the kitchen.

The other two had already gone upstairs.

I poured every drop of the prepared wine down the drain while tears cascaded down my cheeks, threw the empty bottle into the trash, and retrieved a fresh one.

When I climbed the stairs, my whole body was convulsing.

I desperately wanted to weep until no tears remained, and the storm provided the perfect cover.

After leaving them together upstairs, I not only retreated to her room to cry, but also had to ensure absolutely nothing developed between them.

When I encountered Bella again, I broke down completely. But I told her I wanted to return home. I genuinely couldn’t bear staying here anymore.

I never imagined I could become such a vindictive person. This evil territory was transforming me, where wolves brought out the worst in everyone.

I hadn’t been this malicious in the human world.

Standing in the bathroom, gripping the sink edges and staring at my wretched reflection, the self-hatred consumed me completely.

I shouldn’t have descended to such depths. I wondered if somehow Vance sensed what I had been plotting. If he did, he would never develop feelings for me.

After my tears finally stopped, I emerged from the bathroom to find Bella pacing anxiously. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"May I please pack my belongings and leave when this storm passes?" I asked again.

My breathing was still uneven and broken.

"Well, I can’t exactly force you to remain here," she responded, crossing her arms protectively over her chest.

"Don’t worry, I’m not returning there for your husband," I added miserably, my head dropping in shame.

I began weeping quietly in front of her again.

She still appeared sympathetic toward me, which made my self-loathing intensify.

"It’s perfectly fine, Chloe. Everyone requires a break sometimes. You can return home, spend quality time with your father, be surrounded by humans again. I completely understand," she assured me.

Noticing my pitiful state, she mercifully softened her approach.

With genuine conviction, she confirmed that I could indeed return home.

The decision was final. I would escape this toxic environment and leave immediately.