Chapter 412 Mockery and Exposure

Author’s pov

“So what are you planning to do ? “Maggie lifted her chin, her voice dripping with mockery. “You said Daisy is still alive, didn’t you ? Then bring her out. “

A faint smile crossed Alpha Sebastian’s lips, his eyes calm and steady. “Mrs. Maggie , why so impatient ? Are you afraid she might actually show up ? “

Maggie’s tone turned sharp. “Stop dodging the question. If she’s really alive, I’ll apologize in public. But if she doesn’t appear, you’ll admit your lie right here. “

“Deal. “Alpha Sebastian’s voice was steady, almost too calm. Not a hint of hesitation showed.

Zane quickly stepped in, trying to ease the tension. “Everyone, maybe we should take a breath. Daisy could just have poor signal or something came up. “

No one listened. The air was heavy, every second stretching tighter. People were waiting to see who would break first.

Maggie met Alpha Sebastian’s gaze, her lips curling in challenge. “One minute, then. If she’s alive, you win. If not, you’ll kneel and apologize to the Cole family. “

Alpha Sebastian’s eyes darkened slightly, his tone turning razor-sharp. “And if I win, Mrs. Maggie , you’ll do the same. You’ll kneel and apologize to Cecilia in front of everyone here. “

Gasps rippled through the room. It wasn’t common for an Alpha to demand such a public humiliation, but everyone knew Maggie had crossed a line.

Still, Maggie lifted her chin in defiance.

“Fine, “she said coldly. “If you can bring her out, I’ll do it. “

Under the table, Alpha Sebastian’s hand found Cecilia’s.

His palm was warm and firm, his calmness real, not an act. It flowed from him like heat from a fire, steady and sure.

The countdown began.

The room fell silent except for shallow breaths and the faint ticking of watches. Almost everyone was secretly checking the time.

“Time’s almost up, “Maggie said softly, her voice already tasting of victory.

But just as she opened her mouth to claim the win, the doors swung open.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, “Beta Sawyer’s voice rang through the hall. “I’ve brought Mrs. Daisy. “

Every head turned at once.

Beta Sawyer stood in the doorway beside a woman wearing a plain white dress made of cheap fabric. Her hair was messy, her face pale. She kept her head down, but everyone recognized her at once.

Daisy.

The silence was instant and absolute, as heavy as stone.

Cecilia’s heart clenched, while Alpha Sebastian only smiled faintly. His fingers tightened around hers, a silent message passing between them : Wait for it.

Maggie’s smile froze. Her breath came fast, and the color drained from her face.

The video, the rumors, and all the fake evidence fell apart in an instant.

She finally realized that Alpha Sebastian had known Daisy was alive all along and had led her right into his trap.

Alpha Sebastian rose slowly, his tone calm but cold enough to chill the room. “Mrs. Maggie , it seems I’ve won. “

Maggie forced a shaky smile. “You planned this from the start, didn’t you ? “

“Of course. “His smile was sharp as a blade. “You spent weeks twisting the truth and feeding the gossip. Now you’ll learn what it feels like to be crushed by it. “

Maggie stepped back, her skin pale as ash. Every instinct screamed at her to submit or run.

Alpha Sebastian’s expression didn’t soften. He looked down at her and said clearly, “You remember the bet. Kneel, Mrs. Maggie . Apologize to Cecilia and to everyone you’ve lied to. “

Gasps filled the room again. No one moved.

Maggie’s hands trembled, her pride fighting against the order. She opened her mouth but no sound came out.

Alpha Sebastian turned toward Cecilia, his voice softening. “Cece, what do you think we should do with this ‘lady’ ? “

Cecilia lifted her chin, her tone cool and steady. “Make her apologize. “

Alpha Sebastian nodded once.

“You heard her. “His calm voice left no room for argument. The command carried the weight of an Alpha’s dominance.

Maggie clenched her jaw, her face shifting between fury and fear, but no words came out. The instinct to fight warred with the need to survive.

Alpha Sebastian didn’t push further. His tone was calm as he said, “The bet was yours. You lost. “

A heavy silence settled over the hall. No one dared to speak.

Maggie’s face twisted, and her voice broke under the pressure. “The minute is already over ! I didn’t lose ! “

Alpha Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. “Are you trying to back out ? “

Seeing Alpha Sebastian press her harder, Zane quickly stepped in to protect her. “Alright, enough. We’re all family now. Let’s just say it was a misunderstanding. I’ll apologize on her behalf, alright ? Give your uncle some face, Sebastian. “

Cecilia gave a quiet, cold laugh. A perfect pair, she thought—one breaking promises, the other defending lies.

Alpha Sebastian smiled broadly and set his phone down. “Since Uncle Zane asked so nicely, I should show some respect. “

Maggie exhaled in relief.

But before she could relax completely, Alpha Sebastian’s calm voice cut through the air again.

“There’s still one thing we need to talk about, “he said. “Mrs. Maggiedidn’t just spread rumors. She sent people to chase Daisy and tried to frame me and Cecilia to turn our families against each other. “

The room exploded into noise.

Maggie’s pupils shrank. “That’s ridiculous ! Why would I hurt her ? Daisy is my friend ! “

Alpha Sebastian’s faint smile disappeared.

His voice dropped, cold and deliberate. The air thickened around him, heavy with Alpha dominance.

“Then tell me, “he said, his words sharp as glass, “how were you so sure she was dead ? “

Cecilia watched, her heart beating fast.

Maggie’s composure shattered. Her eyes darted around the room like a trapped animal searching for an exit that wasn’t there.

“I… I didn’t… “she stammered, stumbling backward until she hit a chair.

Alpha Sebastian took a step forward, his voice quiet but merciless. “You seemed so sure before. Almost like you watched it happen. “

The room fell silent again, every breath caught. The accusation hung between them like a drawn blade, gleaming and dangerous.