Chapter 330

Cecilia’s pov

I watched as Cassian flashed a knowing smile but said nothing.

Zane sat at the edge of the bed, pushing up his glasses like it was more habit than necessity.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said, his voice just a little too steady to sound natural.

“I’ve brought in a top-tier team. They’ll keep an eye on you, day and night p>

“Throwing money at me again, huh?” Cassian replied with his usual smart-ass grin.

“We’re family. You don’t have to thank me,” Zane said, his tone softening a little too conveniently.

“I just want you safe. Grandma’s been asking about you nonstop. You should stop by and see her when you get back p>

“I will,” Cassian nodded.

“She’s not as strong as she used to be. Another scare might really shake her up.

Her birthday’s next month, so just… don’t bring this up p>

That sudden tenderness in his voice made my stomach twist.

Cassian gave him a look that said he wasn’t buying it.

“How thoughtful of you,” he said dryly. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word p>

The hypocrisy in the room was thick enough to choke on.

Zane knew damn well that his wife Maggie was behind all of this.

But here he was, acting like it was some kind of freak accident, just to avoid admitting guilt.

He was the one who let the monster into their lives. And now he was pretending to be the protective uncle? Spare me.

The same man who could treat his pregnant wife and newborn son like afterthoughts was suddenly all heart?

It turned my stomach.

And the thought that this man might be my p>

God. What kind of cosmic joke was the God playing on me?

“I’m feeling dizzy,” I muttered to Sebastian, not even bothering to make it sound real. “I need some air p>

Sebastian gave me a worried look, then nodded, silently telling me to go.

A few steps away, Zaria had clearly picked up on my move.

“Same. Feeling a little lightheaded myself. Let’s get out of here p>

I shot her a look. Was she serious? Probably not. But I wasn’t going to question it.

We slipped out of the room, and it didn’t take long for the others to follow.

By the time they joined us, Zaria and I were already sitting on the couch in the living room.

I was trying to steady my breathing, to sort through the chaos in my head before it completely crashed down on me.

“Cece, are you feeling okay?” Luna Regina rushed over, concern etched into her face.

But her eyes said something else. She actually looked… hopeful.

“Is something wrong, Cecilia? You look pale. Should we take you to the hospital?” Zane asked, shouldering his way past Alpha Yardley to sit right next to me.

I felt Sebastian’s gaze tighten.His eyes cooled, sharp with quiet suspicion, as he watched the scene unfold.

Everyone was crowding around me like members of some suburban gossip club who just found out I might be hiding a secret.

They were done grilling Cassian.

Now it was my turn in the spotlight.

Caught between the Black family’s expectations and Zane’s unwanted attention, I wanted the floor to swallow me whole. What a fucking mess.

I pressed my fingers to my forehead, hoping it would make the lie more convincing.

“It’s nothing serious. Just a little lightheaded. Probably… anemia p>

“Cece, that’s not something to ignore. It could affect… well, something important.”Luna Regina stopped herself, then quickly added, “I mean, your health p>

She shot a quick look at Alpha Yardley.

Alpha Yardley picked up on it instantly, like they’d rehearsed this.

“Absolutely. Health is the top priority. I’ll call Dr. Payton and set up an appointment. Sebastian will go with you, of course p>

He was already on the phone before I had time to protest.

From his tone, it was clear this wasn’t optional.

I shot Sebastian a look that said: Please, save me.

He answered with one of his own: Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

When the call ended, Alpha Yardley turned toward Luna Regina.

“All set. Four o’clock this afternoon. You and Sebastian will take her p>

Luna Regina nodded, and for a second, she almost looked pleased.

A cold feeling crept through me. Were they starting to suspect I was pregnant?

Before I could spiral any further, a new voice cut through the tension.

“I’ve got nothing on my schedule today. I’ll come too p>

The entire Black family froze, like someone had just suggested bringing a rattlesnake to brunch.

The silence that followed was painfully thick.

Every pair of eyes swung toward Zane, staring at him like he was some creep trying to tag along to a doctor’s appointment meant to be private.

I kept my expression blank, doing everything I could not to let the fury bubbling inside me show.

Sebastian’s brow twitched. It was a small movement, but enough to tell me he wasn’t thrilled either.

“Zane, if you’re that bored, go back to Colorado Springs,” Luna Regina snapped. She rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck.

Zane turned to Alpha Yardley, clearly embarrassed.”Yardley, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought p>

“That’s enough,” Alpha Yardley said sharply.”We should be setting an example, not stirring the pot. Don’t make this more of a circus than it already is p>

Finally, someone was telling him off.

Sebastian stood, offering the escape I’d been praying for.

“I have a meeting this morning. Come on, Cecilia p>

I shot up like I’d just heard the fire alarm.

As we reached the door, Luna Regina’s voice followed us.

“Don’t forget about the appointment this afternoon p>

Sebastian didn’t even look back.