Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 258

**ISOLDE'S POV**

"Mom, I'm sorry, but your makeup preparation time was taking too long, so Holden and I had to leave ahead of you," I said into my phone.

On the other end, Mom scoffed. "You kids never have any consideration for me!"

I bit back a smile. Some things never changed. "We'll see you at the venue, Mom. Bye."

I hung up and shook my head, glancing out the window at the city rushing past. Mom had gotten more obsessed with her appearance as she'd gotten older, and it drove everyone in the house crazy – including poor Bruce. I loved her dearly, but her vanity had reached ridiculous levels.

*She's nervous,* Lyra observed in my mind. *This is a big day for both of you.*

She was right. Today changed everything.

The car slowed as we approached our destination, and I felt my heart start to race. Our driver, pulled up to the main entrance of the Silver Moon Group's fashion department building and stopped. A security guard in a black suit immediately stepped forward to open my door.

I took a deep breath and stepped out, my handbag clutched in my left hand. The familiar weight of it grounded me as I looked up at the towering skyscraper before me. A smile spread across my face, and I couldn't help but whisper to myself, "I did it!"

Two years ago, when Mom had asked me what I wanted to do with my life, I had chosen fashion and design. Sure, I'd had excellent fighting skills that I could have built a career on, but that required me to show my face. Also, something about creating beautiful things had called to me more than combat ever did

With Mom's help, Bruce's support, and my uncle – Alpha Liam of the Sapphire District – providing the connections and protection we needed, I had been able to study while keeping my identity completely secret.

After that, Mom and I had founded "Liberty Designs" – LD for short. What had started as a small venture had grown into the city's largest and most successful werewolf-owned fashion design company. I was the lead designer, Mom was the CEO, and only a few core designers who had signed strict confidentiality agreements.

The rest of the employees, the fashion world, the werewolf community – none of them knew who the mysterious lead designer behind LD's incredible success really was. The speculation had been wild. There had been imposters, wannabes trying to claim my designs, elaborate theories about my identity. But I had stayed hidden, working privately with my trusted design team, letting only my final creations speak for themselves.

And speak they had. Every collection I released had become the talk of the city.

These past two years had been the most beautiful years of my life. I had a family that loved me and treated me well. I got to do what I loved at my own pace, in my own way. No orders, no slander, no suffering. This had been the life I'd always hoped for.

But now I felt like it was all about to end, because today I was revealing my identity to the public.

"I don't need an escort, I'll go in myself," I told the security guard who stepped forward to guide me into the building.

Three security guards exchanged surprised glances. "But ma'am... we received instructions to—"

"Not necessary," I interrupted gently but firmly. "I'm going public with my identity today anyway. Besides, I'm wearing makeup – people won't recognize me immediately. Let me do this myself. Please."

The guards reluctantly nodded and stepped aside. This was the first time in two years I was using this main entrance. Usually, I went through the underground parking garage and took the private elevator directly to my work floor.

As I walked toward the revolving door that led to the lobby showcasing our fashion displays, my confidence started to waver. The closer I got, the more I noticed people giving me strange looks. By the time I entered the lobby, it seemed like everyone had stopped what they were doing to stare at me.

My knees started to tremble. I regretted not taking Mom's advice to use the underground parking garage and private elevator. I regretted leaving the security guards behind.

*Stop being such a coward!* Lyra snapped in my mind. *They're not looking at you with malice – they're admiring you! Look around. They're admiring your outfit, your handbag.*

I paused and really looked at the people staring at me. Lyra was right. They weren't glaring or scowling – they looked... impressed? Appreciative? And they didn't seem to recognize me either.

*Exactly. Now stop cowering and go look at your designs. See how much people love what you've created.*

A brilliant smile spread across my face as I walked toward the fashion display area in the lobby. My heart swelled with pride as I watched the onlookers and potential buyers admiring the clothes on display – my designs, my creations.

A young woman near me turned to her friends, practically bouncing with excitement. "I don't care who this lead designer is, she's absolutely amazing! I can't wait to find out today who she is!"

I drifted closer, pretending to examine some of the garments so I could hear their full conversation.

"Her designs are so innovative," another friend chimed in. "Every piece tells a story."

For the first time in my life, I was hearing women praise me, admire my work, speak about me with genuine appreciation and excitement. It felt incredible. I could hardly contain my anticipation to finally reveal my identity.

*This is your moment,* Lyra said softly, her voice warm with pride. *You've built something beautiful from nothing. You've proven that you can create your own success, your own happiness.*

She was right. Two years ago, I had been broken, betrayed, trapped in a world where I had no control over my own fate. Now I was standing in a lobby filled with people who loved my work, who respected my talent, who had no idea that the woman they were discussing was standing right beside them.

I had built this life with my own hands, my own creativity, my own determination. I had a mother who supported me, a stepfather who treated me like his own daughter, half-siblings who had learned to accept me, and a career that fulfilled me in ways I had never imagined possible.

The fear I had felt moments ago transformed into excitement. Yes, revealing my identity would change everything, but maybe that wasn't a bad thing. Maybe it was time to step out of the shadows and own my success.

I took one last look around the lobby, memorizing this moment – the last few minutes of my secret life as the anonymous designer behind Liberty Designs. Soon, everyone would know who I was.

And for the first time in years, that thought didn't terrify me.

It exhilarated me.