Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 316

Ezra's POV

Lillian closed the car door after she stepped out of the vehicle, her eyes immediately drawn upward to the towering Silver Moon Group headquarters. I watched her face transform from casual curiosity to complete awe.

"No!" she gasped, her voice filled with disbelief.

I frowned, studying her reaction. "What?"

She turned to me with confusion written across her features, as if my question made no sense. "This... this is Silver Moon headquarters. You actually brought me to headquarters."

"Yes," I replied simply. "Yesterday you told me you wanted to move here."

Her face lit up with a brilliant smile that made my stomach churn. "I thought you wouldn't agree! The way you looked at me when I asked... I thought you hated the idea." She was practically glowing with happiness now.

*If only you knew how much I don't want this,* I thought bitterly. *You wouldn't be so fucking excited.*

I forced a neutral expression onto my face. "I thought about it. Why not? If this is what you want, then let's make it happen."

Before I could react, Lillian threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my chest and pressing her head against me. "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much for agreeing to my request. You have no idea how happy this makes me."

The contact made my skin crawl. I gently but firmly pushed her away, maintaining what I hoped was a convincing smile. "It's nothing. Should we go inside and see how everything looks?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. "I can't wait to see how everything's changed over the years."

I led the way into the Silver Moon Tower, my jaw tight with suppressed irritation. "Not much has changed."

Lillian followed behind me, her eyes darting everywhere, taking in every detail like she was memorizing it all.

When we reached the top floor's luxurious main hall, I heard her sharp intake of breath. The sound made me glance back to see her standing frozen, mouth agape, staring at the renovated space.

"This is completely different from when I last saw it," she said.

"I did some remodeling," I admitted. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" Her enthusiasm was grating on my nerves.

As we walked down the hallway of the private residential floor, Lillian suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. A small gasp escaped her lips as she stared at one particular door.

I knew immediately what she'd recognized—the suite we'd shared five years ago when we were supposed to be fated mates.

*Of course she remembers,* I thought with bitter amusement. After losing her, I'd moved to a different suite because I couldn't stand being in that room without her. The irony wasn't lost on me now.

"This..." she whispered, pointing at the door. "This is our suite."

"Was," I corrected coldly.

"Huh?" She looked at me with confusion.

"It was our suite. After you disappeared, I moved to a different room. I couldn't keep sleeping in the same suite without you."

Her expression softened. "Oh... I understand. That's normal. I probably would have done the same thing."

*Liar,* I thought viciously, though I kept the word from leaving my lips. *You're such a fucking liar.*

"It's empty now," I said instead. "If you want it, you can choose this as your suite."

"Where did you move to?" she asked, and I caught something hopeful in her tone.

"The other side," I replied neutrally.

"Oh... I see."

I gestured down the hallway. "You can pick any suite on this side. I'll have it decorated however you prefer."

Her face fell slightly. "My suite will be on this side?"

"Yes."

"And yours is on the other side?"

"Yes."

She forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Ah... I see."

I could see the disappointment flickering in her gaze, and it made me want to laugh. *Did she really think I'd bring her back here and we'd share a suite? That we'd just pick up where we left off?*

*Hell. That will never happen.*

"I need to get back to my office," I announced. "There are group matters I need to handle. The staff will be at your disposal. Call me if you need anything."

"Okay."

"I'll see you later." I turned to leave, already feeling relieved to be ending this uncomfortable encounter.

But then I felt her fingers wrap around my arm, gripping tightly. When I looked back, her expression was serious, almost desperate.

I could feel my patience wearing dangerously thin. I was on the verge of snapping at her, but I forced myself to keep my voice calm and low. "Is there a problem?"

"You're just... leaving? Like that?" she asked, tilting her head.

I raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else I need to do before I go?"

She cocked her head to one side, giving me an unnatural smile.

And then it hit me like a punch to the gut.

I played dumb.

Without warning, Lillian rose up on her tiptoes, bringing her face close to mine, her lips aimed directly at my mouth.

I quickly turned my head, and her kiss landed on my right cheek instead.

My entire body went rigid. My eyes widened in shock as adrenaline surged through my system, making my heart race.

*What the hell have I gotten myself into?*

The soft press of her lips against my cheek felt like a brand, marking me with something I didn't want. Every instinct screamed at me to push her away, to make it clear that this wasn't what I wanted, but I was frozen in place by the sheer audacity of her assumption.

When she finally pulled back, I could see satisfaction in her eyes, as if she'd accomplished something significant. Meanwhile, I felt like I was drowning in a situation I'd never wanted to be in.

I stepped back quickly, putting distance between us. "I... I really need to go."

Her smile widened. "Of course. Handle your business. I'll be here when you get back."

Those words made my skin crawl. As I walked away, I could feel her watching me, and I knew with sinking certainty that this was just the beginning.