The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 105

Cora's POV

The entire tide of the game shifted the moment Lylah flicked that gleaming black card onto the table.

Power rolled off it.

Not in a visible way—but in the way every wolf present instinctively felt it. Now she and Iris were the ones smirking, while Hunter stood stiff and cornered, looking every bit the fool he was.

Professor Vale’s breath caught beside me.

“That… that was a Verdanth Onyx Card.” His voice turned thin, edged with naked envy. “Only the most powerful figures in the Pack possess one. Alphas. Or wolves whose wealth rivals theirs. Even after my entire career in Healing, I’ve never come close to earning one. How did she?”

My fist curled, claws threatening to break through skin as I watched from behind the hollow partition. Close enough to see. Hidden enough not to be scented.

My gaze locked onto Lylah as she slid the card back into her bag like it was nothing.

Envy burned through my veins.

Rowan had one. But he had never once let me hold it.

"It’s fake." Father scoffed beside me, “It has to be. She’s always been cunning. No doubt she prepared a counterfeit for a moment like this.”

Professor Vale gave a low, approving hum. “A sly vixen indeed.”

The sharp tang of jealousy is poisoning the air. It stung my throat, bitter and humiliating.

So I forced myself to cling to Father’s words.

And yet… a traitorous voice stirred deep inside me.

What if the card was real and her mate was the one who gave it to her?

No.

Lylah’s mate was nothing more than a low-rank wolf—weak blood. No influence. No standing.

There was no world in which he could give her something like that.

“Victor Ross is an absolute fool too,” Father spat, his aura flaring with contempt. “He should have thrown them out the moment he saw through their trick. But look, he’s practically welcoming them.”

“They exploited this moment,” Professor Vale said coldly. “Disgraceful.”

My gaze slid back to Victor. His face was warm as he smiled at Iris.

“Enough,” Father said sharply. “Let them continue their little schemes. Let's leave."

Despite my curiosity, I turned away and followed them out.

Outside, the rain poured mercilessly from the sky, soaking the earth and drowning the city in silver. We waited beneath the terrace while the driver went to retrieve the car. Father and Professor Vale quickly fell into deep conversation, their voices low and intent.

I barely heard them.

Because my attention had already shifted, my eyes caught movement across the street.

Hunter was escorting Lylah and Iris under his umbrella, guiding them to the bus stop across the street.

Hunter.

Not only had that idiot ruined my plan, but he had also completely switched sides.

My teeth clenched, a low growl building in my chest. I was about to move when blazing headlights suddenly swept across my face, forcing my eyes shut. The beam cut through the rain before settling on the road ahead.

My breath caught.

“The car…” I squinted through the downpour.

A black Maybach rolled to a smooth stop in front of the bus stop where Lylah and Iris stood.

My heart stuttered.

“That’s Rowan’s…” I whispered, disbelief cracking through my voice. “What is he doing here?”

He was supposed to still be in his meeting with Logan Silver.

A meeting I had helped secure for him. A meeting meant to strengthen his standing here. It's me who helped him.

The driver’s door opened.

And Rowan stepped out.

Even through the storm, his presence was unmistakable. He didn’t hesitate. Rowan walked straight toward Lylah.

He had returned from the opportunity I gave him…

And the first thing he did—

Was come to her.

Anger surged, hot and suffocating.

I couldn’t let this happen.

I wouldn’t.

Ignoring the rain as it drenched me to the bone, I broke into a run and crossed the street.

“Rowan!”