The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 232

Chapter 232

Lylah’s POV

“And to thank you… for saving me.” Cora’s voice slipped through the line.

Finished

Whether her apology was real or not, something in it coiled wrong beneath my skin. Selestine stirred, uneasy, catching the faint trace of something insincere.

“You’re welcome,” I replied, my tone clipped.

I was about to end the call when she spoke again.

“Could you switch to video, sister? Just for a moment please.”

I sighed quietly.

If it ended this fast, then fine.

I tapped the screen.

Cora’s face filled my view and immediately, I understood.

She wanted me to see. The pristine white of the treatment room. The pale cast of her skin. The carefully arranged fragility. And beside her—

Rowan.

Of course.

‘Lylah,” she said, a soft laugh slipping through. “You came running back to Lunaris so quickly. And where exactly are you now?” Her eyes swept the background, sharp beneath the sweetness. “That place looks rather advanced. Don’t tell me you’ve somehow wandered into one of Lunaris’s elite laboratories.”

‘You’re not wrong,” I said flatly. “I’m at the Lunaris Research Center.”

“What?” Her eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s impossible. Ordinary wolves aren’t allowed there, Lylah.” She chuckled. “Are you lying just to impress me?”

My jaw tightened.

Speaking to her was exhausting-like walking through thorns.

Beside her, Rowan’s gaze darkened. Unlike Cora, he understood exactly why I could stand here.

“You left Blackfang without informing me,” he said.

A bitter laugh nearly slipped past my lips.

Since when did I owe him that?

“Ah anyway,” Cora cut in quickly, shifting the conversation. “Rowan told me about yesterday’s events and

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12:49 pm P P

Chapter 232

Finished

Mina.”

Her expression softened-too perfectly.

“Though I don’t remember any of it, hearing him say I almost hurt such a precious creature… it makes my heart ache.”

Cora lowered her gaze,

“You’ve always loved horses, haven’t you, Lylah? I know how much they mean to you…” A small pause. Then, almost selflessly. “I was even thinking that after the event, I could give Mina to you. Father’s gift or not, it wouldn’t matter. I would’ve wanted you to have her. For free.”

The lie turned my stomach.

The audacity of it.

Did she truly think I was that easy to deceive?

I stilled my expression.

Fine.

If she wanted to play this game, then I would play it better.

“I see,” I said lightly. “That’s very generous of you, Cora.”

I let the words hang for a moment before continuing, my tone sharpening just slightly.

“But since you don’t remember, let me remind you of something rather interesting from yesterday.”

My gaze held hers, unwavering.

“Mina was sold for quite the price,” I said, my voice smooth. “Gold. Diamonds. All of it sitting nicely in your hands now.”

I let the silence stretch, watching the flicker in her expression.

“But since you claim you were going to give her to me for free…” My lips curved faintly. “Why not return every last coin and gem to her buyer? I can even give you the contact. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind doing that.”

“Unless,” I added softly, “that generosity of yours was never real to begin with.”

“I-” Cora faltered, choking on her own words.

“Or do you object?” I tilted my head.

“It was Father who sold her!” she rushed out, her voice tightening. “I can’t return anything. That decision wasn’t mine.”

I let out a quiet breath, my patience thinning.

12:49 pm

Chapter 232

Finished

“Then stop pretending. Don’t wrap yourself in kindness you were never capable of.” My eyes hardened. “You weren’t going to give Mina to me. You were going to slit her throat.”

I didn’t soften it.

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