My accusation created a tense silence in the dining room. My patience had run out. Turning to Adrian's parents, I calmly said, "There's something you need to know."

Lynda's surprised expression was fleeting, quickly replaced by composure. She smiled, a little too smoothly, and asked, "What are you talking about? What have I done?"

I picked up my phone from the table, scoffed, and unlocked it with my fingerprint. As I searched for Lynda's message from the day after the party, Adrian's cold voice cut through the air.

"Lynda, what is she talking about? What did you do?"

I slowly turned to him. His gaze was fixed on Lynda. I wondered if I was overreacting, or if his look was a warning.

Lynda seemed unhappy with his question. "Adrian, are you believing this woman over me?"

Adrian's expression changed. His gaze shifted to me. "Show me what you have against her."

I returned to my phone. "Found it!" I exclaimed, tapping the message Lynda had sent me.

I noticed Lynda's hand, tightly clenched under the table. Sitting close, I was the only one who could see it. Her anxiety was palpable. The time felt right to expose her.

Adrian took my phone and looked at the message. He stared at the screen, silent.

"Ad—Adrian, trust me," Lynda mumbled, tears welling in her eyes.

"What's going on?" Uncle Lucas asked.

I explained how Lynda had maliciously spread a private conversation between me and my foster father on social media, intending to damage my reputation.

Auntie Grace gasped. Uncle Lucas glared at Lynda, his anger evident.

After a moment, Adrian looked at me. "Done blaming her?"

His question stunned me. He placed my phone on the table and pushed it toward me. Glaring, he said, "I told you before. She's done nothing. Why are you targeting Lynda? Can't you just live your own life and deal with your own problems?"

His words felt like a reprimand for bullying Lynda, something I'd never done. It felt like a flashback. Of course he'd defend his girlfriend.

"Adrian, she showed you the proof," Uncle Lucas interjected.

Adrian shook his head. "Dad, that's not even Lynda's number. It only says it's from Lynda. But Lynda is innocent. She couldn't have done that."

Auntie Grace frowned. "She could have sent it from someone else's number."

Lynda began to cry, obviously seeking Adrian's sympathy. "Natalia, I understand you're upset, but these accusations are baseless. Why would I do that? If I did, where did I get the screenshots? Only your father and you had them. Are you accusing your father, too?"

Lynda skillfully shifted the blame, suggesting I was acting out of envy and jealousy.

Adrian's parents exchanged confused glances, torn between my accusations and Lynda's calm demeanor and plausible denials.

I regretted staying. If I'd listened to my family, I wouldn't be here.

"Stop crying. People are jealous of you because you're with Alpha Adrian. Let them say whatever they want," Adrian said, resuming his meal as if nothing had happened.

"Natalia, it's okay, my child. There must be some misunderstanding," Auntie Grace began, but I interrupted her.

Standing up, I said, "I'm done."

Uncle Lucas shook his head. "But you haven't eaten anything."

I looked at Adrian, his expression indifferent. "Sorry, Uncle. I've lost my appetite after listening to someone's nonsense."

Adrian paused, his gaze challenging. My inner wolf growled, refusing humiliation. I smiled sarcastically.

"Alpha Adrian, no one is targeting your sweetheart. Stop thinking I'm jealous. What she has now, I left behind five years ago. I don't want it back. She can have it all."