Despite Adrian's desire to remain in the hospital, Patric advised him to return to his company apartment or the pack house. Since both parents were also in the pack hospital, he opted for the apartment. His father hadn't yet been released, and his car was destroyed in the accident, so Patric arranged for his driver to take him.

In the backseat, Adrian felt unwell. His wolf was deeply affected by Natalia's condition. He felt unable to resist their mate bond, believing it was the source of his feelings for Natalia. He was far less concerned about his father's illness.

The car stopped in front of his company apartment. Patric's driver opened the door, and Adrian exited, acknowledging the driver's bow with a nod. A frown creased his forehead as he approached his apartment building. Lynda was waiting.

"What are you doing here?" Adrian asked, retrieving his keys.

Lynda looked shocked at his bandaged hands. "What happened to your hands?" she asked.

"Nothing," he replied, opening the door. Lynda followed him inside.

"You don't tell me anything, Adrian! I'm your fiancée; I have a right to know what's happening," Lynda exclaimed.

He sat on the couch and asked calmly, "How did you know I'd be here?"

Lynda replied, "I visited your father at the pack hospital. Your mother said you hadn't been at the pack house lately."

He merely responded, "Hmm."

She scrutinized him, noticing bloodstains on his black shirt. Her eyes widened. Leaning forward, she reached for his chest.

"What are you doing?" Adrian asked, immediately grasping her wrists.

Seeing the blood-soaked shirt, Lynda recoiled in terror. "Did you get hurt?" she asked.

He pushed her hands away. She hissed in pain, rubbing her right hand, revealing a burn mark. It reminded him of Natalia's scar. He looked away.

"What brings you here? Need something? Didn't I tell you to contact my secretary?" he asked.

Lynda stared at him, fists clenched. "So you think I always come here for something?"

Adrian stood. "It's late. Go home. We can talk tomorrow."

As he started toward his bedroom, Lynda grabbed his hand. "Why are you avoiding me, Adrian?"

He looked down at her hand. "You witnessed that woman nearly breaking my hand. You said you'd take action. Why haven't you punished her yet?"

He pulled his hand away. He frowned. "You weren't that weak. Why didn't you stand up for yourself?"

"I wanted to show you her true nature, Adrian," she replied.

Adrian averted his gaze. "I don't want to talk about it now."

"You never seem to notice her faults! You said you hated her. Why can't you punish her?"

Adrian stared at the wall. He realized it was because she was his mate. His wolf wouldn't let him harm her; it protected her from him.

"Nothing like that. Good night, Lynda," he muttered.

Before he could leave, Lynda spoke again. "That 'nothing like that' is a good thing. Because that woman is immoral. Beta Eric wasn't enough for her. She needs more than just a Beta"

Adrian froze, infuriated. He wanted to rebuke her, but before he could, she tossed several photos onto the table.

"See the proof for yourself," Lynda said.

Adrian approached the table, his blood boiling as he looked at the photos. Natalia was embracing Alpha Jason; in one, he was kissing her head; in another, she was smiling.

(Note: The promotional text "S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality." was removed as it is irrelevant to the text cleanup and appears to be spam.)