Mated to my sister’s ugly mate

The atmosphere at the dinner table was eerily calm, with a sense of tension hanging in the air. It was as if an unspoken agreement had been made to ignore the underlying animosity that simmered beneath the surface.

Jason, driven by his insatiable curiosity, relentlessly questioned Alpha Kilian about his background and position in the company. He wanted to uncover the secrets of his prestigious lineage, knowing full well that his parents were well-respected members of the Lances family.

Alpha Kilian, his gaze sharp and calculating, glanced at Jason before responding with a deliberate slowness. “Yes, I have recently returned from overseas and have found my place within the Lances Corporation.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Jason’s eyes gleamed with anticipation upon hearing this, his smile radiating false warmth. “And what of your parents? Are they still working abroad?”

Without deigning to acknowledge him any further, Alpha Kilian passed his bowl to Shadow. “Shadow, help me with some soup.”

He had no interest in engaging with a group of social climbers and sycophants. The reason why he found the woman beside him intriguing was because she was different from the rest – blunt and honest. She never wanted anything from him.

Shadow, taken aback, looked up and met his unwavering gaze.

His hands, elegant and elongated, held the delicate porcelain bowl with grace.

Shadow was captivated, realizing once again that Alpha Dominic was a true and noble leader.

Accepting the bowl, she glanced up only to see impatience glimmering in his ink-like eyes.

No words were exchanged between them. Instead, she rose from her seat and poured a bowl of soup for him before placing it beside his plate.

“Thank you,” he murmured, but his smile held no genuine warmth.

Shadow stared at him in a daze. “You’re welcome.”

Were these aristocratic masters skilled in the art of deception?

Jason was left ignored, his expression souring almost immediately. Although he wasn’t as wealthy as the Lances, he was certainly not poor. Moreover, he carried his own reputation in the upper class. To be dismissed so effortlessly was enough to make him grind his teeth, but he held his tongue.

Observing their interaction, Jason understood that there was a certain familiarity between Alpha Dominic and Shadow. It only made sense for her to be the one to introduce him to Jessica.

As for Jessica’s current boyfriend, Henry, he was nothing more than a temporary placeholder to alleviate her boredom.

Jason had an idea forming, ready to speak it aloud.

However, before he could utter a word, Alpha Kilian glanced at him with a quiet intensity and placed his utensils on top of his empty plate. “I’ve had enough. We should leave.”

Not bothering to wait for any response, he stood up and nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Although his words were gratitude-filled, they held an authoritative tone.

The icy atmosphere enveloped them once again, freezing everyone in place. Even Jason found himself speechless, unable to find his voice.

To them, Alpha Dominic was the epitome of arrogance.

And yet, Shadow couldn’t help but admit that there was an undeniable charm to his personality and appearance.

But as soon as this thought crossed her mind, her fingers brushed against her swollen cheek. She knew she had been foolishly beaten by Jessica. How else could she find ‘Alpha Dominic’ charming?

“Father, I’ll go home,” Shadow muttered, bowing her head. Although she had wanted to leave hours ago, she needed to put on a facade for a while longer.

Jason was denied the opportunity to voice his thoughts, leaving him feeling unsettled. His anger simmered as he could only direct it towards Shadow.

He glared at her, his anger bubbling forth. “Get out!”

Shadow endured the verbal assault, lowered her head, and walked out with her bag. She hoped this would be the last time she was ever invited to this wretched place. Yet, after the events of the day, she doubted it would be.

Jason, accompanied by Lisa and Jessica, followed them outside, their smiles wide and disingenuous. It was clear they would never win any accolades for their acting skills.

Indeed, power was a valuable commodity. Even if ‘Alpha Dominic’ did not show him an ounce of respect, Jason had to bid him farewell with a smile. It was as if the entire incident had never occurred.

The three of them stood at the entrance of the Castle. “Mr. Alpha Dominic, we look forward to your next visit.”

Alpha Kilian regarded them with a faint smile, showing no admiration for their feigned cordiality. He then turned his attention to Shadow, standing beside the car, and spoke in a low voice. “Get in.”

Shadow attempted to open the rear door, but it refused to budge.

Surprised, she looked at ‘Alpha Dominic’ for answers.

Alpha Kilian furrowed his brow in impatience. “Fool! Do you want me to be your chauffeur?”

Of course not. In truth, Shadow didn’t want to sit next to him, fearing what else he might do. But she didn’t have a choice and didn’t want to further enrage him.

The car pulled away slowly, enveloping them in silence.

Shadow couldn’t shake the feeling that Alpha Dominic’s visit to Eden Castle was without purpose. Given her strained relationship with Alpha Kilian, it was impossible that he asked his cousin to pick her up. But she couldn’t fathom a reason for him to visit her family home just for a pleasant conversation either.

“Did Alpha Kilian ask you to pick me up?” she finally voiced her thoughts, seeking answers for his unexpected presence.

Alpha Kilian kept his gaze fixed ahead, his tone indifferent. “What do you think? Do you believe that I willingly came here?”

Shadow seemed to comprehend, murmuring, “I see.”