<h4>Chapter 411: Chapter 411 Truth and Deception</h4>


    Author’s pov


    Zane, standing beside Maggie, frowned and shook his head.


    "That doesn’t make any sense, "he said. "Why would Cece and Sebastian ever hurt Daisy ? She’s family. They were staying at the estate as guests. What motive could they possibly have ? "


    Maggie hesitated, her face perfectly arranged into an expression of reluctant sorrow. "As for the reason... I can’t say. "


    Zane’s patience snapped. His voice came out sharp andmanding. "What do you mean you can’t say ? Speak ! "


    Maggie lowered her gaze, her tone dropping to a trembling whisper meant for maximum effect. "I really can’t. It’s about Daisy’s... reputation. "


    The implication hit Cecilia like a punch to the gut. Her heart sank as the meaning clicked.


    [ She’s hinting that Daisy had feelings for Sebastian. She’s trying to smear him. ]


    A wave of panic filled Cecilia’s chest.


    If Maggie changed the story in front of everyone, especially the Coles, it would be a disaster.


    A rumor like that could spread very fast and destroy more than one family.


    Before Cecilia could react, Alpha Sebastian’s hand found hers under the table. His fingers were warm, steady, grounding her.


    He didn’t look at her for long, just long enough. His calm eyes said everything : stay still, stay quiet, let her talk.


    Maggie’s vague usation had done its job.


    The room leaned in, every person hungry for gossip, the silence buzzing like static. Even the air felt heavier.


    Neither the Lawsons nor the cks rushed to deny it, which only made things worse. If it wasn’t true, why weren’t they saying so ?


    Across the room, the Coles exchanged uneasy looks. One of them pulled out a phone and tried to call Daisy. No answer. The tension in their shoulders tightened like drawn strings.


    Then the Cole patriarch took out his phone, his fingers shaking a little as he called Owen.


    His voice was low and urgent. He didn’t talk about debts or family matters, only asked one thing. "Is Daisy with you ? "


    Owen’s confused reply came loud enough for half the room to hear through the speaker. "No, she’s not with me. Why would she be ? "


    The color drained from the Cole patriarch’s face. His body swayed a little, as if the ground had shifted beneath him.


    The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut.


    "Cece, what’s going on ? "Martha’s voice cut through the noise, sharp and steady. "Tell us the truth. I believe you. "


    Cecilia’s throat felt tight. She wanted to speak and defend herself, but the truth about Daisy’s disappearance was tooplicated to exin here.


    One wrong word could make everything worse.


    Maggie watched the silence and felt pleased. To everyone else, it looked like guilt.


    In her mind, the answer was clear : Daisy was dead. No matter what the Lawsons or the cks saidter, people would already start to doubt them.


    Maggie’s lips curved into a faint, self-satisfied smile as she tilted her head slightly, pretending sympathy. Inside, she could almost taste victory.


    The silence felt delicious—thick, heavy, and entirely under her control. Every second Cecilia stayed quiet only fed the story Maggie wanted them to believe.


    "Sebastian, say something ! "Elder Luna ck snapped, her patience gone. If she’d known the evening would turn into this circus, she’d have stayed home.


    Maggie’sposure cracked. A low chuckle slipped out. "Don’t bother, Elder Luna ck . He won’t speak because he’s the reason all this happened. He’s the one who drove a wedge between Cecilia and Daisy. "


    Her words came out smooth, almostzy, but her gaze was sharp, watching every twitch of reaction like a hunter tracking its prey.


    Her tone turned smooth and cold, her eyes full of spite. "Julian never knew how to make a woman feel wanted, but Alpha Sebastian does, right ?


    One smile from him and any woman would fall for him. Poor Daisy, after being ignored by her husband for years, how could she resist ? "


    The room filled with gasps. The usation hit hard, spreading shock and anger everywhere.


    The Cole patriarch’s expression darkened, his eyes locked on Alpha Sebastian .


    "Where is Daisy now ? What have you done ? "His voice was low and shaking with anger, the air itself thick with it.


    Maggie’s sense of triumph pulsed through her.


    Finally, something was going her way. All night they’d made her feel small; now she had them cornered.


    Alpha Sebastian turned toward the patriarch, his movements unhurried, respectful. "Grandfather Cole, "he said evenly, "Daisy did go abroad. You can’t reach her because she changed her number. And right now... she’s already back. "


    The color drained from Maggie’s face. Her heart mmed against her ribs.


    [ Impossible.


    Her men had sworn they saw Daisy’s car go off the cliff. There were videos, reports, proof.


    He’s bluffing. Buying time. ]


    "Is that so ? "Maggie said, her voice sharp with disbelief. "Then call her. Let’s see her walk in. "


    Alpha Sebastian’s mouth curved into a faint smile. "She’s behind you. "


    Maggie jerked around, heart pounding, only to see empty space. Her fear shed into anger. "Do you think this is funny ? "


    Alpha Sebastian’s smile deepened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Maybe a little. But I’m not lying. Daisy’s here. "


    Maggie’s temples throbbed. She forced augh that sounded brittle. "How entertaining. "


    The Cole patriarch’s frown deepened. His patience was wearing thin.


    Alpha Sebastian pulled out his phone, pressed a contact, and said two quiet words. "Bring her in. "


    Maggie froze. Her confidence wavered for the first time.


    What if she’d been lied to ? What if her men had gotten it wrong ?


    Every eye in the room turned toward the doors.


    The powerful and usually calm elites of Denver now looked like children waiting for a magic show, all holding their breath.


    Seconds dragged by. Then minutes. The silence was unbearable.


    Finally, Maggie broke it, her voice cold and sure. "You can stop pretending, Alpha Sebastian . She’s noting because she can’t. "


    Her certainty rang through the room. Even if Daisy had somehow survived, there was no way she could have made it here this fast.


    [ He’s bluffing, ] Maggie told herself again.


    [ And soon, everyone will see it. ]