From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Elena gathered her things and prepared to leave. Before walking away, she patted my shoulder lightly.

“Think about what I said. If you really want her, stop hesitating. Some opportunities don’t come twice. She paused, grinning. Of course, I realize you have zero experience with relationships-you’re basically a romantic moron. Feel free to consult me, your resident love expert, about your relationship troubles. Just remember there’s a consultation fee. Oh, and don’t forget to pay me for today’s acting performance.”

I sat alone in the coffee shop, drinking coffee while staring out the window.

Just as I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed with a message.

A text from an unknown number:

“I know where Lucian is hiding. In a cemetery. You should know which one.”

Every emotion immediately shut down as this message cut through my thoughts. I dialed Edward’s number instantly.

“Edward, trace this number immediately.” I rattled off the unknown digits.

Minutes later, Edward called back. “Your Majesty, the number shows no information. It’s either temporary or specially encrypted.”

I gripped the phone tighter. “Can you track the sending location?”

“We’re trying, but they likely used signal blocking technology. No results so far.”

After hanging up, I fell into deep thought. This message was too sudden, too convenient. It could be Lucian’s trap, or it could be a real lead.

But we’d been searching for so long without any trace of him. Any clue was worth investigating.

“Cemetery…” I repeated the word under my breath.

Suddenly, I remembered something. Lucian only truly cared about one person in this world-his mother. And she was dead.

If Lucian was really hiding in a cemetery, the most likely place would be near his mother’s grave. That location would have special meaning for him and provide relatively safe cover.

With this realization, I immediately called Edward again.

“Edward, find the address of Lucian’s mother’s burial site immediately.” My voice carried new urgency.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Do you suspect-”

I suspect he might be hiding there. I stood quickly. Also prepare the private jet. Once we have the address, we leave immediately.”

Sable’s POV

I walked out of the hospital and saw her unexpectedly.

Scarlett leaned against her red sports car, flashing that mischievous grin I knew meant trouble.

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Chapter 171

“Hey, beautiful. Done with work?” She strutted toward me.

“What are you doing here? I eyed her suspiciously. “Something wrong?”

Scarlett winked mysteriously. “Of course there’s something! Something important! Get in, I’m taking you somewhere.”

“Where? I’m dead tired. I just want to go home, shower, and sleep.”

“Trust me, you’re going to love this.” She was already pulling my arm toward the car. “This is about your future happiness!”

Future happiness? What kind of scheme is this girl cooking up now?

The upscale shopping center gleamed under the evening lights. Scarlett dragged me straight to the most expensive boutique in the

district.

“What are we doing here?” I stared at the ridiculously priced clothes. It had been ages since I’d gone shopping. Sure, I could afford these pieces easily enough – I just never saw the point. Working at the hospital didn’t require fancy clothes, and comfort had always been my priority.

“Picking out some gorgeous dresses for you.” Scarlett was already weaving between the racks. “How about this one? And this!”

She held up a black bodycon dress with a plunging neckline and a skirt so short I was pretty sure my entire ass would be hanging

out.

“Too revealing! I’m not wearing that.”

“Sable, you need to trust my judgment.” Scarlett remained persistent. “You’ve got an amazing body – why hide it?”

After some back-and-forth, I eventually let her convince me to try on a few dresses. When I emerged from the fitting room wearing a rose-colored wrap dress, even the sales associate couldn’t help but gasp.

“Holy shit, Sable, you look absolutely stunning!” Scarlett clapped her hands together. “That’s the one!”

Next stop: the most prestigious hair salon in town. Scarlett had booked me with “Tony,” supposedly their best stylist.

“Just a trim, please,” I said nervously, staring at my reflection.

‘Relax, I already talked to Tony. He’s the best in the business.”

Two hours later, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. My simple ponytail had been transformed into an elegant updo with loose curls framing my face. The makeup was polished but not overdone.

“Wow!” Scarlett gasped behind me. “Babe, you’re going to kill me. I wish I was a guy so I could claim you right now!”

I pinched Scarlett’s waist playfully. “You could be my wife instead. I wouldn’t mind going lesbian for you.”

We teased each other as we headed out.

When Scarlett’s car pulled up to the hotel entrance, I finally lost my patience.

‘Scarlett, where exactly are you taking me?”

She smiled mysteriously. “The annual Cupid’s Ball.”

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Chapter 171

“Ball?!” I nearly jumped out of my seat. “Are you insane? I don’t know how to dance!”

‘Don’t panic, it’s not some formal ballroom thing.” Scarlett pulled me toward the lobby. “It’s just a mixer for young single alphas and unmarried women from different packs.”

A mixer? I stopped dead in my tracks. “Wait, this sounds like-

“A matchmaking event? Exactly!” Scarlett grinned triumphantly. “Remember that guy with the eight-pack I mentioned?”

Shit, I knew she was up to something.

“His name is Chris, from Silvermoon Pack,” Scarlett continued. “Twenty-eight, gorgeous, built like a god, and here’s the kicker – he

hasn’t found his fated mate yet! Maybe it’s you!”

“Scarlett, I don’t need-

“You absolutely need this!” She cut me off. “Tonight, ‘no’ is not an option!”

The hotel ballroom looked like something out of a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers cast soft light everywhere, with flowers and ribbons decorating every surface.

Scarlett and I found a relatively quiet corner to sit, and a server quickly brought us champagne.

“This place is beautiful,” I admitted, taking in the scene. “Though I’m still nervous.”

“Just relax, think of it as drinks and conversation.” Scarlett clinked her glass against mine. “So… how are you doing? Really?”

“I’m fine. Just keeping busy with work.” I avoided her concerned gaze.

“Sable, we’re friends. You don’t have to act tough around me.” Scarlett looked at me seriously. “You know what I’m talking about.”

I stayed quiet for a moment. “I really am okay. The past is the past.”

“Alright, let’s talk about something else.” Scarlett suddenly grinned. “Like how Peter won’t stop pestering me.”

“Oh?” My interest was piqued. “What’s the situation with you two?”

Scarlett waved dismissively. “Don’t even get me started! Alcohol is the root of all evil!”

‘Details. From the beginning. Start with how you two ended up sleeping together.”

“That night…” Scarlett took a sip of her drink. “Remember when we were at the bar drinking? You were wasted out of your mind.”

“Vaguely. It’s pretty fuzzy.”

“Peter showed up out of nowhere, said he was looking for us.” Scarlett rolled her eyes. “That idiot suddenly blurted out that he’d liked me forever.”

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From Substitute To Queen