From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51

‘I think you’re showing far too much interest in our private affairs.”

“Apologize to Sable. Now. For your inappropriate comment.”

His Alpha authority backed by barely controlled anger.

Blair’s eyes widened. “I… I don’t understand. I was just-

“Apologize.”

I could feel the tension crackling through the air.

I placed my free hand on Caelan’s arm, feeling the rigid muscle beneath his shirt.

Blair’s malice is crystal clear now. But I can’t let this dinner turn into a battlefield.

Everyone was watching. Scarlett looked ready to leap across the table. Leon and Peter shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.

And she’s still his sister. His family. I won’t be the reason they have a falling out.

“Caelan, it’s fine.” I kept my voice gentle. “Blair was probably just curious. No harm intended.”

He looked at me, some of the ice in his expression melting. But when his gaze shifted back to Blair, the cold fury remained.

Blair’s lower lip trembled slightly. “I said something wrong? I was only trying to understand your relationship better…”

“The apology. Now.”

His tone left no room for argument.

Blair’s composure cracked. “I’m sorry, Sable. If my questions made you uncomfortable…”

Her voice carried the perfect note of wounded confusion. Like she genuinely couldn’t understand what she’d done wrong.

Scarlett leaned forward with exaggerated concern. “Blair, you look terrible. Are you feeling sick?”

Tm… no, I’m fine-

“You’re so pale! And you seem really stressed.” Scarlett’s green eyes sparkled with malice disguised as worry. “Have you been having psychological issues lately? The pressure of your position must be overwhelming.”

Blair’s face flushed. “I don’t have any issues-

“Maybe you should rest more instead of forcing yourself to attend social events.” Scarlett’s smile was sweet as poison. ‘Self-care is so important when you’re struggling mentally.”

Scarlett for the kill shot.

Blair looked around the table desperately. Leon and Peter studiously avoided eye contact. The awkward silence stretched until it became unbearable.

“I think I might step inside for a moment,” Blair finally said. “Get some fresh air.”

She disappeared through the french doors before anyone could respond.

Caelan immediately turned to me. “Are you alright? If you want to leave, I’ll take you home right now,”

1/3

Chapter 51

The concern in his voice made my chest warm. After Blair’s calculated cruelty, his genuine care felt like medicine.

‘I’m okay. I don’t want to ruin everyone else’s evening.”

His hand squeezed mine under the table. ‘I’m sorry about that. Blair’s behavior was completely unacceptable.”

‘She’s your sister. She’s probably just… protective.”

“That wasn’t protection. That was an attack.” His jaw tightened. “And it won’t happen again.”

The conversation gradually resumed around us, but I could tell everyone was rattled.

Caelan leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Want to make a run for it? These light bulbs are way too bright anyway.”

Despite everything, I found myself smiling. “Light bulbs?”

All these people.” He gestured subtly around the table. “Getting in the way of my quality time with my fiancée.”

‘Your poor ego. Must be terrible having friends who actually want to spend time with you.”

“Exhausting.” His lips quirked upward. “I much prefer intimate company.”

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Heat flooded my cheeks at the way he said ‘intimate. Memories of the forest clearing crashed back without warning.

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“You’re blushing again. His voice carried quiet amusement.

“It’s the wine.”

“You haven’t touched your wine.”

“Then it’s your insufferable personality making my blood pressure spike.”

He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Much more likely.”

The easy banter helped settle my nerves. Blair’s poison words felt less sharp when Caelan looked at me like I was the only person who mattered.

‘Actually,” he said, his expression growing more serious. I have some good news about your mother’s necklace.”

My heart stuttered. “What kind of news?”

‘I’ve already scheduled a time with the restoration specialist. Just give me the necklace, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

I pressed my free hand to my mouth, trying to hold back the emotion threatening to spill over.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“Hey. His fingers tilted my chin up gently. “What did I tell you about thanking me?”

“That you want to hear something else instead.”

‘Exactly. Though I’ll settle for you not crying at my dinner party.” His thumb brushed away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “People will think I’m a terrible host.”

I laughed through the moisture in my eyes. “Can’t have that. Your reputation would never recover.”

“Precisely. Kings have been dethroned for less.”

The overwhelming gratitude was slowly being replaced by something else. Something harder and colder.

Everyone at Crawford Manor was asleep when I returned. I closed my bedroom door and reached for my purse.

From my purse, I pulled out a sleek black phone. My fingers hovered over the screen for several seconds. Then my jaw set with determination.

The number I dialed was memorized, not saved in contacts.

The call connected on the second ring. No greeting came from the other end, just expectant breathing.

I lowered my voice to barely above a whisper. “You can start spreading the information now. Remember – don’t make it obvious. Let it look like natural leakage.”

“Understood.”

The line went dead.

I stared at the black screen, both hands wrapped around the device like it might disappear. My reflection looked back from the darkened glass – amber eyes shadowed with something that might have been regret.

Rising slowly, I moved to my vanity table. The bottom drawer opened with a soft scrape. I wrapped the phone in a silk scarf and tucked it deep behind my jewelry box, hidden where no casual search would find it.

My personal phone erupted in shrill ringing.

The sudden noise made me jump. In the quiet room, it sounded like an air raid siren. I grabbed it quickly, checking the screen.

Unknown number.

I frowned at the display for a few heartbeats before answering.

“Hello?”

Dead silence. Not even static – just the faint sound of someone breathing.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” My voice carried growing impatience. “If this is a prank call, I’m hanging up.”

Still nothing.

‘I’m serious. Last chance. I moved the phone away from my ear.

“Sable…” The voice that finally spoke was low, hoarse, broken. “It’s me.”

From Substitute To Queen