From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

The engagement preparations consumed the next few days like a whirlwind. Caelan stayed by my side through every detail – the dress fittings where silk whispered against my skin, the venue selection where we debated flower arrangements until my head spun. His presence grounded me when the choices felt overwhelming.

He hasn’t visited Blair at the hospital since the incident. When I asked about it, his jaw tightened.

The horses were injected with some kind of drug,” he said, fingers threading through mine. “Someone deliberately made them go feral. I’ll handle Blair’s situation properly.”

Relief flooded through me, even as questions lingered.

The other incidents had been resolved too. The nurse who gave Gabriel the wrong medication turned out to be new, inexperienced. Just a mistake. The man in black who attacked me had been caught, but he killed himself before interrogation.

Who would want to hurt me?

The obvious answer kept circling back to Blair. But even with our tension, I couldn’t believe she’d go that far. Murder seemed beyond even her jealousy.

I’m probably overthinking this.

“You ready for tonight?” Caelan’s voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.

Daisy’s birthday party. I nodded.

The Crawford Manor blazed with light when we arrived. Luxury cars lined the circular drive. Inside, crystal chandeliers cast golden light over the guests who mingled with champagne flutes and practiced smiles.

‘Sabelate!”

Daisy’s delighted shriek cut through the elegant chatter. She raced toward me in a frothy pink birthday dress.

I caught her in a spinning hug. “Happy birthday!”

When did this little girl become so precious to me? Maybe it was seeing how fiercely she defended me that day when my Dad slapped me, or realizing she’s just an innocent child caught between the adults’ mess. She doesn’t deserve my coldness.

Caelan chuckled behind me. “Sabelate?”

Daisy’s eyes lit up like fireworks. “It’s Sable plus chocolate! Because sister and chocolate are my most most most favorite things!” She puffed out her chest proudly. “I invented it special just for her!”

Caelan crouched to her eye level, his imposing frame folding gracefully. “Hello, little princess. Happy birthday. I’m Caelan, your sister’s fiancé.”

Daisy’s lips pursed into a determined pout. She grabbed my hand possessively. “But my sister still has to sleep with me at night! Being engaged doesn’t change that!”

I pressed my lips together to hide my smile as Caelan’s eyes sparked with mischief.

“Daisy, did you know that if Sable sleeps with me, she can learn lots of grown-up skills?”

“What skills?” Daisy’s curiosity overrode her stubbornness.

“How to make better chocolate cake. How to take care of little kids. How to be an even more amazing sister.” His voice carried the gravity of sharing state secrets. “She could take better care of you that way.”

“And,” he leaned closer conspiratorially, “if she learns to make chocolate with me, you could have different flavors every single day.”

1/3

Chapter 74

I watched this negotiation with growing amusement. Daisy’s face scrunched in serious concentration, weighing her options.

Finally, she stuck out her tiny hand. “Okay, but you have to promise different chocolate every day! And sister still sleeps with me on weekends!*

‘Deal. Caelan shook her hand solemnly. “We’ll seal it with a pinky promise.”

After their elaborate handshake, Daisy skipped away to find her friends.

I swatted Caelan’s chest playfully. “Chocolate master? Since when? You just lied to a child.”

He caught my hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss. His eyes held mine intently. “I can’t sleep without my wife beside me.”

Heat bloomed in my cheeks. Before I could respond, several pack members approached to greet Caelan. I used the distraction to slip away toward my father.

Dad stood near the far wall, engaged in animated conversation with other alphas. When he spotted me approaching, he immediately excused himself.

‘Excuse me,” he said politely, then walked toward me with open arms.

I stepped into his embrace without hesitation. The familiar scent enveloped me, and suddenly my eyes burned with unshed tears. It was the first hug since I was back.

We held each other in silence. His hand rubbed gentle circles on my back like when I was small and scared of thunderstorms. When was the last time I’d let myself need this? Let myself want my father’s comfort?

‘How are the engagement preparations going?” he asked when we finally separated. “If you need anything, just ask.”

‘Caelan’s arranged everything perfectly.”

Dad’s smile reached his eyes. “I’m glad you’re in his hands. I trust him completely.” He touched my cheek gently. “I want you to be happy, my girl.”

The simple words wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket.

“Sabelate!” Daisy’s voice rang out again. “You have to see my birthday present! Someone gave me a baby horse!”

I looked at my father one more time before following Daisy’s excited tugging. Lead the way, birthday girl.”

Darrell’s POV

This is it. The opportunity I’ve been waiting for.

I adjusted my tie one final time before stepping out of my car. The Crawford Manor loomed before me, its windows glowing like beacons in the darkness.

Getting the invitation hadn’t been difficult. Alpha Morrison from the Westfield pack owed me a favor, and his illness provided the perfect cover. No one would question a replacement attendee.

My goal was simple: approach Rodrigo Crawford with a proposal for pack alliance.

I made my way through the opulent entrance hall, nodding politely at other guests.

Rodrigo Crawford stood near the grand staircase, distinguished and commanding even in casual conversation. Silver hair perfectly styled, amber eyes sharp with intelligence. This was a man who could change my pack’s fortune.

I approached with my most diplomatic smile. “Alpha Rodrigo Crawford. I’m honored to meet you.”

His gaze assessed me carefully. “And you are?”

“Darrell Hawthorne, Alpha of the Hawthorne pack. I extended my hand. “I’ve long admired your leadership.”

2/3

1. Hawthorne His handshake was firm, professional. “What brings you to my daughter’s birthday celebration?”

I hoped we might discuss potential cooperation between our packs.’ I reached into my jacket, producing an elegant jewelry box. “I heard your daughter is engaged. Please accept this small token of congratulation.”

Rodrigo didn’t take it. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Since you’ve brought a gift for my daughter, allow me to introduce you to her personally.” He gestured toward the garden doors. “You can present it yourself

Perfect. Building rapport through family connections.

We walked toward the garden, where two figures stood silhouetted against the flower beds. One tall and graceful, one small and animated.

Sable, Rodrigo called gently.

At that familiar name, my feet turned to lead. My heart hammered against my ribs.

It can’t be. Just a coincidence. Common name.

The taller figure turned. I was totally stunned.

She approached us without looking at me. “Dad, did you need something?”

Rodrigo Crawford is Sable’s father?

The jewelry box slipped from my nerveless fingers. It hit the marble with a sharp crack, the lid popping open. The pink diamond necklace I’d chosen so carefully scattered across the ground.

How is this possible?