From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 95

Chapter 95

“You said it was who?! Katherine suddenly shouted. Lucian?!”

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She whirled toward Marcus, her eyes blazing with a fury that transformed her elegant features into something almost feral. ‘I told you years ago that bastard couldn’t be allowed to stay!

Marcus made a gesture for Edward to leave, and Edward nodded before walking away.

“If anything happens to Caelan- Katherine’s voice dropped to a dangerous pitch as she jabbed a finger at Marcus, “I will personally send someone to kill your bastard!”

Dad shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“Katherine, Marcus finally spoke, his voice hollow. “I truly had no idea she would keep the child secretly. Or that she would raise him.”

Dad cleared his throat softly. The sound seemed to remind the two that they weren’t alone, but neither acknowledged him.

None of it registered with me. The family drama unfolding behind me might as well have been happening on another planet. The only sounds that existed in my universe were the rhythmic beeping of the machines and the thunder of my own heartbeat.

My fingers moved mechanically over Caelan’s wrist, counting the beats. One. Two. Three. I’d check again in five minutes. Then again five minutes after that. As if my vigilance alone could keep him tethered to this world.

If I could go back in time, I would never have rushed in there alone. This is my fault. Caelan almost died because of me.

The guilt crushed down on my chest. I should have waited for backup.

“Sable. Tell me what happened. Exactly what happened.” Katherine suddenly called out to me, snapping me out of my thoughts. I stared blankly for a moment before coming back to my senses.

My fingers tightened around Caelan’s limp hand.

I met her gaze. “During our engagement ceremony, someone lured Daisy into the forest. When I found her… My voice caught. “Two Rogues were using her as bait.”

“And you went after them alone?” Katherine’s voice rose.

“She’s my sister.” The words came out steadier than I felt. ‘I couldn’t just wait when they threatened to hurt her.”

Katherine’s face grew harder.

I managed to free Daisy, but then they attacked me with a silver blade coated in wolfsbane…” I swallowed hard, the memory burning. “Caelan arrived just as one of them was about to kill me. He threw himself between us.”

My throat closed up. The poisoned blade went into his chest instead of mine.”

Then Katherine exploded.

“You stupid, reckless girl! Her voice cracked like thunder How could you be so irresponsible?

“You should have waited! Called for help! My son nearly died because of your thoughtless heroics!

‘Katherine Marcus started.

“No! She whirled on him before turning back to me. Do you have any idea what you’ve done? What you’ve cost us?”

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I held them back.

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11:34 Fri, 22 Aug M

Chapter 95

“If you’d been smarter, more careful, none of this would have happened.” Katherine’s voice grew shrill. “Your recklessness almost cost me my son!”

That’s when Dad shot to his feet.

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“That’s enough!” He shouted.

Katherine spun toward him. “Excuse me?’

“My daughter risked her life to save her sister. Dad stepped forward. “And you have the nerve to blame her for getting hurt in the process?”

“She was irresponsible-

“She was brave!” Dad’s voice boomed through the hospital room. “What would you have done if it was Caelan who’d been kidnapped?”

Katherine’s mouth opened and closed like a fish.

“And let’s not forget,” Dad continued, his tone growing deadly quiet, “this whole mess started because of your family’s enemies. My daughters were targeted because of Blackwood business.”

Marcus stepped between them. “Rodrigo, I’m sorry.” Then he turned to Katherine.

“Kathy, there is no reason to blame Sable. You’re being rude.”

Katherine stared at all of us, her breathing heavy and uneven. Then her gaze fixed on me with pure venom.

“Fine.” Her voice dripped with disdain. “I’ll go see Blair instead. At least she doesn’t endanger my family.”

She stormed toward the door, shoving past Marcus when he tried to intercept her. The door slammed behind her with enough force to rattle the walls.

Marcus ran a hand through his hair, looking between Dad and me. “I’m sorry, Rodrigo. She’s just scared-

“That doesn’t excuse her behavior.” Dad said.

Marcus hesitated for a moment, then followed Katherine out the door.

“Come on, Sable. We’re leaving.”

“What?” I looked up from Caelan’s pale face.

“This engagement is over.” Dad’s tone brooked no argument. ‘I won’t have you marry into a family that treats you like dirt.”

Panic flared in my chest. ‘Dad, no.”

Katherine made her feelings clear. You’ll never be happy here.”

I stood up, still clutching Caelan’s hand. I’m not canceling anything.

‘Sable-

“No. Caelan almost died protecting me and Daisy. I won’t abandon him now.”

Dad’s expression softened slightly. Sweetheart, that woman will make your life hell.

“Let her try.” I looked down at Caelan’s unconscious form. I love him, Dad. I’m not walking away because his mother doesn’t approve.”

“She’ll poison him against you.”

“No, she won’t.’ I met Dad’s concerned gaze. Caelan makes his own decisions. And he chose me.”

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11:34 Fri, 22 Aug M

Chapter 95

Dad studied my face for a long moment. Something in my expression must have convinced him this was a battle he couldn’t win.

“Fine.” His voice carried resignation and disappointment in equal measure. “But when she hurts you-and she will-don’t come crying to me.”

He moved toward the door, then stopped with his hand on the handle.

Dad turned back, his expression deadly serious. “Sable, I’m warning you one last time.”

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*If you or Daisy are ever put in danger again because of Blackwood family business…You will break up with Caelan immediately and come home with me.”

I will not let my daughters die for someone else’s vendettas!” His voice boomed through the hospital room. “Do you understand me?”

I stared at him, seeing the fear beneath his anger.

I understand,” I whispered.