From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 99

Chapter 99

Dad’s grunt of annoyance was audible even through the phone.

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“Alright,” Victoria said, her voice taking on a maternal tone. “Sable, you should rest. Your father’s just being protective-you know how he gets. I’ll work on him.”

“Thank you.” I meant it.

“Bye, Sabelate!” Daisy blew a kiss at the screen.

I blew one back, and the call ended.

Setting my phone aside, I headed for the bathroom. The hot water felt amazing against my skin, washing away the last traces of

stress.

After my shower, I found myself in the kitchen, pulling ingredients from various cabinets.

“Almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, strawberry powder…” I murmured to myself, arranging everything on the counter.

Soon the kitchen filled with the delicate scent of macarons baking. I watched through the oven window as the shells puffed up, forming their characteristic “feet.”

When the timer chimed, I was so eager to see the results that I forgot the most basic rule of baking.

I reached for the hot baking sheet bare-handed.

“Ow!” I jerked my hand back as pain shot through my index finger. A small red mark appeared where my skin had touched the scorching oven rack.

I ran cold water over the burn, then grabbed oven mitts to properly remove my macarons. They were perfect-pale pink shells with a smooth, glossy surface.

After letting them cool, I carefully arranged the delicate cookies in a white pastry box.

I changed into a simple white sundress and gathered my things.

The elevator carried me down to the parking garage.

But as I rounded the corner, I stopped short.

Darrell was leaning against my car, arms crossed, looking like he’d been waiting for a while.

His hair hung loose and unkempt across his forehead, no longer styled in that careful sweep he always maintained. Dark stubble covered his jaw and cheeks – the kind that comes from several days without shaving. Deep shadows circled his bloodshot eyes.

When he saw me, he straightened and took a few hesitant steps forward, then stopped as it invisible barriers held him back.

“Sable…” His voice came out as a rasp. He cleared his throat and tried again.

I gave him the briefest possible nod. ‘Darrell. What a coincidence?”

My tone was full of sarcasm. I didn’t slow my pace, walking directly toward my car while fishing for my keys.

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11:36 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 99

“Wait!” He lunged forward, arm extended as if to block my path, but his hand never made contact. “Sable, I have to talk to you!”

“We have nothing to discuss.” I kept my eyes forward, pressing the unlock button. The car lights flashed in response.

“It’s about your safety! Desperation cracked his voice. “I heard about what happened last night.”

That made me pause. I turned to face him, studying his haggard appearance with new wariness.

He must have seen my hesitation as an opening. “Someone’s trying to hurt you, Sable. Being around Caelan puts you in danger.”

I weighed my options. The smart thing would be to get in my car and drive away.

I don’t trust his motives, but what if he actually has extra information that could help? What if someone really is targeting me or Caelan and he’s learned something important?

Finally, I nodded once. “Fine. But make it quick.”

We ended up at a small coffee shop two blocks from the parking garage. I chose a table by the window and set the pastry box beside my chair.

I folded my hands on the table and waited, maintaining careful distance between us.

“I heard about the incident at your engagement party…” he began, then looked up with complex emotions. “Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. Even though I hate admitting it… I’m worried about your safety.”

“Thank you.” My voice carried all the warmth of an arctic wind.

“I don’t know how you heard about last night, but you don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine.” I made it clear that I had zero interest in extending this conversation.

Darrell leaned forward, gripping his coffee cup. “Being with Caelan is dangerous, Sable. He has too many enemies. Staying by his side will only put you at risk.”

My frown deepened. “Last night wasn’t Caelan’s fault.”

“Wasn’t his fault?” His voice rose slightly. “The whole thing’s already all over the news! And that Blair woman – I heard she threatened suicide to try to stop Caelan from marrying you. Having someone that unstable in Caelan’s inner circle… are you really safe?

Before I could respond, he reached into his leather briefcase and pulled out a manila envelope.

“Sable, I never wanted to show you these…” He hesitated, envelope in hand. But I can’t stand by and watch you get deceived.”

My pulse quickened as he opened the envelope and slid several photographs across the table,

“The least I can do is make sure you know the truth.”

I looked down at the photos, and my pupils contracted instantly.

The first image showed Caelan at an upscale restaurant, sitting across from a stunning blonde woman. She was laughing, leaning toward him with obvious intimacy.

The second photo captured them in a parking garage. The woman’s head rested against Caelan’s chest as his arms encircled her.

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Chapter 99

But the third photograph made my heart skip. From the angle, it looked exactly like they were kissing.

I picked up the photos for a closer look, my heartbeat accelerating.

Who is this woman?

“These were taken last week, Darrell said, pointing at the images. “Sable, do you see clearly? This picture shows them obviously

kissing!”

His voice carried genuine anger. “Caelan is a complete bastard. He’s cheating on you with other women behind your back!”

My mind raced as I studied the images. I remembered Caelan mentioning dinner with some pack members one evening. Could this be what he was referring to? I’d never been the type to demand constant updates on his whereabouts. Trust meant giving each other space, not monitoring every moment.

But looking at this “kiss” photo again… The angle seems deliberately chosen. Almost staged?

“Where did you get these?” I asked, suspicion creeping into my voice.

Seeing my doubt, Darrell pressed harder. “The source doesn’t matter what matters is the truth!”

–

He suddenly reached across the table, trying to grab my hand. I pulled back before he could make contact.

“Sable, give me a chance.” His voice grew more desperate. “Let me pursue you properly. I’ll treat you better than Caelan ever could, a

thousand times better!”

–

He leaned forward eagerly. “I can give you a stable life without danger or enemies! Just tell me what you want I’ll agree to anything as long as you’ll consider me, even just a tiny possibility!”

I pressed back against my chair, putting distance between us. “Darrell, have you lost your mind?”

A laugh escaped me, my eyes filled with contempt. “What about Camila? Weren’t you madly in love with her? Are you planning to two-time again?”

“I’d break up with Camila in a heartbeat!” he said without hesitation. “I’ve only ever loved you. From beginning to end, you’re the only woman I’ve ever truly cared about.”