Chapter 396
Chapter 396
3rd Person’s POV
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“Ezra said Damon still needed time to restock the groceries,” Lylah said softly in the recording. “So I wanted to help p>
It was from the very beginning. The day she and Ezra finalized their mating license. The first day she stepped into that penthouse as his mate.
The footage shifted again.
Scene after scene unfolded beneath the dim ballroom lights. Not grand displays of wealth.
Just life. A warm, intimate life.
The camera-through the eyes of the machine-moved quietly through the penthouse, capturing fragments of ordinary moments that somehow felt unbearably personal.
Their quiet conversations late at night.
Her laughter drifted through rooms wrapped in silver city lights.
The sophistication of the technology was astonishing, but gradually, the audience stopped focusing on that. Because the true thing being displayed before them was not the machine.
It was the life Ezra had built around his mate.
And Rowan felt something savage begin clawing through his chest.
“You may think the communication systems introduced to Lunaris were Ezra’s first invention,” the machine narrated calmly.
A soft mechanical hum echoed through the ballroom. “But they were not p>
The screen flickered gently.
“It was me p>
A stunned silence spread across the hall.
“He created me with his own hands long before the tech world ever learned his name.” The machine paused almost thoughtfully. “And even now, I remain beside them… watching over Ezra and Lylah every day p>
For a moment, the mechanical voice almost sounded human.
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“It’s beautiful p>
Then the screen faded to black.
Silence swallowed the ballroom whole.
And then,
Someone rose to their feet. Then another.
Then dozens more.
Thunderous applause erupted through the grand hall like crashing waves beneath a full moon.
The sound shook the chandeliers overhead.
Several nobles stared openly toward Ezra now, shock and awe written plainly across their faces.
“So while everyone else was merely presenting ideas tonight…” one Alpha murmured in disbelief, “….Alpha Ezra’s invention has already been living among us this entire time p>
“I knew he inherited Moonclaw’s business empire,” another said quietly. “But this…” His voice lowered with genuine respect. “He built all of this himself p>
“He transformed half of Verdanth without ever demanding recognition for it p>
“And we didn’t even realize p>
Praise spread through the ballroom like wildfire.
Ezra remained calm beneath it all.
But Rowan heard every word like silver daggers being driven beneath his skin. His wolf snarled violently inside him, rage and humiliation colliding into something poisonous.
Bullshit.
The word exploded through his mind.
Suddenly, Rowan surged to his feet so violently his chair scraped harshly against the marble floor.
“Bullshit p>
The applause faltered instantly.
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Chapter 396
Every gaze turned toward him.
Rowan’s chest rose sharply, fury barely restrained beneath his skin.
“What was the point of this?” he demanded coldly, staring directly at Ezra. “Showing me footage of his life with Lylah p>
His voice darkened dangerously.
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“You wanted to prove you won? You think showing me a few staged moments will convince me she’s truly happy with you p>
The temperature around him dropped sharply.
Rowan could feel himself losing control if he remained there another second.
So he turned sharply and walked away.
“Rowan!” Cora hurried after him immediately, panic lacing her scent.
Her heels struck rapidly against the marble floor as she rushed toward the exit. But before she could leave the ballroom completely, a hand seized her wrist.
Cora gasped and turned sharply.
“Father p>
Eldric stood there.
His expression was dark enough to freeze blood.
“What the hell happened in there?” Eldric demanded. “Who were they applauding for p>
“I don’t have time for this right now,” Cora snapped anxiously, trying to pull free. “Rowan’s furious because of Lylah’s mate p>
“Lylah?” The name cut through Eldric instantly.
His grip tightened.
Slowly, his gaze shifted back toward the ballroom doors.
The scent of hostility rolled off him like rotting smoke.
“So all that praise was for that stray’s mate? Not yours p>
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Chapter 396
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The Bettaved Princess Rising
Jane is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.