All Chapters of Betrayed by The Exchange : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Summer stepped out of her bedroom, adjusting her collar and smoothing down the folds of her dress. She knew exactly where she was going and what to expect—at least, she thought she did. Elara's chamber had always been a place of silent, regimented routines. But after yesterday's unexpected time off, granted by Dominic himself, she wasn't sure what mood she would find Elara in.As she arrived, she took a steadying breath and knocked softly before entering. Elara, who was seated by her vanity, turned her piercing gaze on Summer the moment she stepped inside."Summer," Elara's voice was brisk, a touch sharper than usual. "Why didn't you resume your duties yesterday? I had to handle everything myself."Summer swallowed, maintaining a calm expression. "I apologize, Lady Elara. It was on Dominic's order."Elara raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, her eyes flashing with a hint of annoyance. With a quick roll of her eyes, she muttered something under her breath, then dismissed Summer's explana

Summer stood by Elara's jewelry table, her fingers lingering over the necklaces she'd been sorting. Jessica's threat hung heavy in her mind, gnawing at her sense of security. She couldn't shake the feeling that she'd been targeted, that something far worse than Jessica's petty cruelty was coming her way. As she resumed organizing, her movements were more cautious, as though the shadows around her held secrets she wasn't ready to uncover.She was still lost in thought when Elara returned, her expression severe, a tension rippling off her that Summer couldn't place. Elara's gaze swept over the jewelry, her eyes narrowing as they landed on the empty spot where a necklace should have been."Elara?" Summer ventured, sensing the shift in her mood. "Is everything alright?"Elara's gaze snapped to her, piercing. "I'm not sure," she said slowly, suspicion edging her voice. "One of my necklaces is missing. It was here this morning."Summer froze, her mind racing. Jessica's smirk flashed before

The next day, Elara found herself striding across the compound with a purpose that could not be ignored. Her expression was tense, her jaw set with quiet fury. After the previous night's revelations, she knew exactly what needed to be done.She spotted Jessica near the training grounds, her posture casual yet alert as she chatted with a few pack members. Elara approached, her voice slicing through the air like a blade."Jessica," she called, a steely edge to her tone. Jessica turned, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face as Elara approached."Elara. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Jessica's words dripped with feigned politeness, but her eyes held a spark of defiance.Elara didn't waste time on formalities. "Enough games, Jessica. I know exactly what you've been doing—trying to frame Summer for things you know she didn't do."Jessica's eyes narrowed slightly, though she retained her calm. "Is that so? Funny, coming from you. Last I checked, Summer was the one wrapped up i

The sun was high when Elara entered the grand hall, where the elders were gathering for the much-anticipated meeting. The air was heavy with unspoken tension, and she could feel it prickling against her skin. Every elder present carried secrets, some small and others monumental, but all were hidden under layers of authority and tradition. Jessica was already seated beside her father, Elder Kaleb, who wore an expression as unreadable as stone.Elder Simon gave Elara a small nod as she took her seat. It was a subtle gesture, but it hinted at something deeper, something that would raise questions if anyone else noticed. She forced herself to remain neutral, giving nothing away, even as her heart pounded. She could only hope that their hidden relationship wouldn't surface here.Dominic and Coleman were seated further down, each wearing an air of calm confidence that seemed almost out of place. But only Elara knew what Dominic was truly capable of—and the lengths he would go to keep Summer

The next morning, Summer woke up feeling numb, as though the weight of everything that had transpired the day before had drained all the color from her world. The mansion was eerily quiet, and as she lay in her bed, her thoughts replayed the events over and over again. Gregory and Tesla had left with no word of farewell, their departure felt like the final threads of any semblance of safety in her life had snapped.It was all slipping away from her.She forced herself out of bed and dressed in a simple gown, trying to shake off the lingering tension in her chest. Her stomach was still in knots from the conversation with Dominic, or rather, the way he had shut her out the moment things started to go too far. What had happened between them felt like a cruel joke. She had thought that maybe, just maybe, he was someone who understood her pain, someone who could offer her some peace. But instead, he had pushed her away, leaving her to face the turmoil alone.Her mind wandered back to the m