Chapter 736: Trapped by Love

"What? Alpha actually forbade her from the ward again?"

"Why? I'm not leaving! I want to stay!" The bodyguards remained silent.

Inside, Alpha and Nathan sat opposite each other, seemingly in negotiation. Aiden, serving them coffee, carefully attended to his new and old bosses.

"Sir, everything's blocked as ordered. Old Madam's place…"

"Don't worry about Grandma. I've arranged a few days' rest for her. No one can disturb her," Nathan said.

Alpha elegantly sipped his coffee, then looked at the boy. "Nathan, you've made arrangements. You messaged me that Aunt Bounty isn't dead. What does that mean?"

Nathan replied, "Literally, Aunt isn't dead. Grandfather, I need three days. I have to wait for Mummy to return!"

"Was this all prearranged by your mother?"

"Yes."

"Where's your mother?"

Nathan said, "Mummy went to find Rory Louie. She wants to bring him back…"

Alpha threw his teacup onto the coffee table, the crash shattering the tense silence. Aiden rushed to clean the mess, nervously glancing at Nathan.

Rory Louie's name was a taboo, a festering wound in Alpha's heart. Years ago, Alpha had ensured Rory's disappearance from Imperial City, unwilling to ever see him again. Yet, Olive sought to bring him back, defying the world's power brokers—typical Olive.

Seeing Alpha's grim expression, Nathan sighed, "Grandfather, I know you're angry, but be angry with me, not Mummy!" He preemptively defended his mother, fearing her embarrassment upon her return.

Alpha's face was emotionless, cold. "Nathan, women shouldn't be spoiled like this; they'll spoil you."

Nathan tugged at Alpha's slipper. "I can't help it. I'm Augustine. Our men spoil their women. I'm following tradition."

Alpha silently retrieved his slipper, snorting coldly. "I know Rory well. He's weak, irresponsible. He ran away instead of atoning for his past. He wouldn't face his mistakes, so no matter what your mother says, she likely won't bring him back."

Alpha's eyes were sharp. He'd seen through Rory, certain Olive would fail.

Nathan remained unconcerned. "Grandfather, this is Mummy's business. Let's focus on catching a ghost first."

"Catching a ghost?" Alpha's narrowed eyes showed he pondered Nathan's words.

"Little Master, a ghost in the Augustine family?" Aiden asked.

Nathan nodded. "Grandfather, you've been smart, but love blinded you. Have you ever considered being deceived?"

Alpha was silent, then said, "You mean Lily?"

"Yes. Lily conspired with outsiders, changing the Augustine family's fate. A powerful, mysterious force infiltrated our family."

Aiden was shocked. The Augustine family, at the pinnacle of power, faced a dark force. With Alpha's usual vigilance, he should have perceived this. But years of unrequited love, and being trapped by it, had blinded him.

A thought struck Alpha. "Nathan, what do you plan to do?"

Nathan sat upright. "Nothing. Inaction will make them anxious, forcing someone to reveal themselves."

Alpha's expression softened slightly. He leaned back, nodding.

Aiden, relieved the two had reached an understanding, remained wary of this dark force. The Augustine family had changed, with Olive and her children.

Lily was anxious. Two days passed with no action from Alpha. Restricted, she was unaware of Bounty's body. The plan had gone awry. Bounty's death was meant to cause global chaos, but silence reigned. This opportunity couldn't be missed.

On the third day, Lily contacted the mysterious person.