Chapter 9. Mixed Emotions

Adeline’s POV

I saw the instant change and satisfaction in my father’s expression—the way his entire demeanor changed the moment he realized this had been Theodore’s idea all along.

His tension eased, the weight of Iris’s disgrace lifting from his shoulders.

He wasn’t thinking about her, or me, or the truth behind her disappearance.

No, all that mattered to him was saving face, ensuring that our family—the Beta’s family—wasn’t humiliated before the entire pack.

That was just who he was.

Not a bad man, no. But not the best father either.

He hadn’t even stopped to question why Iris had run. He wasn’t concerned with what she wanted, with what that letter she left behind truly meant.

He just wanted her found, dragged back, and forced to stand at that altar beside Theodore.

The truth was that I also never truly understood Iris’s disappearance because from my knowledge, she had always loved Theodore.

So I had no idea what