CHAPTER EIGHTY - HIDDEN EVIDENCE

Vanessa's eyes flashed with hurt, quickly masked by a coy smile. "Are they? Are you sure about that, Erik?" As she sauntered out of the room, Erik slumped back into his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He knew he should talk to Anna, explain what was happening. But how could he, when he wasn't even sure himself? Meanwhile, Anna was feeling increasingly isolated and neglected. Erik's distance, coupled with the constant whispers and sideways glances from other pack members, was taking its toll. She threw herself into her investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind Vanessa's manipulations and clear her own name. It was during one of her late-night explorations of the mansion that Anna stumbled upon something intriguing. In a seldom-used wing of the house, she noticed a slight irregularity in the wallpaper pattern. Pressing her hand against it, she felt a faint draft. Heart pounding, Anna ran her fingers along the edges of the wallpaper, searching for a