Chapter 141
Her attempt to impersonate Lirian had landed her in legal trouble, and her prior charges for arson ensured she wouldn’t escape unscathed. Investigators uncovered the truth: Linda wasn’t even a student at the University of British Columbia but attended a third–rate institution nearby.
Her entire life had been a lie. When she was finally released from jail, she vanished from the public eye, reduced to working part–time jobs to repay her debts.
Ryan, meanwhile, had taken a darker path. Just as in my previous life, he had turned to the black market, amassing wealth through underhanded means.
Despite his questionable methods, he had managed to climb the ranks within his pack, inching ever closer to the position of Alpha.
But I knew the cost of his ambition, and I had no intention of letting him drag me down with him.
The day of my graduation was nothing short of magical, with the first snow of the season falling
gently, marking the start of a new chapter.
The crisp air and the soft glow of winter made it feel like a moment frozen in time, a perfect blend of accomplishment and new beginnings.
Snow fell in delicate flurries as I stepped out of the airport, the cold air biting at my cheeks.
Two figures waited for me just outside, their silhouettes sharp against the backdrop of swirling
white.
The first time I returned from the University of British Columbia, it wasn’t as a student but as someone hoping to make a business proposal to Zane.
Back then, Zane was distant and skeptical of me, his eyes wary with distrust. I could hardly blame
him–my ideas were ambitious, and I was unproven,
Yet, life has a way of transforming initial resistance into opportunity. Now, not only are Zane and I close friends, but we’ve also signed several lucrative contracts together, pioneering technology that could revolutionize the werewolf community.
This time, coming home felt entirely different. As I steppe
out of the airport with my suitcase in tow, a surge of excitement coursed through me. To my surprise, waiting for me were Ethan and
Ryan.
- A soul Reborn
er ti
The sight of Ethan brought a smile to my face; he hadn’t changed much over the years. His youthful charm and easy confidence were still intact, a far cry from the weary, gray streaked man I remembered from my past life.
Ryan, on the other hand, had visibly polished his appearance. He stood out in his tailored coat, exuding an air of affluence. His efforts were clear–his outfit, his posture, and even the glint of his
watch screamed success.
His body language showed how much black money he was making and how he must have expanded his illegal businesses
If I hadn’t known his character so well, I might have been impressed by the transformation. But for all his external changes, I knew Ryan was still the same man who once took me for granted.
Ryan’s face lit up as soon as he spotted me. With an eager stride, he closed the distance between us and offered. “Sophia, let me take you home.
My car is parked just over there.” He gestured to an Audi parked nearby, clearly a high–end model. His fingers flicked the key fob, and the car’s lights blinked to life.
I stifled a chuckle. Subtlety had never been Ryan’s strength. “Thanks, but I’m good,” I replied smoothly, pulling out my own set of keys. The beep of my Mercedes Big G unlocking drew their
attention.
Ethan smirked, his expression one of quiet triumph. “You’ve really outdone yourself, Sophia,” he
said, his voice light but carrying a hint of pride.
Ryan’s jaw tightened as he took in the sleek lines of my car. I could see the wheels turning in his.
head, his confidence shaken.
“Come on, Ethan,” I said, tossing my suitcase into the trunk. “Let’s head home. By the way, where’s
Lirian? Why didn’t he come?”
Ethan’s smirk widened. “Oh, he’s waiting for you. He said he had a surprise planned.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the thought of whatever Lirian had cooked up.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, I glanced back at Ryan, who still stood rooted in place, his expression unreadable. Without another word, I drove off, leaving him behind in the cold.
Third POV:
Ryan sat in his Audi for a long while after that. His grip on the steering wheel tightened as thoughts churned in his mind. When he finally returned to the apartment he shared with Linda, the
aimed. A Soul Reborn
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Chapter 111
atmosphere felt heavy and strained. Linda greeted him as he walked through the door, a laundry basket balanced on her hip. “You’re back,” she said, her voice light but probing.
Ryan nodded curtly and toed off his shoes by the entrance. He didn’t bother responding, his thoughts still lingering on the airport.
Linda set the basket down and tried again. “I made dinner. Want to eat?” She gestured to the dining table, where she’d laid out an elaborate spread.
Ryan cast a glance at the table but shook his head. “Not hungry. You go ahead.”
His clipped tone stung, but Linda masked her disappointment. She watched him retreat to the bathroom, her brow furrowing. The sound of running water filled the apartment, but it couldn’t drown out the unease growing in her chest.
„The Alpha’s Substitute Linux. A Heart Claimed. A Soul Reborn
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Chapter 12
