Chapter 4 It Was His Mother's Last Name

Elara

Werewolf mating registration was way more complicated than human marriage.

We were not just binding our identities. We were connecting bloodlines, inheritance rights, and mate status that the Council could recognize when needed.

Dealing with all this paperwork took us almost half a day.

After Damian and I finished signing, the system quickly created our mating certificate.

I folded the thin paper carefully and put it away, feeling relieved. Then a wave of unreality hit me.

Was I really married?

No proposal. No vows. No moon ceremony. No pack blessings. Just a cold piece of paper and a husband I barely knew.

But this paper could save my life. That was what mattered.

I thought he would at least mention some conditions after we finished the registration. But he didn't.

He just gave me his contact info, told me I could call if I needed anything, then left like nothing happened.

It was too calm. His casual attitude made me nervous.

I started wondering if he already knew who I was. If he understood what this marriage meant to me.

But I had no time to think about it. I had more important things to do.

I immediately called my mother and lawyer.

This time, I didn't argue angrily like before. I didn't try to get her approval.

I simply told her in a calm voice:

"I married Damian Sterling. It's time to return the inheritance rights that father left me."

A long silence came from the other end.

Then Nadia's voice, clearly holding back rage:

"Oh... married so quickly? Fine. However, Elara, about the property matters, we need to confirm some things..."

"Confirm what?" I stayed calm. "Father's will is very clear. If I complete a mating registration before my 23rd birthday, I can get back the property management rights. Now I'm married. According to legal procedure, it should be transferred to me."

"But darling, with the Sterling family's current situation... Damian's position... we need to evaluate whether this marriage has legal validity..."

"Mom," I cut her off, my voice stronger than ever, "don't try to play word games with the will. I hired the best legal team. Every clause has been carefully reviewed. Damian Sterling is a legally recognized adult male. Our mating registration fully meets legal requirements.Most importantly, he was one of your recommended candidates. How come your pure bloodline didn't give you a decent memory?"

"Elara, what kind of attitude is this? I am your mother!"

"Mother?" I laughed coldly. "Would a real mother use her daughter's inheritance as leverage? Would she stand by and watch her daughter get humiliated by her stepsister without lifting a finger?"

"Everything I've done has been for the pack's benefit..."

"For the pack's benefit? Or to make sure Selina can marry into the Blackwood family and secure your position in the Vance pack?" I pushed harder. "My whole life, you've treated me like a pawn, a tool, a doll to control. Now that I'm playing by your rules, you want to change them?"

Nadia's tone got sharp when I hit her weak spot: "Don't forget who raised you! Without the Vance pack, do you think you'd be where you are today?"

"Is that so?" My voice got colder. "Then don't forget that without my father's money, would the Vance pack's business be where it is today? How much profit have you taken from Park Hotel Group all these years?"

"Those were all legitimate investment returns..."

"Legitimate?" I scoffed. "Then me getting back my rightful property management is equally legitimate. Mother, you can't profit from my father's estate while denying his heir control, can you?"

Heavy breathing came from the other end. Clearly Nadia was speechless.

"Since this is how things are," I continued, my tone ice cold, "I hope you'll keep your promise. Tomorrow my lawyers will handle the property transfer procedures. If there's any interference..."

I paused on purpose, letting the threat hang in the air:

"I will sue everyone involved, including you and your husband, and anyone trying to steal my father's estate. Trust me, I have both the ability and the determination."

"You dare threaten me?" Nadia finally dropped her mask. "You'll regret this! You ungrateful..."

I hung up.

Looking at the "Call Ended" on my screen, I suddenly felt incredibly light.

Finally, no more pretending. No more seeking her approval. No more wanting her motherly love. No more compromising myself for that tiny bit of fake warmth.

Next, I did something else important.

I got rid of everything related to Zack.

Messages deleted. Call history erased. His scent in my apartment completely removed. Even the leftover pheromones on the sheets, carpets, and sofa were all replaced.

Just as I finished dealing with everything and was ready to leave my old apartment, a black car stopped downstairs.

An older driver respectfully opened the door for me, bowing as he spoke:

"Mrs. Wolfe."

The driver's way of addressing me made me pause. Wolfe? I remembered Damian's last name should be Sterling.

But then I thought maybe this was a new identity he took after leaving the Sterling family name. Given his position in the Sterling family, getting disowned wouldn't be surprising.

Or maybe it was his mother's last name?

I didn't think much about it. These details weren't important to me anyway.

But Damian Sterling had a terrible reputation. If he weren't the Alpha's son, he would have been banished long ago.

That was why he became the other party in this arranged marriage.

Yet as I slid into the luxurious leather seats, breathing in the scent of expensive cologne and polished wood, how could someone so ignored still have a personal driver and luxury car?