Abandoned Luna: Now Untouchable-Chapter 353 A Family’s Web

Author ’s pov

A few minutes later, Martha asked Jessica to grab something from upstairs.

The moment she was out of sight, Martha stood, her movements calm and deliberate, and walked toward the side hallway.

"We need to talk," she said, her tone flat, almost tired.

Liora followed, heels clicking softly against the floor.

"About what ?" she asked, trying to sound casual, but her throat had gone dry. Her brain was already flipping through every possible reason.

"Those young people who just left," Martha said."You knew them. Or at least one of them. So tell me—how ?"

They stepped into a private sitting room filled with old family photos and polished wood furniture.

Martha sat down in a high-backed chair like she ran the place. And honestly, she did. She stared straight at Liora.

Realizing she couldn’t dodge it, Liora gave in.

"Do you remember that meditation retreat in Denver ? The one where you and the Elder Luna Black arranged for me to ‘bump into’ the Black family ?"

She gave a tight smile. "Maggie showed up. She wrecked everything. We embarrassed ourselves, wasted all your planning. I told you about it, and you said to let it go."

"I haven’t lost my memory, Liora." Martha’s voice was dry as dust. "What does that have to do with now ?"

Liora sat up straighter. "That girl, Cecilia, was there. She came with the Black family. And she looked way too close to Alpha Sebastian."

She waited for Martha to react. Nothing. Not even a blink.

Martha had already suspected as much during lunch. There weren’t many people Cassian cared that deeply about.

"Mother..." Liora hesitated. "You said you wanted Jessica to marry into the Black family. But now that girl’s in the picture, what are we supposed to do ?"

Martha’s expression darkened.

"Do ? What would you have me do ?"

Her tone was sharp enough to cut steel.

"If Alpha Sebastian has found someone, are you suggesting we try to break them up ? That’s not who we are."

Liora’s voice rose, frustration cracking through. "Why should she get him ? How is she better than Jessica ? If I were Luna Regina, I’d never approve of a girl like her!"

Martha’s eyes narrowed. "Listen to yourself."

She leaned forward slightly. "They’re two adults. They’re not mated, not bonded, not married. There’s nothing immoral going on. Your jealousy is showing, and it’s beneath you."

Liora flushed, but she didn’t back down.

"Jessica is your granddaughter. Don’t you want her to be with someone who actually deserves her ? You’ve said Alpha Sebastian is exceptional. Can’t you help her, just this once ?"

Martha’s face stayed composed.

"You still don’t get it."

"Yes, I like him. He’s powerful, disciplined, and from a strong bloodline. If I could make it happen, I would. But the man has made his choice. Do you really want Jessica to be the second option ? The girl he settled for ?"

Her voice lowered.

"Even if Jessica did come between them, what kind of mate would that make him ? A man who walks away from the one he chose, just because it’s easier ? Or because someone pushed him ? Would you really want Jessica with someone like that ?"

Liora didn’t speak. But her clenched jaw said she wasn’t convinced.

In her mind, if they stepped back now, the Black family might still reject that girl. And some other family’s daughter would step in instead.

"I’ll handle Jessica’s future," Martha said, her tone final. "There are other suitable matches. We don’t have to cling to the Black family like they’re our only shot."

Liora didn’t move, but her face said everything.

So Martha dropped the final piece.

"That girl is already carrying his child. Whether she joins the Black pack or not, the bloodline is sealed. If you keep pushing this, all you’ll do is make Jessica a stepmother to the next Alpha’s heir. That’s a mess we don’t need."

Liora’s eyes widened. This time, the shock was real.

--

Liora and Jessica didn’t head home until after dinner.

The Locke family compound sat tucked inside one of the most exclusive neighborhoods near downtown.

The property stretched across several acres, with luxury homes spaced far enough apart to feel like private kingdoms.

Some houses were tucked behind old trees and winding driveways, almost hidden from the road.

Others stood right up front, surrounded by neat hedges and glowing in the last bit of sunlight.

A few looked more like castles than homes, sitting at the end of long stone paths.

In the fading light, they almost felt... haunted.

Each of Martha Locke’s children and grandchildren had their own house on the land.

They didn’t visit each other unless there was a reason.

Back when Martha lived in the main house, she insisted on family dinners twice a week. No one dared say no.

But that was before. Martha was gone now. She had moved off the estate.

Now ? Weeks could go by without a single message.

Even if everyone was home, they stayed in their own space and kept to themselves.

Their car rolled down a tree-lined lane and stopped outside a mansion built in dramatic Baroque style.

The second they stepped inside, they heard laughter echoing from the living room.

Inside, they found Maggie lounging on the couch with a teacup in hand, mid-conversation with Jessica’s father. She looked completely at ease, like she owned the place.

"Maggie," Liora said, doing her best to keep her voice level, even as her mood tanked.

"Aunt Maggie," Jessica said, polite and polished.

"Jessica, look at you," Maggie said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "More stunning every time I see you."

Jessica didn’t miss a beat. "You’re too kind. You haven’t aged a day."

Maggie let out a soft, knowing laugh. "Still the diplomat, aren’t you ? No wonder your grandmother spoils you rotten. That silver tongue of yours could charm the wings off a butterfly."

She stood slowly, smoothing her skirt. "Liora, care for a walk ? We should go over the plans for Mother’s birthday party."

"Of course," Liora replied, though she didn’t sound thrilled.

They strolled toward the garden, stopping near the marble fountain.

Once they were out of earshot, Maggie asked, her tone light, though her eyes said otherwise, "I heard you dropped by Martha this afternoon."

"Yes," Liora said. "It’s been a while. With Jessica back, we thought it was a good time to visit."

"Hmm." Maggie’s smile stayed, but something behind it flickered. "Did you meet anyone... interesting ?"

The way she said it sent a chill down Liora’s spine.

There was nothing casual about that question.