Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 184 Damian wanted to frame me

Victoria’s POV

I knew Patrick Wagner would come back to tell my grandfather everything. That’s why he brought his father—to manipulate the situation in their favor.

I pressed my ear to the closed door, hearing Patrick’s voice drift through. His words were full of lies, weaving a web of deception. My white wolf Nora growled low within me, sensing all the falsehood.

"Damian wanted to frame me, make me take the blame for everything," Patrick’s voice carried from my grandfather’s study. "He’s been trying to kill me all along. That’s why I pretended my legs were injured—so I could stay close to people and he couldn’t make his move."

My claws nearly extended as I dug them into my palms. This wolf’s audacity never ceased to amaze me.

"That car accident was actually Damian’s doing," Patrick continued. "He probably meant to hurt Victoria, but I heroically saved her. Afterward, Damian twisted the facts, forcing me to admit it was my plan or he’d kill me. I had no choice but to agree."

I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly fell out. The stench of his lies was more nauseating than week-old carrion.

"But I couldn’t bear to see Victoria being deceived by him," his voice turned pitifully soft. "That’s why I rushed here—to tell you everything, sir."

Both my wolf and I knew the truth. Damian Sterling had done none of what Patrick claimed. In fact, he’d saved me from Patrick’s schemes.

Heavy sighs and angry scents drifted through the door crack, my grandfather’s displeasure permeating the air. Patrick’s father chimed in, playing the family card, swearing that his son—whom grandfather had "watched grow up"—would never lie.

The family bond between our houses, combined with my grandfather’s blind trust in Patrick’s character, made him believe Patrick’s lies. I could faintly hear the father and son’s smug chuckles.

"I never imagined Damian Sterling could be so manipulative," Patrick’s father said with feigned concern, sighing. "Victoria is still so young, easily deceived. First fooled by one Sterling, now by another..."

My grandfather’s voice carried a vulnerability I rarely heard. "That’s exactly what I’m worried about. I can protect Victoria now, but I don’t know how much longer this old body will hold up. If something happens to me, you must promise to take good care of her."

"Of course," Patrick’s father replied smoothly. "Victoria and Patrick grew up together—childhood sweethearts with natural understanding. Caring for her is our family’s responsibility. William, would you come back to Aspen with me? You haven’t been back in years."

My grandfather had spent most of his life in Aspen before moving closer to me. Even through the door, I could sense his hesitation.

"Perhaps you’re right," he finally said. "I should visit. But I need to tell Victoria first."

Grace and I stood outside, occasionally hearing hearty laughter from within. Grandfather sounded genuinely happy—I hadn’t heard him this joyful in ages.

"Victoria," Grace said softly, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear, "how does Patrick have such influence over your grandfather? You’d think he was the biological grandson, not you."

I shook my head, frustration welling in my chest. "I don’t understand it either. How can grandfather believe Patrick over his own granddaughter?" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

The realization felt like a boulder on my shoulders. "I know grandfather thinks he’s doing what’s best for me, but..."

"This ’doing what’s best for you’ feels more like shackles than protection," Grace finished my thought, her green eyes narrowing.

"Maybe you should talk to grandfather after Patrick leaves," she suggested. "You’re his flesh and blood—he’ll listen to you."

I nodded, my jaw set with determination. "You’re right. I need to have a serious talk with him. Patrick seemed like a decent neighbor before, but now I can’t see his true nature. Grandfather shouldn’t spend so much time with him—it’s warping his perception."

"Absolutely," Grace agreed. "Talk to him after they leave."

Unfortunately, that opportunity never came. We ended up having dinner together, but throughout the meal, Patrick’s father kept my grandfather engaged in endless conversation about various topics. They covered everything, leaving me no chance for private words. Worse still, by dinner’s end, my grandfather announced he was leaving with them.

"Grandfather, where are you going?" I asked, tension rising in my throat.

He smiled gently. "Victoria, I haven’t been to Aspen in a long time. I want to see it again. Going with James means I’ll have company."

"Grandfather, this is so sudden!" I couldn’t hide my surprise and concern.

"It’s a spur-of-the-moment decision," he admitted. "I’ll only be away briefly and will return soon."

Patrick’s father had mentioned many things about Aspen, including stories about my grandmother. My grandfather’s mate had died young, and he’d never remarried. I could sense how much he missed her, wanting to visit her grave, tell her about my current situation, put her mind at ease, let her know I was doing well.

Still, I couldn’t shake my worry. "Grandfather, your health isn’t stable right now. What if something happens while you’re away and I can’t help?"

My wolf whimpered anxiously, worried for the elder who’d raised us.

"Don’t worry, Victoria," he assured me. "My personal doctor will stay by my side. Besides, your cousin Elena is in Aspen. I’ll be fine."

"Grandfather, please wait a little longer," I pleaded. "I can make time to go with you."

Grace supported my argument. "Yes, William. If Victoria goes with you, she’ll worry less."

"I’ve already made arrangements with James," grandfather insisted. "I know you’re busy, and I don’t want to disrupt your schedule. Trust me, I’m only leaving for a few days."

Patrick’s father immediately interjected: "Exactly, Victoria. Don’t you trust me? I’ll take good care of your grandfather. He’ll be fine."

Their minds were made up. Nothing I said would change anything. I could only help pack grandfather’s clothes and drive him to the airport. Before leaving, I called Elena to explain the situation and asked her to keep a close eye on grandfather.

Standing in the departure lounge, I finally found a chance to be alone with him. "Grandfather," I said softly, "please be careful and don’t pay too much attention to Patrick. Don’t trust everything the Wagners say."

Grandfather patted my hand comfortingly. "Don’t worry, Victoria. I’m just going to visit your grandmother’s grave."

I was still uneasy and approached Patrick before they boarded. I stared into his eyes, protective wolf instincts surging. "Patrick Wagner," I said in a low, dangerous voice that only wolves could recognize, "if anything happens to my grandfather—even the slightest accident—I will never forgive you. If he suffers any harm, your entire family will answer to me and Crescent Dawn Pack."

Patrick’s expression turned wounded. "Victoria, what kind of person do you think I am? I haven’t said anything to influence your grandfather. I know you won’t believe me now, but you’re really misunderstanding me. I’ve learned my lesson and won’t make the same mistakes again."

Despite his confident words, his scent betrayed his nervousness.

"Your grandfather is voluntarily returning to Aspen to visit family," he continued. "I didn’t force him to go. Are you going to blame me for that too?"

I watched them board the plane, the bond between my wolf and grandfather growing thin with distance, leaving only my worry and suspicion when they disappeared from sight.