The Phantom of Alpha's Love

Chapter 4 Deceived Again!

Zoey hesitated at the doorway of the study.

When she received the call about her father's critical illness, her first instinct was doubt. After all, this wasn't the first time her father had deceived her.

However, given her father's history with alcoholism, it might actually be true that he was in trouble due to excessive drinking.

Despite knowing that her father had lied and betrayed her before, he was still her only family in this world.

Finally, she took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and gently knocked on the door.

Owen's voice came from inside, deep and magnetic. "Come in."

She pushed the door open and stepped into the room, filled with a literary atmosphere and a quiet ambiance.

Owen was sitting behind his desk, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, focused on some documents.

When Zoey entered, he just glanced up briefly and then returned to his work.

This was the first time she saw him with glasses.

Dressed in a blue-gray casual outfit, his usual formidable presence was softened, replaced by a scholarly air.

The golden frame perfectly accentuated his deep blue eyes and calm demeanor, giving him a refined and gentle look.

This more approachable side of Owen contrasted sharply with the high-and-mighty Alpha who had purchased her at the auction.

"Mr. Owen, I..." Zoey started, her voice trembling.

"Do you need something, Zoey?"

Zoey took a deep breath and bravely voiced her request, "I... I need to borrow a car. I want to go home and check on my father. He's very ill."

Owen observed her quietly, seemingly weighing her words.

"It's a long way from here to my home, and it would take forever on foot," Zoey added, her fingers clenched nervously.

Owen was silent for a moment. Then, he slowly removed his glasses and stood up.

"I can lend you a car," he said, "and as it happens, I also need to head in that direction. I can give you a ride."

"Really? Thank you so much, Mr. Owen!" Zoey expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

"Let's go." Owen put his glasses aside, regaining his imposing demeanor. He gave Zoey a look and walked towards the door.

Zoey followed him out of the study, through the corridor, and into the garage.

Owen scanned the collection of cars and finally selected a high-performance sedan. He personally opened the car door for Zoey, inviting her to get in.

The atmosphere inside the car was quiet and relaxed. As Zoey sat in the passenger seat and watched the fleeting scenery, she couldn't help but think about her father's illness...

Hours later, the car pulled up in a run-down neighborhood with peeling walls and broken windows, giving off a desolate vibe.

Zoey quickly thanked Owen and hurried out of the car. Standing at her front door, she took a deep breath and pushed it open.

However, when she arrived home breathless, she found her father, Robert, perfectly healthy, lounging on an old sofa. He was intently watching a football game on TV, holding a half bottle of liquor, his face flushed with drunkenness. Obviously, he showed no signs of illness.

She had been deceived again!

A surge of anger welled up inside Zoey, her voice filled with disbelief. "Why did you lie about being sick?"

Robert looked up with bleary eyes, a mocking smile on his lips.

"Look who's back. My dear daughter who snagged a wealthy Alpha."

"You..." Zoey felt a wave of suffocation, filled with disappointment and rage. "What do you mean by that?"

Robert burped, his grin growing more sinister. "Listen, darling, your old man is dying. You must give me some money!"

"Madman! You're insane!" Zoey's voice was sharp and desperate, her tears swirling in her eyes. Her emotions were like a dam bursting, flooding her mind uncontrollably. This wasn't just because of her father's repeated lies. Even after selling her off for profit at the auction, he was still trying to ask her for money. Her voice was thick with sobs. "I'll never trust you again!"

She turned to leave, but Robert moved faster, grabbing Zoey's arm with a contorted look and pretending to be pitiful. "I'm in debt, a lot of debt. If I don't pay them back, they'll kill me! Do you want to see your dad die?!"

"Impossible! I don't have a dime on me!" Zoey struggled, trying to break free from her father's grip.

"I heard about it." Robert's voice carried an unmistakable excitement and greed as he appraised her like a piece of merchandise. "Some rich Alpha bought you for double the price! Look at you, so pretty and charming. You can definitely get that Alpha to pay for you. He would surely agree!"

"No... That will never happen..." Zoey stared back stubbornly.

What would she have become if she had really tricked Owen out of money? Where would her dignity and principles stand?! "Never! Let go of me!" she screamed.

Zoey forcefully shook off her father's hand and turned to flee, but Robert roughly pushed her down.

She lost balance and crashed into a side table. The vase on it also fell and broke into countless shards.

She fell hard to the floor, her arms and shoulders slamming into the hard surface. Then, the shards of porcelain pierced her skin, sending a wave of intense pain through her nerves!