[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-my-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her":3,"chapter-my-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her-my-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her-chapter-352":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","My Sister Stole My Mate, And I Let Her",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},764426,1010,"Chapter 352 INFORMATION IS CURRENCY","my-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her-chapter-352",352,"\u003Cp>SERAPHINA’S POV\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid’s message arrived at 7:12 a.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My phone buzzed on the nightstand, the faint sound swallowed by the steady rhythm of Kieran’s breathing beside me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lay still, half tangled in cool sheets and Kieran’s warmth, watching pale gold sunlight seep through the curtains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room smelled like us. Like heat and sweat and something deeper that had nothing to do with pheromones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran’s arm was draped heavily across my waist, his palm resting possessively against my hip as though even in sleep he feared losing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marks he’d left along my throat and collarbone throbbed faintly—tender reminders of the one line we had not crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body ached in that delicious, thoroughly claimed way that proved last night was no hallucination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phone buzzed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran stirred slightly, his fingers tightening unconsciously against my skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I exhaled carefully and reached for the device, angling my body so the screen’s glow wouldn’t fall across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid Volker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened the message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Good morning, Seraphina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope today finds you well after last evening’s excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you are available, I would value the opportunity to speak with you in a more private setting. The brunch terrace at the Elysian hotel is discreet enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten o’clock?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid V.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My gaze drifted back to Kieran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint crease marked the space between his brows, as though tension never fully released him even in sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark lashes rested against his cheek. His collarbone and shoulders bore the imprint of my fingers where I had clutched him too hard and scratched him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last thing I wanted to do was get out of bed, and even less did I want to see Astrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the...excitement of last night, it was evident that we needed to step up our game if we wanted to protect our interests and outmaneuver potential threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether Astrid was an adversary or an ally remained to be seen, and this meeting was a good way to see that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran shifted again, his nose brushing absently against my shoulder as though scenting reassurance even in sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a long moment, I did not move. I let myself memorize the weight of his arm, the warmth of his chest at my back, the faint rasp of his breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The urge to burrow closer was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But strategy did not allow indulgence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at my clutch by the door, knowing the perfume bottle was inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I typed carefully with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Ten works. I’ll see you there.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brunch terrace overlooked Los Angeles, the city soft in the late-morning haze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an orchestration of white linens, polished silverware, and discreetly positioned bodyguards posing as businessmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I picked a central table—neither too exposed nor too private. A server poured sparkling water as I sat, back straight, ankles crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent of espresso drifted through the air. Conversations murmured around me, utensils tapped porcelain, and beneath it all, the subtle hum of pack politics vibrated like a second pulse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid arrived precisely at ten, her steps unhurried and confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore ivory silk and gold jewelry that gleamed without ostentation. The seven gemstone rings adorned her fingers, moonstone dominant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes swept over me as if taking inventory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she was close, her nose twitched; amusement flickered across her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My, my,” she said as she took the seat opposite mine. “I did not think you would use my gift so quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pursed my lips and said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She signaled a server with a lift of her fingers before her gaze returned to me. She leaned back, studying me intently. “You’re not embarrassed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About perfume?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About the reason you require it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implication hung between us, undeniable. So much for controlling the tone of the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her laugh was low and satisfied. “Well, I’m pleased to know that my product is effective. Masking powerful pheromones like Alpha Blackthorne’s is no small feat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My face did not so much as twitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lifted my glass. “Surely you didn’t call me here to discuss the effectiveness of your product. I would assume you tested it before it hit the market.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes warmed. “Talking to you truly is a delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned forward, folding her hands atop the table, gemstone rings catching the light. “And seeing you last night only solidified my determination to collaborate with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I arched a brow. “I thought I was an investment. Now it’s a collaboration you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A server arrived with a tall glass of mimosa. Astrid waited until he retreated before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did some digging,” she said as I reached for my drink. “Eleven years ago, there was a scandal in this hotel. A narrative constructed with surgical precision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My fingers stilled against the stem of my glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid watched for a reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave her none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were shunned by two packs,” she continued, pity slipping into her voice. “Publicly humiliated. More or less exiled. The story was simple: opportunistic sister seduces her sibling’s intended mate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memory throbbed like a wound reopening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cleared my throat, forcing my voice to steady. “You didn’t invite me to brunch to recite my own history.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Astrid agreed. “I invited you because I possess something of interest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From her structured leather bag, she withdrew a slim metallic USB drive and placed it on the table between us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stories that clean rarely are. I think it’s time the world knew what really happened that night, don’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the USB but did not touch it. Honestly, I didn’t think I was capable of moving without trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To be candid, I have to point out that it isn’t direct proof,” she continued. “That has already been purchased.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My gaze lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Purchased by who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile curved her lips. “By protocol, I cannot disclose that. And I believe it is better if you do not know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My stomach tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better for who?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tapped the USB. “Don’t worry. This is enough to prove you were the victim that night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My throat felt dry. I would have taken a sip of my water if I could fucking move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid held my gaze steadily. “What do you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re offering this, why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes gleamed. “Because it’s easier to trust people who are in my debt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is the price?” I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips curved again, pleased at the absence of guessing games. “A few weeks ago, I was to receive a shipment of Moonstones. Uncut. High-grade. Bound for refinement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And they were hijacked,” she said. “Intercepted mid-transport by individuals with capabilities that exceeded standard rogue interference. I suspect psychic involvement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched my teeth. “And why do you think I’ll be of any help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile sharpened. “Oh, come on, Sera. Let’s skip the part where we pretend your abilities are a secret. I do not chase what I haven’t studied.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air between us shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to give it to Astrid, her position as president was well earned. The woman knew how to go for what she wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want me to locate them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear you can do wonderful things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And if I refuse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile did not falter as she tapped a finger on the USB and moved it an inch closer to her. “Then we simply enjoyed a pleasant brunch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes narrowed. “You’re withholding something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I am,” she replied with a light shrug. “Information is currency.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why me?” I asked. “I’m sure you have a myriad of resources at your disposal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do,” she agreed. “But none like you. And as you said, I test all my products before endorsing them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence settled between us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around us, the terrace continued in curated normalcy. Glasses clinked. Laughter drifted. The city shimmered beyond the railing, unaware of the converging forces beneath its glitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked down at the USB drive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eleven years of quiet suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My parents’ rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan’s disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kieran’s coldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celeste’s accusations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this proves veritable...” I began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then you will consider assisting me,” Astrid finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Consider,” I emphasized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She inclined her head. “I would expect nothing less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You understand,” I continued, voice even, “that if this connects to something larger—if your moonstones are fueling harm beyond financial loss—I will prioritize that over your shipment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes did not waver. “As you should.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Astrid,” I said, voice dropping low, “if this is manipulation...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is,” she replied calmly. “All negotiation is. But it is not deceit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I held her gaze for a long moment. I knew there was a lot she was hiding, but that was expected from someone of her caliber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I still sensed no malice from her, just that slight undertone of greed—again, not surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I finally reached forward and picked up the USB. It was deceptively light for something that was supposed to hold so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will review this today,” I said. “You will have my answer after.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded. “Fair enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood smoothly, adjusting the fall of her silk sleeve. “And Seraphina.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile softened. “The perfume suits you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned, and walked away without haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remained seated for a while after she left, my reflection faint in the glass railing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned the tiny device in my hands, the gravity of what it carried almost too much to bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I think it’s time the world knew what really happened that night, don’t you?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched my fist around it. Yes, I think it was about fucking time.\u003C\u002Fp>",1591,"2026-06-03T02:27:49.405Z",1,"novelbin.me","3270b9d4aa6eafe955803a71ff449615204809e241c940b9fb21baa31cc96a7f","my-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her-chapter-353","my-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her-chapter-351",488,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmy-sister-stole-my-mate-and-i-let-her-cover.jpg"]