Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother

Lilith’s POV

Brett left.

I pushed open the door and stepped back into the hospital room, my heart heavy with everything that had just transpired between Brett and me.

"Mommy, what happened to your hand?" Clara asked immediately, her sharp eyes catching the dried blood on my knuckles and the small puncture wound from the IV needle.

She grabbed my hand with her tiny fingers and blew on it gently. "Shh-shh, Clara will make Mommy’s owie better."

I pulled my hand back, not wanting her to worry. "Mommy’s fine, sweetheart. I just caught the same cold and fever you have. It’s cold season, and everyone’s getting sick these days!"

Clara looked at me suspiciously. "Mommy’s been sick for a long time now. Why aren’t you better yet?"

I stroked her soft hair. "I’ll be better soon, don’t worry."

That evening around six, I carried Clara on my back as I stepped into the hallway to make a phone call to Susan.

After exchanging pleasantries and hearing her concerns about Clara’s condition, I got straight to the point. "Susan, there’s something important I need to ask of you."

"Of course, anything I can help with. What is it, Mrs. Hartwell?"

My throat tightened as I forced the words out. "I... I’ve been diagnosed with terminal illness. The doctors say I don’t have much time left..."

There was a stunned silence on the other end. "Mrs. Hartwell... how is this possible? You’re so young."

I pushed aside her sympathy. My life was now measured in days, not years.

"Susan, Clara was born while I was in prison. Brett,her father and I had a terrible misunderstanding back then." I swallowed hard. "He still refuses to acknowledge her as his daughter."

"I have no choice now. After I’m gone, Clara will..." My voice cracked, and I paused, feeling Thea’s comforting presence within me.

"Please don’t contact Clara’s father while I’m still alive. If I find a suitable adoptive family for her, I’ll let you know."

The weight of my next request nearly crushed me. "But if I can’t... if there comes a day when I don’t show up, and you can’t reach me anymore, please call Brett Lancaster. His contact information is in Clara’s emergency form."

"Mrs. Hartwell, you’re still young. There must be treatment options, some way to—"

"I know my condition," I cut her off gently but firmly.

Over the next few days, Clara continued receiving treatment in the VIP children’s ward.

Because Brett had upgraded Clara to a VIP ward, she received excellent treatment.

I wanted to return the medical expenses to Brett, but since he surely wouldn’t want to see me again, I decided to contact his beta, Cassian.

After picking up my phone, I hesitated before dialing Cassian’s number.

"Lilith? What’s wrong?" Cassian’s voice was gentle as always.

"I want to repay Brett for Clara’s medical expenses," I got straight to the point. "Even though he upgraded her to a VIP ward, I can’t accept his charity in good conscience."

"If Clara is indeedAlpha Brett’s daughter, this is what he should do."

"No," my tone was firm. "Even if she is, we don’t need his money. I’ve raised Clara alone for these five years, and that’s how it will continue."

There was silence on the other end before Cassian sighed: "Alright, I understand. Let’s meet at the café below the Aurora BioSciences building."

I arrived at the café early that afternoon.

"Sorry, we’re fully booked inside," the server said politely.

I glanced inside, clearly seeing one or two empty tables. "Is the indoor seating really unavailable?"

"I apologize, but we only have four-person tables left inside, and all two-person tables are reserved," the server gestured toward the outdoor seating area. "The outdoor area has a lovely view, and the weather is quite nice today."

I was somewhat annoyed by the café’s arrogant attitude, but didn’t want to argue over such a small matter. Besides, the outdoor area did offer fresh air and a more open view.

The classical building next to the café was under renovation, its entire façade covered with scaffolding and protective netting.

The building’s elegant Gothic architecture reminded me of the many photos I’d taken here. I heard the renovation would only take a month to complete.

Cassian arrived about ten minutes late.

"Sorry, had an unexpected company meeting," he sat down and asked with concern, "How is Clara doing?"

"Much better," I handed over the envelope containing cash. "Thanks to the VIP ward treatment."

"How is Sabrina?" I couldn’t help asking.

"She’s doing well." Cassian’s expression softened as he took the envelope. "She worries about you, especially since hearing about your illness. It hit her hard." He hesitated for a moment. "She knows how independent you are. She’s afraid reaching out might feel like pity to you."

Warmth spread through my chest. That was so typically Sabrina, always considering others’ feelings with such care.

"I understand," I said softly. "Your help already means more than I can say."

"Lilith," Cassian’s voice was gentle. "You know you can always come to us if you need anything. As for Brett..." He sighed. "Try not to let his attitude get to you."

I lowered my eyes, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. How could I not care about Brett’s attitude? Five years ago, regardless of the truth, he refused to believe me. Now he won’t even acknowledge Clara as his child.

Cassian picked up on my distress. He was about to say something when his eyes caught the construction nearby. "The renovation work is coming along nicely. Should be finished soon..."

A sharp metallic snap suddenly rang out from above.

Cassian’s werewolf instincts reacted instantly,his pupils contracting to pinpoints at the sound. In the next second, I felt a strong grip around my waist as he pulled me into his arms. His body was like steel, firmly shielding me against his chest.

Almost simultaneously, a heavy metal pipe crashed down where we had been sitting. The glass table shattered, sending shards flying everywhere. Cassian’s arms tightened further, completely isolating me from danger.

Screams erupted as the crowd scattered in panic.

"Lilith, are you alright?" Cassian loosened his grip, anxiously checking me for injuries.

"These damn safety measures," Cassian frowned, his tone severe. "Nothing like this has ever happened near the Aurora building."

I was still shaken, my legs weak. If not for Cassian’s quick reaction, that metal pipe would have hit me directly. In my current physical condition, it likely would have been fatal.

"I... I’m fine," I struggled to steady my breathing. "Thank you, Cassian."

"Don’t worry, it’s over now. Let me take you home." He supported me while scanning the surroundings vigilantly.

Looking at the cleanly severed metal pipe on the ground, an uneasy feeling crept over me.