Free Web NovelChapter 270: Chapter 270 Truth Comes Knocking
Christina’s POV
I rubbed my ear, collapsed into the nearest chair, and prepared myself for the verbal lashing I knew was coming.
Ysolde didn’t hold back.
"You ran off to Paris days after accepting Hudson’s proposal. You’ve barely done anything for the wedding. Then you spotted some woman in red and immediately jumped to the conclusion that Hudson must be cheating. You didn’t even confront him! It’s like you’ve been waiting for something to go wrong, and she gave you the perfect excuse. Whether anything’s happening or not doesn’t matter to you. You just want out, and now you think you’ve found a reason."
I made a few sounds to prove I was still listening. If I didn’t, Ysolde might actually call Emmett to arrange transport and fly to Paris just to yell at me face-to-face.
But honestly, she wasn’t saying anything I hadn’t already realized. Just things I’d buried under layers of denial and self-protection.
She’d lose it if I told her my full plan: relocating my studio to Paris permanently, which would only confirm her theory that I’d been mentally checking out long before Red Dress appeared.
I put her on speaker and let the lecture wash over me. fгeewebnovёl.com
By the time she paused for breath, I’d finished my coffee, brushed my teeth, checked emails, changed into pajamas, and crawled into the hotel bed.
"You’re not planning to break up with him over the phone, are you?" Her tone turned dangerous.
I was considering it. "No."
"Liar."
"Fine, you caught me."
"I feel sorry for Alpha Hudson, I really do. Poor guy."
"I thought you were my friend. Aren’t pack sisters supposed to take each other’s side?"
"I’m on the side of what’s right, and you’re completely wrong here, Christina Pearl Vance."
Goosebumps prickled my arms. She only called me "Christina Pearl Vance" when she was absolutely furious.
"You supported me when I left Niall," I said like a child.
"Because he was a walking red flag who slapped you! What has Hudson done? You’re rejecting your mate because you think, and I emphasize ’think,’ he might have feelings for another she-wolf. You’ve got zero proof."
"There’s the photo," I argued.
"Of a hug. Not a kiss. Not groping in public. That wouldn’t stand up in any pack council." frёewebnoѵēl.com
"I’m not taking him to council."
"Don’t change the subject, Christina Pearl Vance. You’re a coward about commitment. Always have been. Niall hurt you once, and now you’re convinced no Alpha could truly want you as Luna. You were fine with the fake engagement. Even fine when it became real dating. But the second he gives you his mating mark, you panic and run."
"Thanks for the therapy session," I muttered, massaging my temples. "Now that you’ve analyzed me, got any actual advice?"
"Nope. This is your mess to fix. Reject him, stay with him, hire a dozen unmated males to distract you, or get Finn to investigate him. Your call. But it needs to be YOUR decision."
"Thanks. Super helpful, as always."
"I am helping. I know you better than any wolf in our territory, and I know when you’re about to destroy your own happiness because you’re scared it might actually last. If you love Hudson, talk to him. Ask about Red Dress, tell him what’s bothering you, and maybe act like you care about your own wedding. And if you don’t..."
"What if I don’t?" I clutched the pillow tighter.
"Then you need to tell him. Be honest. Return the ring, complete the rejection, and move on."
"Easier said than done," I mumbled.
"You asked for advice, I gave it. Now you’re pouting." I could practically hear her teeth click in irritation. "Honestly, if you weren’t my friend, I would have kicked your ass by now."
"Thanks, Ysolde. I’ll think about it."
"You’d better. I’ve already ordered my bridesmaid dress, and you’re paying the deposit."
I hung up, tossed my phone onto the nightstand, and growled into the pillow.
"She’s right, you know," Akira commented dryly.
"Not you too," I groaned.
When the phone rang again, I assumed it was Ysolde for round two.
But the number was unknown.
I ignored it.
It rang again.
I ignored it again. Probably some persistent telemarketer.
But it kept ringing.
"What?" I snapped. If Paris telemarketers were this aggressive, I’d ask Hudson to blacklist the entire country.
"Madame Christina Vance?" The man’s French accent was thick, though he spoke English.
I didn’t confirm. "Who’s asking?"
"This is Inspector Alexandre Silva, from the Financial Crimes Unit. I’d like to speak with you regarding Valmont & Cie, specifically Monsieur Fabrizio Marchetti."
I sat up straight. "You’re police?"
"Yes." He provided his credentials in detail. "You’re welcome to verify through official channels."
"I will," I said, though I was starting to believe him. "What’s this about?"
"I’d prefer to discuss it in person. And I must ask that you not tell Monsieur Marchetti about our conversation."
"You’re investigating him? For what?"
"I’d rather not discuss specifics over an open line."
"Well, if you expect me to meet, I need to know if I’m a witness or a suspect. I have rights even outside my country."
A pause. Then. "I can meet you at the café across from your hotel. Public location. Thirty minutes?"
I checked the time. 8:45 p.m.
"It’s getting late."
"I understand. I apologize for the hour." His tone turned slightly sharp. "But you and Monsieur Marchetti are rarely separated, dining together daily. It’s been hard to find a time when you’re alone."
I didn’t like his tone, but what bothered me more was the suggestion. They’d been watching us. Or more specifically, watching Fabrizio.
With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I got dressed, slipped my silver-laced pepper spray into my bag, and headed downstairs.
Le Cygne Noir, the café across the street, was well lit, with a few people still lingering over coffee and desserts.
A man in a brown jacket sat at a corner table, watching the door. Light brown hair, dark eyes, brown shoes. He might have been attractive if he hadn’t dressed like fall colors exploded on him.
He stood as I approached.
"Madame Vance, thank you for coming."
I ignored his extended hand.
"Skip the pleasantries. What do you want?"
