Free Web NovelChapter 169: Chapter 169 When the World Turns Ugly
Sylvia’s POV
As morning light filtered through the penthouse windows, Caesar and I exchanged knowing smiles, both clearly remembering our passionate night together.
"This is totally your fault," I teased, stretching my limbs languidly beneath the sheets. "We’re sleeping in like teenagers."
Caesar took my hand, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. "I can’t help myself," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. "You’re simply too irresistible."
With those perfect features and that voice like velvet, he was absolutely lethal.?My inner wolf practically purred?at the attention from such a powerful mate.
"Quit sweet-talking me," I said, pretending to reach for something else, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck.
I grabbed my phone to check the latest online reactions to our announcement.?What had started as casual scrolling turned into complete shock?as my eyes widened at what appeared on the screen. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
"What’s wrong?" Caesar asked,?his body instinctively shifting closer, the warmth of him radiating against my back. "Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?"
Still stunned, I handed him my phone.
"Those comments from yesterday have done a complete 180," I whispered.
The screen was flooded with vicious new comments, drastically different from what we’d seen last night:
"I’ve seen this Sylvia Frost in person, and she’s absolutely gorgeous.?Who is this random guy anyway?"
"Right? A beautiful woman like her, and?this nobody gets to have her? Talk about winning the lottery."
"I bet he’s just a gold digger. Why else would he suddenly appear now?"
"Look at him—classic pretty boy face. Way too perfect. Definitely screams user."
"Pretty boys like him are all the same—just hunting for a sugar mama."
Each comment hit me like a physical blow, my hands trembling as I scrolled.?By the end, I was too furious to even check who was spreading these toxic lies?about Caesar.
Caesar’s expression melted with concern?as he watched my reaction. He pulled me against his chest, his arms creating a protective circle around me.
"Hey,?it’s okay," he soothed, his lips brushing my temple. "I told you?I couldn’t care less?what they say about me, and you shouldn’t either." His scent enveloped me,?slowly calming my agitated wolf. "All that matters is our life together."
Logically, I knew he was right. But I couldn’t stop the rage building inside me?at the cruel comments. I studied Caesar’s seemingly unbothered expression and pressed my lips together, saying nothing.
If our roles were reversed, I’d be losing my mind too.?His calm demeanor was probably just to spare me additional worry.?I made excuses for him in my head, but I couldn’t just brush this off.
This entire shitstorm had started because of me—the scandal with Hugo had drawn attention to us, and now Caesar was?getting dragged through the mud?because of my problems.?My mate was paying the price for my baggage.
Guilt crashed over me like a tidal wave.?This incredible man had been nothing but supportive, and?I’d pushed him away over and over again. If I’d recognized his devotion sooner, perhaps we could have avoided this entire situation.
My gaze softened as I looked at Caesar, my voice gentler than usual when I spoke.?The subtle shift didn’t escape his notice.
"Sivi," he said, using my nickname?with such tenderness that my wolf melted. "I really am fine. Don’t let these trolls get under your skin.?If you get upset,?aren’t they basically winning?"
He maintained a casual tone, but?I could feel his worry through our mate bond. "I can handle anything as long as you’re happy.?Don’t waste energy on online garbage.?We’ll handle everything else together, one step at a time."
"Alright, I get it," I nodded,?putting on a show of accepting his advice.
But internally, I had zero intention of letting this slide.?I couldn’t allow things to continue this way—it wasn’t fair to either of us, especially Caesar.?He’d been sucked into my drama, and the guilt weighed heavily on me.
At Frostline Enterprises later that day,?I was completely scattered. When my assistant came to report on our daily operations, I was distant,?my mind stuck on replay?from the morning’s events.
"Miss Frost, are you okay??You seem really out of it," my assistant finally asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Oh,?I’m fine," I replied,?forcing myself to snap back to reality, my expression clearing as I met his gaze. "Are we all caught up?with your report?"
My assistant visibly relaxed, apparently reassured by my return to form. "Yes, everything’s been covered.?We’re clicking really well?with the new director, Mr. Lande."
I nodded. "Good. If he?tries to pull any BS, inform me immediately."
"Of course, Miss Frost." With that, he exited my office.
As the door closed, Caesar’s face invaded my thoughts again.?Since seeing those hateful comments,?a fierce protective instinct had awakened in me.
He was the most powerful Wolf King. Even hidden, any werewolf who met him in person would recognize his nobility. Just because he was my mate and hadn’t revealed his pack affiliation, did he have to endure these accusations and lies? ƒгeewebnovёl.com
He didn’t deserve this backlash. These insults were connected to me, which made the guilt even more crushing.
I sighed deeply, resolving to be better to him going forward.
[We need to protect our mate.]?My wolf rarely communicated with me directly, but after bonding with our destined mate, she’d begun trying to open the connection between us.
[Absolutely. After I wrap up this LC Company partnership, I’m going to show him just how much his support means to me.]I responded.
As for LC Company,?my eyes went cold?as I considered the situation with Lande.?If they tried to pull any stunts, I wouldn’t hesitate to stand my ground.?John had been an excellent teacher in that regard.
Speaking of John, I felt a sudden unease. News of my partnership with Lande had certainly?made the rounds?through industry circles by now. Given John’s temperament, I’d expected an immediate,?explosive response—perhaps even a confrontation.
So why the radio silence??The realization that something wasn’t right?sent ice through my veins.
Had something happened to John? Or had he actually thrown in the towel?
