Free Web NovelChapter 19: Chapter 19 Jealous
Chloe was seething with rage.
She had expected Sylvia to be struggling after leaving Frostline Enterprises, perhaps even desperate. Instead, the woman had appeared at this exclusive gathering radiating confidence and sophistication that drew admiring glances from across the room. It made her blood boil.
Her manicured nails dug painfully into her palm as she clutched her champagne flute, the crystal nearly cracking under her grip.
"She must have found herself some wealthy benefactor," Chloe muttered acidly, her voice dripping with disdain and poorly concealed jealousy. "That’s the only explanation for her presence here." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
Alpha Zane’s lips curled into a contemptuous sneer. "Her? What does she have besides a pretty face? She’s nothing but a high-class escort—a plaything passed around by powerful men." His wolf growled possessively despite his harsh words. "Anyone with half a brain can see through her act."
"Exactly," Chloe agreed eagerly, pressing herself against his arm. "I wonder what tricks she pulled to infiltrate an event like this. She doesn’t belong here."
The jealousy in Chloe’s eyes was almost palpable as she watched Sylvia from across the room.
She had been so certain that Sylvia would crumble after leaving Frostline Enterprises, that she would witness her rival’s downfall. Instead, the woman had emerged like a phoenix, more radiant and confident than ever. freёwebnovel.com
Something had to be done. Chloe needed to put this female back in her place—beneath her.
Meanwhile, Sylvia remained utterly indifferent to their venomous whispers. She moved through the gala with natural grace, engaging effortlessly with other guests as if born to navigate these elite social waters. Her every gesture exuded elegance and self-assurance that seemed to come from deep within.
Her purpose tonight was crystal clear—securing connections for Vertex’s newest project. As for Zane and Chloe? They were merely insignificant figures from a Chapter of her life she’d already closed.
Unable to contain her burning jealousy any longer, Chloe grabbed a fresh glass of champagne and sauntered toward Sylvia. Her hips swayed dramatically with each step, high heels clicking against the marble floor as she approached with a saccharine smile plastered across her face.
"Well, well, if it isn’t Ms. Sylvia," Chloe purred, her voice honey-sweet but eyes cold as winter frost. "It’s been ages. How have you been managing lately?"
Sylvia’s lips curved into a subtle smile, her eyes reflecting an icy calm that matched her surname. "Better than ever, thanks to you," she replied, the underlying meaning clear to both women.
"I heard you’re no longer with Frostline Enterprises?" Chloe deliberately raised her voice, drawing attention from nearby guests.
"What happened? Got fired and ended up working for the hotel catering service?" Her tone dripped with mockery. "You must be... struggling financially."
She paused deliberately, her gaze traveling dismissively over Sylvia’s gown and accessories.
"This outfit of yours is quite... distinctive. Not a knockoff, is it?"
Sylvia’s soft laugh never reached her eyes, which remained cold and sharp. Like ice crystals beginning to thaw in winter—deceptively soft yet dangerously cutting.
"I can’t afford fakes, Ms. Vale," she replied smoothly. "But speaking of which, that diamond necklace of yours—dull fire, rough cut—looks remarkably familiar. Isn’t it identical to that $9.99 special I saw online last month?"
With deliberate casualness, she reached out and lightly flicked Chloe’s necklace with one finger, her eyes sparkling with mischief and something more dangerous.
"I must admire your unique talent, Ms. Vale. It takes special skill to wear a fake with such... conviction."
Several nearby guests stifled laughter, and Chloe’s face instantly flushed a deep, mottled red.
Her hand flew protectively to the necklace as her eyes darted nervously. She couldn’t formulate a response—the necklace was indeed a high-quality counterfeit she’d purchased on a budget, believing no one would notice. Somehow Sylvia had identified it with a single glance.
Seeing Chloe’s distress, Zane’s expression darkened dangerously. His wolf surged forward as he stepped protectively in front of his mate, shielding her from further embarrassment.
"Watch your tone, Sylvia," he growled, his Alpha aura beginning to pulse outward. "Who do you think you are to critique Chloe? You’re nothing compared to her."
Sylvia merely arched an elegant eyebrow, completely unfazed by his display of dominance. If anything, she seemed almost amused as she studied him, her eyes filled with unmistakable derision.
"Zane," she said with exaggerated sweetness, "I see you’ve fully embraced your role as the devoted protector. How charming."
"You—!" Zane’s anger flared, his wolf pushing against his control.
"Sylvia, you were nothing but a common employee. How dare you behave so arrogantly at an event like this?"
"Common employee?" Sylvia let out a soft laugh, her eyes gleaming with undisguised contempt. "Does Alpha Zane misunderstand the meaning of ’employee’? Even if I were merely serving plates, I’d still be a hundred times better than certain silver-spoon heirs who only know how to squander their pack’s legacy."
Zane’s face turned ashen, his finger trembling as he pointed at Sylvia. "You... you... insolent!" His wolf snarled beneath his skin. Never in his life had anyone dared to humiliate him this way.
"I’m insolent?" Sylvia stood her ground, taking a step forward, her gaze as sharp as a blade. The dormant Alpha in her blood refused to back down, meeting his challenge head-on.
"Who was it that swore to love me forever, then immediately ran into another’s arms the moment she appeared? Who compiled that ridiculous breakup list just to be rid of me? Tell me, Zane, who’s truly the insolent one here?"
The guests around them began to whisper, all eyes turning toward the confrontation. The air became thick with tension as their wolves sensed the power struggle between two Alphas—one acknowledged, one hidden.
Zane’s face burned as if he’d been slapped repeatedly. Rage and embarrassment battled within him, yet he found himself unable to counter her words. The Moon Goddess herself would know he was in the wrong.
"Sylvia, stop acting so high and mighty!" Chloe’s voice rose to a shrill pitch. "You think latching onto some wealthy man makes you something special? Let me tell you, men always tire of their toys. He’ll discard you soon enough!"
Sylvia’s gaze fell on Chloe, filled with something dangerously close to pity.
"Ms. Vale, perhaps you should focus on your own affairs. Wear too many counterfeits, and one day the deception will be obvious to everyone. Just like your true nature."
Chloe trembled with fury but dared not speak further. The truth of Sylvia’s words stung too deeply.
She clutched Zane’s arm desperately, as though it were a lifeline in stormy waters. Her wolf whined, sensing a stronger presence.
Zane took a deep breath, struggling to contain the fury burning within him. "Don’t get too comfortable, Sylvia. You think cozying up to a few powerful men will secure your position in this circle? Let me tell you, the Vertex project isn’t something you can just take because you want it."
Sylvia met his gaze unflinchingly, her eyes filled with challenge. The bond they once shared was completely severed, leaving only the chill of winter between them.
"I suggest Alpha Zane mind his own business. You might find yourself losing more than just a contract if you’re not careful."
Zane shook with barely contained rage, yet found himself powerless against her. The mating bond that once would have given him leverage over her emotions was long broken, shattered by his own actions.
With a final glare, he grabbed Chloe’s hand and stormed away, their retreat reeking of defeat.
Sylvia watched them leave, a cold smile playing at her lips. Her wolf rumbled with satisfaction deep within her chest. She turned gracefully, resuming her conversations with other guests as if the confrontation had never happened.
The night breeze swept across the terrace as Zane’s chest heaved violently, like an enraged bull. "That bitch! How dare she humiliate me in front of everyone! Who does she think she is?!" His Alpha voice nearly broke through, the command vibrating in his throat.
Chloe nestled against him, tears streaming down her face like a delicate flower battered by storm. "Zane, please don’t be angry. It’s all my fault—I shouldn’t have worn that fake necklace just to save money and make you look good..." Her voice was barely audible between sobs.
"Sweetheart, this has nothing to do with you. It’s all Sylvia’s fault! She deliberately provoked us because she can’t stand seeing you happy!"
Alpha Zane held Chloe tighter, his voice thick with disgust. His wolf’s hackles raised at the mere thought of Sylvia.
"She’s just showing off because she’s found some powerful patron. What’s so impressive about that? Sooner or later, I’ll make her kneel before me and beg!"
Chloe buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt, but they couldn’t mask the vicious gleam that flashed in her eyes.
Just wait, Sylvia. I will never let this go. I’ll make you suffer a hundred times what I felt tonight!
Chloe looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, her voice soft and soothing. "Zane, don’t be rash. She’s not worth your anger. We can simply avoid her from now on."
"Avoid her? Impossible!" Zane let out a cold laugh, his canines slightly elongating with his anger.
"She humiliated me so thoroughly—did you think I would simply let this go? I’ll make her understand the consequences of crossing an Alpha like me!"
