Free Web NovelChapter 42: Chapter 42 Warning
Author’s POV
Sylvia noticed the receptionist’s curious gaze and leaned in, her voice low and sharp. "I’m warning you, this is Frostline Enterprises."
She jerked her wrist out of Zane’s grip with a flick of disdain.
"If you’re serious about courting Ms. Frost, maybe don’t humiliate yourself at her company’s front desk."
Then, just to punctuate the insult, she pulled a tissue from her handbag and carefully wiped the spot he touched—like scraping off street filth.
Zane’s chest heaved, seething with silent fury.
But he didn’t dare lash out. Not here. Not with so many eyes watching—and not after Sylvia’s venom-tipped reminder.
"You’ll regret this," he hissed, voice tight with wounded pride. "Once I meet Ms. Frost, she’ll fire your sorry ass."
Sylvia offered a cold smile. "Good luck with that."
She turned and walked away, heels clicking like gunshots across marble.
It took Zane a full minute to gather himself. Just as he was about to storm after her, someone else entered the lobby.
Selene.
She wore a cream-colored knit top tucked into a matching skirt, her waist as narrow as a reed. Hair cascaded in soft waves down her shoulders, her entire aura calm, graceful, expensive.
Zane’s gaze dropped to her wrist—and froze.
That bracelet.
It was a rare Mia exclusive, impossible to buy without connections. No doubt, she had them.
She carried a stainless-steel thermos in one hand. Clearly, she belonged here. Clearly, she had status.
And when the receptionist greeted her with a respectful nod, Zane’s eyes lit up.
This is it.
This has to be her.
He quickly straightened his collar, stepped into her path with what he believed was his most charming smile.
"Excuse me—Ms. Frost, right?"
Selene stopped, one perfectly arched brow lifting slightly. "I’m sorry. Do I know you?"
No denial. Zane’s excitement soared.
She must be playing coy.
"I’m Alpha Zane. Of Thorne Pack," he said, tone dropping half an octave. "I wonder if Ms. Frost has heard of us."
At the name, something flickered in Selene’s gaze. She tilted her head, studying him more closely.
"Alpha Zane," she repeated, her voice slow, amused. "From Thorne Pack?"
Zane practically beamed. "Exactly. So you’ve heard of me."
"Oh," she murmured, lips curving with an unreadable smile. "I’ve definitely heard of you."
If only he knew why.
To Selene, this was too perfect. So this is the man Sylvia wasted three years on? Gods, she really did have bad taste.
Zane, oblivious, puffed up like a peacock. "I was hoping to get to know you. Your reputation precedes you—beauty, brilliance, and grace. I just wanted... to connect."He even tossed her a wink.
Selene barely suppressed a shudder.
"You just want to be friends?" she asked, her tone deceptively light. freewёbnoνel.com
"We can start there," Zane said, leaning in slightly. "But who knows? Maybe something more... meaningful."
Selene’s smile sharpened into something predatory.
Gods, he actually thinks he has a chance.
"Well," she said sweetly, stepping around him. "Explains a lot. I guess poor eyesight really does go hand in hand with poor judgment."
Zane blinked. "Wait—what does that mean?"
But she was already gliding toward the elevators.
Behind him, the receptionist stifled a laugh. Unsuccessfully.
"What’s so funny?" Zane demanded. "What did she mean by that?"
The receptionist blinked innocently. "Oh, I have no idea, sir."
Frustrated and deflated, Zane finally left.
Meanwhile, Selene made her way to the top floor, stopping outside Alpha Astra’s office. At the knock, Astra didn’t look up. "Come in."
When she saw Selene, her usually severe features softened.
"Selene? What brings you here?"
"I thought you could use something warm," Selene said sweetly, lifting the thermos. "I made black chicken soup."
"You didn’t have to," Astra said, though her voice held rare warmth.
Selene smiled, her arm slipping around her mother’s. "You work so hard, Mom. I just want to do what I can to keep you healthy." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
Astra looked pleased. "You’re a thoughtful girl."
Selene served the soup herself, careful, precise. "Try it. I told the chef to simmer it extra long."
Astra took a sip, nodding. "Delicious."
Selene beamed, then paused—like a thought had just occurred to her. "Actually... something happened downstairs. I wasn’t sure if I should mention it."
Astra set her spoon down. "Go on."
"I ran into someone... Zane."
At once, Astra’s expression darkened. The warmth vanished.
"That man again?" she said, her tone glacial. "What was he doing here?"
"I don’t know," Selene murmured, lips pursed in concern. "He kept asking about Ms. Frost. I think... he’s here for Sylvia."
Astra’s jaw clenched.
"He was saying her name so loudly," Selene added, her voice low, hesitant. "I just worry... has Sylvia not let go?"
She looked away like it hurt to say.
Astra’s hands curled into fists.
That relationship had been a stain on Sylvia’s reputation, a mistake that cast shadows across the entire pack. She’d hoped it was over. But now?
She still hasn’t learned?
"Selene," Astra said coldly, "you have a good heart. But leave this matter alone. Sylvia’s an adult. If she wants to make a spectacle of herself again, it’ll be her own doing."
Selene looked down, biting her lip like she wanted to say more—but thought better of it.
"I just want you to be happy, Mom. You work so hard. You shouldn’t have to worry about... that kind of embarrassment."
She reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Astra’s ear.
Astra exhaled heavily, eyes full of fatigue and disappointment. "You’re such a comfort, Selene."
Selene lowered her gaze, lips pressed together in a humble smile.
But inside, her thoughts were ice-edged and victorious.
You might have your fancy title, Sylvia. But mother’s heart? That still belongs to me.
