Free Web NovelChapter 70: Chapter 70 Hit
Sylvia’s POV
The party buzzed around me as Lily peppered me with questions, her eyes wide with disbelief. I couldn’t help but smile at her reaction—this revelation was clearly rocking her world.
"Oh my God, Sylvia! I can’t believe you’re actually the heiress!" she gasped, practically bouncing on her heels.
I gently placed my hand on top of her head, feeling protective of her excitement. "It doesn’t change anything between us," I assured her with a soft smile. "No matter my bloodline, we’re all working toward the same goals for the company."
Lily’s eyes sparkled with admiration. "You’re right. And seriously, you look absolutely stunning tonight!"
I was about to respond when a vice-like grip suddenly seized my wrist, yanking me backward. "You manipulative bitch," Zane growled, his face inches from mine. "Enjoying your little victory, aren’t you?"
I met his furious gaze, feeling my wolf rise defensively inside me. "Let. Go. Of. Me. Now." Each word came out as an Alpha command, though I’d suppressed that power for years around him.
"Let go?" He tightened his grip until I winced despite myself. "Not until you explain how you played me all this time."
The pain shot up my arm, but I refused to show weakness. My lips curled into a defiant smile even as my wolf snarled internally.
"Who the hell is this guy?" Lily looked terrified, glancing around for help.
Zane’s eyes were wild with rage and wounded pride. "Did you enjoy making a fool out of me? Was it fun, Sylvia? Making me believe you were some sweet little omega when all along you were—"
"In case you’ve forgotten," I cut him off with an icy laugh, still struggling against his grip, "I’m the guest of honor tonight. And yes, you are a clown—a pathetic, jumping clown. What else can you possibly do to me now?"
"You—"
His hand swung up, alcohol clearly fueling his rage. I braced myself, but the slap never landed on my face. Instead, a sharp crack echoed as another hand intercepted Zane’s, delivering a stinging blow across his own cheek.
In the next instant, I was pulled backward against a solid chest, my hand automatically twining with the one that reached for mine. The familiar scent of pine and winter frost enveloped me—Caesar. My wolf immediately calmed, recognizing safety.
"Is this how the mighty Stoneclaw Pack raises its Alphas?" Caesar’s cool voice carried throughout the now-silent room. "Attacking women in public? How... primitive."
The contempt in his voice was palpable, and I could feel the crowd’s judgment shifting toward Zane, whose cheek now bore an angry red mark.
Zane’s face contorted with rage as he glared at Caesar. "Who the fuck do you think you are, hitting me? Some pretty boy nobody thinking he can interfere between wolves?"
Caesar merely arched an eyebrow, his composure infuriating Zane further. "I wasn’t aware I needed special permission to stop abuse. My calendar must have missed that appointment."
I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped my throat. Caesar’s dry humor was unexpected but perfectly timed.
"You think this is funny?" Zane snarled. "Get on your knees and apologize before I tear you apart!" frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
Something dangerous flashed in Caesar’s eyes. "Apologize? For protecting my mate from an aggressive drunk?" His voice dropped to a silky, lethal tone. "Perhaps the Stoneclaw Pack is in even worse shape than rumors suggest, if its Alpha can’t recognize when he’s outmatched."
"What did you just say?" Zane’s eyes narrowed, searching Caesar’s face for any sign of deception. "Your mate?"
Caesar’s arm tightened protectively around my waist. "Yes. And my wife. Show some respect—we’re legally bound now." His lips curved into a cold smile. "Keep harassing her, and we’ll continue this discussion at the police station."
"Sylvia," Zane turned to me, desperation creeping into his voice. "You left me for this nobody? Do you even know who I am—what my pack can do to you both?"
I felt Caesar tense slightly beside me, but my focus remained on Zane’s accusing finger pointing at us.
"Watch where you point that finger," I said, my voice dropping to the dangerous Alpha tone I’d suppressed for three years. "This was my choice. Stop throwing your pack name around like it gives you the right to control me. Without Stoneclaw, what are you, really?"
"Even without my pack, I’m still more than this... this human you’re clinging to!" Zane’s voice rose, his wounded ego making him reckless. "He’s nothing!"
I leaned closer to Caesar, "Let me make something perfectly clear," I said, each word precise and cutting. "My biggest regret in life was ever being with you."
I felt Caesar stiffen beside me but continued, "Those months wasted on you are the most embarrassing Chapter of my life."
"What are you saying?" Zane’s voice cracked slightly. "You’re just angry. You loved me! You made me soup when I was sick, packed my bags for business trips, stayed up all night when I had fever—"
"Enough!" Caesar’s command silenced the room, his eyes glacial as he stared Zane down. "If you have any shred of dignity left, you wouldn’t parade her kindnesses as evidence of ownership."
Zane’s challenging stare at Caesar was pathetic—like a cub trying to intimidate a full-grown Alpha. I almost pitied him.
When Caesar moved forward, I placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Let me handle this trash myself."
I studied Zane’s face, searching for any trace of the man I once thought I loved. There was nothing familiar there anymore—just a stranger with entitlement issues and alcohol on his breath.
Perhaps I’d been chasing ghosts all along.
Zane’s lips twisted into what he probably thought was a charming smile. "Sylvia, ditch this nobody and I’ll still give you another chance. I know how much you loved—"
The crack of my palm against his face cut off his words. His head snapped to the side from the force of my slap.
He turned back slowly, shock written across his features. "You... you hit me? You actually hit me?"
"I’ve wanted to do that for a very long time," I said, "What’s wrong? Does bringing up the past only feel good when you’re the one doing it?"
