Free Web NovelChapter 71: Chapter 71 Again
Sylvia’s POV
Zane stood there, completely dumbfounded by my rejection. The pathetic look on his face might have once stirred something in me, but now it only triggered my gag reflex. freewebnoveℓ.com
"No, no, you still love me, don’t you?" he stammered, desperation etched across his features. "Sylvia—I mean, Ms. Frost—what we had for three years was real! You can’t do this to me!"
I stared at his delusional expression, a throbbing headache building behind my temples. My wolf growled in disgust, tired of his inability to accept reality.
Fighting down the nausea rising in my throat, I activated my mindlink to contact Beta James. "Call security. Get him out of here. Now."
I was done wasting breath on explanations. No matter what anyone said, Zane would always live in his own fantasy world where he was the center of the universe.
Caesar stepped closer, his arm sliding protectively around my shoulders. His touch sent a ripple of warmth through my wolf. "Enough of this," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Don’t let this trash upset you. He’s not worth it."
"You’re right," I sighed, leaning into his solid strength.
As security began escorting Zane toward the exit, he continued shouting over their shoulders: "No, Sylvia! I don’t believe this! I know you still have feelings for me!"
His voice echoed throughout the room even as they dragged him toward the door. "You’ll never be happy with that pretty boy! You’ll regret this, I swear it!"
The sound of his voice lingered uncomfortably in my ears, like the stench of something rotten. I frowned, feeling tainted by his very presence.
Caesar’s fingers traced soothing circles on my shoulder. "Don’t let him get to you," he whispered. "Garbage like that isn’t worth your energy."
"You’re right," I replied, forcing myself to smile. Then I turned to address the onlookers with all the poise my Alpha bloodline had instilled in me. "I apologize for the unpleasant interruption, everyone. Family drama is always so awkward in public. Please, don’t let this spoil your evening."
"You handled that perfectly, Ms. Frost," someone called out. "That’s exactly how to deal with men like him!"
The approving murmurs spread through the crowd. My colleagues, seeing this new side of me, whispered among themselves.
"She was way too gentle with Leo back at the office," I overheard one say.
"These toxic men just keep coming after her like mushrooms after rain," another added.
"If I encountered a man like that, I’d have been even harder on him than Ms. Frost was!"
"Life’s difficult enough without garbage men parading through it demanding attention."
No one spoke in Zane’s defense. Everyone knew whose territory this was, and they aligned themselves accordingly—the primal wolf instinct for hierarchy alive and well even in this corporate setting.
As Caesar and I moved among the guests, Selene approached, champagne flute in hand and a saccharine smile plastered across her face. "Congratulations, Sivi," she purred.
"Successfully becoming general manager, and Mother announcing you as her heir." Her eyes glittered with something that wasn’t quite joy. "Soon you’ll be leading us all."
I felt my smile stiffen. Selene tilted her head, holding out her glass expectantly, making it clear she wouldn’t lower it until I reciprocated.
For appearance’s sake, I raised my own glass to touch hers. "Thank you for the well-wishes."
"Who would have thought," Selene continued, her voice honey-sweet but laced with venom, "that Alpha Zane would follow you all the way to Howling Peaks to make a scene." She took a delicate sip. "Perhaps those three years weren’t entirely wasted after all."
I felt Caesar tense beside me, his jaw tightening. I squeezed his hand reassuringly before facing my sister with a serene smile. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
"Instead of concerning yourself with my affairs, perhaps you should focus on your own, Sis." I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "Alpha Zane was clutching your arm earlier. He’s quite the playboy, isn’t he? I’d hate for Alpha Hugo to think you’ve betrayed him."
Selene’s composure cracked, panic flashing in her eyes. "You must be mistaken. I’ve never even met him before."
"For your sake, I hope I am mistaken." I moved closer, whispering directly into her ear, feeling my wolf rise to the surface. "Did you think I don’t know about your little... activities? I see everything you do, every sordid little detail. If you don’t want Mother to hear about them, I suggest you tread very carefully."
I pulled back, my public smile firmly in place again. "We’re family after all. There’s no need to make things unpleasant, especially with so many witnesses. The pack is watching, dear sister."
Selene’s expression transformed instantly, her survival instincts kicking in. "Why so serious? Today’s your celebration!" She raised her glass higher. "Let me toast you and Caesar properly. Let’s all drink together!"
Caesar and I exchanged knowing glances. Her sudden enthusiasm suggested she might have tampered with the drinks. My wolf’s senses heightened, alert for danger.
But we were wrong about her method. A waiter appeared beside us, and Selene quickly took a glass from his tray, then gestured for him to serve us as well.
I cautiously selected a glass, watching carefully as the waiter approached Caesar. Just as Caesar reached for a drink, the waiter "accidentally" stumbled, dumping the entire tray of champagne directly onto my mate’s expensive suit.
The sound of shattering glass punctuated the shocked gasps from nearby guests. I watched champagne soak through Caesar’s white shirt, the calculated "accident" so obvious it was almost laughable.
