onapter 21: Legal Barners
Chapter 21: Legal Barriers
Chapter 21: Legal Barriers
(Samantha’s POV)
The Silverclaw Law Firm loomed before me, its modern glass facade reflecting the afternoon sun. I adjusted my dark sunglasses, hoping they would conceal my identity well enough. The last thing I needed was someone recognizing the Luna of the Blackwood Pack seeking divorce counsel.
I took a deep breath and pushed through the revolving doors. The receptionist glanced up with a practiced smile.
“I’m here to see Marcus Bennett,” I said quietly.
Her eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Do you have an appointment, Ms…?”
“Reed. Samantha Reed,” I replied, using my maiden name deliberately. “And no, but please tell him it’s urgent.
She made a quick call, then directed me to the elevators. “Fifteenth floor, suite 1502.”
Marcus was waiting when the elevator doors opened. His expression was a mixture of surprise and concern. “Samantha,” he greeted me, extending his hand. “This is… unexpected.”
I removed my sunglasses, meeting his gaze directly. “I need your help, Marcus.”
He led me into his office, closing the door behind us. The space was elegant but understated, much like Marcus himself.
“Please, sit,” he offered, gesturing to a leather chair across from his desk.
I remained standing. “I’ll get straight to the point. I want to divorce Ethan.”
Marcus’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s… quite serious.”
“I’m very serious,” I replied, finally taking a seat. I need someone who understands werewolf mating laws. Someone who won’t be intimidated by the Alpha King.”
A shadow crossed his face, “Samantha, there’s something you should know.”
My stomach tightened. “What is it?”
“Ethan has already contacted every law firm in Ravenwood City,” Marcus said carefully. “He’s made it clear
that anyone who represents you will face severe consequences.”
The revelation hit me like a physical blow. “He what?”
“He’s using his influence to block your legal options,” Marcus explained, his expression grim. “I’m sorry, but I
can’t take your case.”
Anger flared within me, hot and bright. “That’s… that’s manipulation! He can’t do that!”
“He’s the Alpha King,” Marcus replied simply. “He can do almost anything in this territory.”
I stood abruptly, pacing the length of his office. “So I have no options? I’m just trapped?”
Marcus watched me carefully. “I didn’t say that. But you need to be strategic.”
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Chapter 21 Legal Barriers
stopped pacing, turning to face him. “What do you mean?”
“Ethan is acting from fear right now,” he explained. “If you walt, negotiate from a position of strength rathe than emotion, you’ll get better terms.”
My eyes narrowed. “You think I should stay with him? After what he’s done?”
Marcus sighed, leaning back in his chair. “What exactly has he done, Samantha? Besides the surrogate
situation?”
“He’s trying to replace me!” I exclaimed. “With a woman who looks like my younger self!”
“Is that what you believe?” Marcus asked, his tone maddeningly calm. “Or is that what gossip has led you to believe?”
I stared at him incredulously. “Gossip? I saw them together at Golden Sands Cove! He gave her roses, Marcus. Red roses.”
“And that condemns him?” he countered. “Ethan has always been possessive, yes, but his devotion to you has never wavered.”
I laughed bitterly. “You sound just like him. No wonder your relationship with Ruby fell apart.”
The barb hit its mark. Marcus’s expression hardened momentarily before he regained his professional
composure.
“This isn’t about me,” he said evenly. “It’s about ensuring you don’t make a decision you’ll regret.”
I reached into my purse, pulling out a folded document. “I know about the contract, Marcus. The one between Ethan and Rebecca Taylor.”
His eyes widened slightly as I placed it on his desk. “Where did you get this?”
“That doesn’t matter,” I replied coldly. “What matters is that you drafted it. Your signature is right there at the
bottom.”
Marcus stared at the document, then back at me. “Yes, I drafted it. As Ethan’s attorney, that’s my job.”
“So you knew,” I said, my voice breaking slightly. “You knew he was planning this betrayal.”
Marcus stood, coming around the desk to face me directly. “It’s not what you think, Samantha.” “Then what is it?” I demanded.
“Ethan needs an heir, but his heart remains with you,” he explained, his tone sincere despite his professional demeanor. “The contract specifically states Rebecca is only a surrogate, nothing more.”
I shook my head, gathering my purse. “A man who truly loves his wife doesn’t impregnate another woman behind her back.”
“Samantha-”
“No,” I interrupted, moving toward the door. “I don’t want to hear any more excuses. Either help me div him, or I’ll find someone who will.”
Marcus followed me to the door. “What you’re seeking is vengeance, not justice.”
I paused, hand on the doorknob. “Maybe I just want the wrongdoer to be held accountable.
< Chapter 21: Legal Barriers
“And maybe forgiveness would heal you both,” he suggested softly.
I opened the door. “Some betrayals are beyond forgiveness, Marcus. You should know that better than
anyone.”
With that parting shot, I walked out, not looking back.
Behind me, I heard Marcus pick up his phone. “Ethan? She was just here… No, I refused the case… Yes, but you should know that these aggressive tactics might only push her further away…”
I quickened my pace to the elevator, not wanting to hear more.
Back in my car, I felt utterly defeated. Ethan had anticipated my every move, using his power to cut off my escape routes. The realization was both infuriating and terrifying.
My phone chimed with a message. From Ethan: “I won’t let you leave me.
Rage surged through me. I threw my phone against the steering wheel, a wordless cry of frustration escaping my lips.
The phone bounced back, and to my horror, I saw it had sent a garbled message to Hector Grayson: “Hkjdsfnkjsdnf.”
“Great,” I muttered, quickly typing a follow–up: “Sorry about that. Random pocket text. But since I have your attention… do you happen to know any reliable divorce lawyers?”
His response came almost immediately: “I do. Would you like to meet to discuss? I’m at my estate for the remainder of the afternoon.”
The formal tone of his message provided a strange comfort after the emotional confrontation with Marcus. I replied with a simple “On my way” and started the car.
Hector’s estate was located in a quiet, exclusive neighborhood on the outskirts of Ravenwood City. The security guard recognized me immediately and waved me through the ornate iron gates.
I found Hector in the courtyard, enjoying coffee at a small table beneath a flowering tree. His posture was relaxed yet dignified, a book open before him.
As I approached, my heel caught between two stone pavers. I stumbled forward, a small gasp escaping my
lips.
Hector moved with surprising speed, catching me before I could fall. His hands were steady on my arms, his eyes assessing me with concern.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice deep and calming.
I nodded, embarrassed. “Just clumsy.”
He knelt down, gently helping me remove my shoe. His fingers brushed against my ankle as he freed the heel from where it was wedged.
“You shouldn’t wear such high heels,” Hector said quietly.
I felt a strange sensation from his touch–not romantic, but a comforting presence that contrasted sharply with the turmoil Ethan had brought into my life. I wondered if Hector might be the ally I desperately needed in my fight for independence.
