Chapter number 79: Hanging on a Crooked Tree
Chapter number 79: Hanging on a Crooked Tree
(Aria’s POV)
Dominic’s lips curled into that confident smile that made his silver–gray eyes gleam. “I started recording the moment I saw her step out of the elevator.”
“That’s brilliant,” I whispered, hope blooming in my chest. “We have her denying knowing James, when we clearly saw them together.”
“Exactly.” Dominic pocketed his phone. “And with the evidence about her pregnancy, we have irrefutable proof
of her affair.“.
I leaned back against the car seat, my mind racing. “We need to show this to James. Make him understand
what kind of person Claire really is.”
Dominic nodded, his expression serious. “Tomorrow. Let’s give him time to cool down first.”
The thought of confronting my brother again made my stomach churn, but I knew it was necessary. I couldn’t
let Claire manipulate him any longer.
The following day, I arrived at Silver Leaf Herbalists earlier than usual, hoping to avoid awkward interactions with colleagues who had likely seen the viral video of my confrontation with Claire.
As I settled at my workstation, arranging my dried herbs and tools, my department manager appeared, her expression unreadable.
“Aria, can I see you in my office?”
My heart sank. This was it–I was probably going to be reprimanded for the protest incident Claire had
instigated.
“Of course,” I replied, following her down the corridor.
Once inside her office, she gestured for me to sit, then surprised me by placing a glossy brochure on the desk
between us.
“Are you familiar with ‘Healers‘ Voice‘?” she asked.
I nodded, momentarily confused. “The herbal remedy showcase show. It’s quite popular.”
“They want you,” she said simply, pushing the brochure toward me.
I blinked, certain I’d misheard. “I’m sorry?”
She leaned forward, suddenly animated. “That video of you and Claire Watson went viral! You’re famous now, Aria. Your social media followers/jumped to three hundred thousand overnight.”
“What?” I gasped, genuinely shocked. I rarely used social media.
“Someone uncovered an old university photo of you looking adoringly at Alexander Reed during a pack function,” she explained. “It revealed your identity as his Luna to those who didn’t already know, and the contrast with Claire’s behavior in the video… well, let’s just say public opinion is firmly on your side.”
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<Chapter number 79.Kang,
I sat there, stunned. “I don’t understand what this has to do with Healers Volde
“They’re planning a special episode featuring promising herbalists,” she said. “Your newfound fame you perfect for the show. It would be incredible exposure for Silver Leaf
My initial excitement dimmed as reality set in. “Who else is invited?”
The manager’s enthusiastic smile faltered slightly. “Several herbalists from around the territory. Including Claire Watson.”
Of course. I wasn’t being invited for my skills, but for the drama. They wanted to exploit the scandal.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said carefully. “Claire and I in the same room, on live television?” “Think about it, Aria,” she urged. “This could launch your career to new heights, Silver Leaf would even give you a bonus for the publicity.”
I ran my fingers along the glossy brochure, tempted despite my reservations. The bonus would be helpful with my growing expenses–preparing for a pup wasn’t cheap.
But the thought of facing Claire in such a public setting, knowing she’d try to provoke me, made me hesitate. “I appreciate the opportunity,” I said finally. “But I need to decline.”
Disappointment flashed across the manager’s face. “Are you sure? This kind of exposure doesn’t come along
often.”
I nodded firmly. “I’m sure. I’d rather be recognized for my herbal skills than for my personal drama.” She sighed but didn’t push further. “Very well. Let me know if you change your mind.”
As I returned to my desk, I noticed the shift in my colleagues‘ behavior. Their whispers ceased abruptly when
I approached. Some averted their eyes, while others stared openly with newfound interest.
They knew now–not just about my connection to Alexander Reed, but about the scandal surrounding our mate bond severance and Claire Watson’s involvement.
I kept my head high and focused on my work, methodically grinding silver moonflower petals for a healing salve. The repetitive motion was soothing, helping me ignore the curious glances.
As lunchtime approached, my mobile phone buzzed with a message from Jason Hart:
“Meet me in the break room? Need to ask you something.”
I hesitated, then replied with a simple “OK.” Jason had always been kind to me, never prying into my personal life despite working closely together.
When I entered the break room, he was alone, nervously fiddling with a cup of herbal tea.
“Hey,” I said, causing him to look up with a start.
“Aria! Thanks for coming.” He gestured to the chair across from him. “I, uh, wanted to ask you something. It’s personal, though. Feel free to tell me it’s none of my business.”
I sat down cautiously. “What is it?”
Jason took a deep breath. “Is it true? About your mate bond severance with Alexander Reed?”
The directness of his question surprised me. I expected office gossip, not a straight inquiry.
< Chapter number 79 Hang
“I’m sorry,” he added hastily, seeing my expression. “It’s just… there are all these rumors, and I wanted to hear
from you directly.”
I appreciated his honesty, at least. “Yes, it’s true. We’re in the process of severing our mate bond.”
His face lit up. “That’s great!”
The enthusiasm in his voice caught me off guard.
Jason immediately blushed. “I mean, not great that your mate bond is ending, but great that… well. He trailed off, clearly embarrassed.
“Great that I’m getting a fresh start?” I suggested, taking pity on him.
He nodded gratefully. “Exactly. Everyone deserves happiness.”
His sincerity touched something in me. “I agree. Sometimes it’s better to move forward than to cling to something that’s dying.”
“Like hanging on a crooked tree,” Jason said softly.
The phrase made me smile. “Exactly like that.”
Our eyes met, and for a moment, a strange understanding passed between us. Then the break room door opened as other colleagues entered, breaking the moment.
“I should get back to work,” I said, standing up.
Jason nodded. “Me too. Thanks for trusting me with the truth, Aria.”
As I gathered my belongings to head out for lunch alone, my phone rang. Dominic’s name flashed on the
screen.
“Hello?” I answered, walking toward the lobby.
“Hungry?” Dominic’s deep voice sent an unexpected shiver through me. “I thought we could have lunch together.”
My wolf stirred happily within me at the suggestion. “I’d like that.”
“I’m outside your building,” he said. “Just pulling up now.”
The thought of not eating alone lifted my spirits immediately. As I approached the exit, Jason fell into step beside me.
“Heading out for lunch?” he asked cheerfully.
“Yes,” I replied, unable to dampen his enthusiasm with a brush–off. “Are you?”
He nodded, launching into a discussion about a new herbal compound he was developing. The conversation carried us through the lobby and out the main doors.
There, parked directly in front, was Dominic’s luxury SUV. He stepped out, his powerful frame commanding immediate attention. In his tailored suit, he looked every bit the powerful Alpha that he was.
Our eyes met, and something warm flickered in his silver–gray gaze.
Then his eyes shifted to Jason, and the temperature seemed to drop several degrees. The two men exchanged a look, and I watched as Jason’s earlier cheerful demeanor vanished.
Chapter 80 A fenre hits.
Chapter 80: A Tense Encounter and Shocking Revelation
