Chapter80
I took a few bites, smirking inwardly.
Was William trying to “bribe” Alpha Gideon with his assistant?
What a sleazy, outdated move.
He didn’t know Alpha Gideon had no interest in she-wolves.
A few young wolves might’ve worked better.
Imagining Alpha Gideon picking out fresh-faced wolves made me snicker.
“Vivian, what’s so funny?”
Alpha Gideon’s low, teasing voice cut through.
I stifled my grin, looking up.
“Nothing.”
Alpha Gideon sighed, plopping a fatty piece of meat on my plate.
“Eat more. Your brain needs the fuel.”
I froze, shocked. Does he know what I’m thinking?
As I stared at him, half-panicked, Alpha Adrian and Damien returned.
Damien had calmed Alpha Adrian down, but the moment Alpha Adrian saw me gazing at Alpha Gideon, he
snapped again.
He stormed over, planting himself between us, blocking our view.
His eyes burned into me, like he’d devour me.
I braced myself, thinking he’d lose it.
I half-lifted off my seat, an escape route mapped out in my mind.
Then Alpha Adrian spun, facing Alpha Gideon.
My heart raced.
He’s not going to fight, is he?
The room tensed, everyone on edge.
Alpha Gideon leaned back, poised and elegant.
“What’s up, Alpha Adrian?
Alpha Adrian kept his head down, silent.
His hand slowly rose.
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“Alpha Adrian, don’t do something stupid!
I blurted out, reaching to grab him.
If he threw a punch, word would spread through the pack that Alpha Gideon got beat up because of me. I’d be
the talk of Hartley, torn apart behind my back.
Alpha Adrian’s hand froze midair.
He turned to look at me, his eyes drowning in hurt.
“So now you only care about him, huh? Not me? You heartless she-wolf!”
My mind raced: Alpha Adrian, we broke the bond.
It’s been one day, and you already forgot? Are you losing it or what?
Alpha Adrian let out a bitter, self-deprecating chuckle.
I flashed a fake smile.
“Oh, poor you, so wronged.”
We locked eyes, a silent exchange.
One was trying to play the victim.
The other had forged a heart of steel.
Alpha Adrian turned his head back.
In the tense atmosphere, with everyone ready to jump in and stop him, his hand landed on the table.
He spun the lazy Susan, grabbed a bottle of whiskey, and picked up a glass.
Alpha Gideon’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Alpha Gideon, I didn’t show enough sincerity earlier. I’ll punish myself with three drinks.”
Alpha Adrian poured a shot, tilted his head back, and downed it in one go.
Then a second glass. A third.
The crowd was stunned.
They’d thought Alpha Adrian was about to throw hands with Alpha Gideon.
Instead, he was… apologizing?
Among the young wolves of Cloud Pack, Alpha Adrian was known for his pride.
If this wasn’t about business, he’d probably have yanked Alpha Gideon by the collar the moment he showed
up with me and started a brawl.
His steps were steady-not a hint of drunkenness.
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< Chapter80
Damien was speechless.
So the guy was just putting on a pathetic act the whole time.
I was hiding in the bathroom.
I’d bolted because I knew I couldn’t stay-who knew what kind of stunt that crazy wolf would pull next if I did?
By leaving, I took away his target.
Hopefully, he’d cool off.
I just prayed Alpha Gideon wouldn’t get hurt by that lunatic.
I was genuinely worried.
After a moment, I stepped out of the bathroom and peeked around the corner by the sink.
Just then, I caught sight of Alpha Adrian and Damien approaching with their crew.
I ducked back inside.
The hallway was long.
Their footsteps grew closer.
Suddenly, a phone rang, followed by Damien’s anxious voice.
Less than ten seconds later, another phone went off-this time, it was Alpha Adrian’s voice.
Their voices tangled, loud and chaotic.
From their tone, something big and urgent had come up. I couldn’t make out the details.
Once I was sure they were gone, I slipped back into the private room.
The dinner was over.
As we got up to leave, William apologized profusely.
“Next Wednesday, the first phase of the resort pack gets its final check. Your father and I are both high on this project. If you can make time, come check it out with us.”
Alpha Gideon nodded.
“I’m aware. I’ve already cleared my schedule.”
William clapped him on the chest, pleased.
“Good. We’ll see you there.”
Alpha Gideon gave a polite goodbye, then left with me and Elliot.
Julian stayed behind, still talking with William.
Outside, Alpha Gideon shrugged off his jacket and handed it to Elliot. “Toss it.”
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<Chapter80
Elliot nodded. “Got it.”
The three of us headed to the car and drove back
In the backseat, my mind wandered to what I’d overheard in the hallway.
What was going on with Alpha Adrian and Damien?
The only things tying them together were the joint project and Vanessa.
What new stunt was that she-wolf pulling now?
Couldn’t they just lock her up in a cage already?
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Cassie had said that with the current evidence, the kidnapping charge would only stick as an accomplice, but
intentional harm and attempted murder were solid enough to nail her.
Add up the charges, and even with the Quinn pack’s brain trust pulling strings, Vanessa was looking at least fifteen years.
Yet somehow, that she-wolf didn’t want to spend a single day behind bars.
First, she’d waved around a healer’s note claiming severe mental illness.
Now, she was faking seizures in public.
Who knew who they’d bribed this time?
Was it really impossible for regular wolves to take down the elite?
So unfair.
