#Chapter 87: Web of Lies
Karl

As I pull Gianna into the dimly lit study, the atmosphere is filled with a tension that’s been brewing for

weeks now, maybe even longer. The door clicks shut behind us, sealing us off from the guests, the

judgment, and the murmurs.

For a moment, we are suspended in a bubble of silence, and I finally address what’s been gnawing at

me.

“A pathetic housemaid?” I ask.

Gianna shoots me a quizzical look, but I can see the gears turning in her head. She’s trying not to

display emotion, which is just a dead giveaway. “A… what?” she asks, taking a step back.

I take another step toward her, closing the gap once again. “Don’t play dumb,” I growl. “Is that really

what you called her?”

“Called who?” Gianna’s voice begins to rise ever so slightly.

“Abby, of course,” I say, folding my arms across my chest.

For a few moments, Gianna is silent. Then, mustering a tense smile, she cocks her head to the side.

“I’m sorry, Karl, but I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

I feel exasperated. Here I am, caught between my so-called ‘loyal’ secretary and the woman who I

want to win back. In the back of my mind, I can feel my wolf, urging me to go with my gut and take

Abby’s side.

“Gianna, what exactly is your issue with Abby?” The question spills out of my mouth before I can stop

it, like a tidal wave of annoyance and anger.

She avoids eye contact, feigning a look of innocence that I know is far from the truth. “Issue? Karl, I

have no idea what you’re talking about. You must be mistaken.”

I lock my gaze onto hers, narrowing my eyes. “Don’t lie, Gianna. It doesn’t suit you. Do you honestly

think I didn’t notice your little performance tonight? Trying to take her seat? Making faces? Refusing to

touch the food?”

She meets my gaze for a moment, her eyes twi nkling with a hint of defiance before looking away. “I

don’t have a ‘problem’ with Abby. I’m simply cautious, that’s all. Isn’t that what you pay me for? To be

vigilant for you?”

across my chest. “Vigilant? Is that what

indignant and petty.”

head, allowing a slight smirk to cross her face. “Indignant is a

growl. “You’ve been throwing shade at

nothing but polite and courteous, yet you treat her like

you. Why is that?”

darting away from mine as though she’s searching

you blame me?” she finally blurts

No one is

amplifying, letting her

“That’s a dangerous assumption to make, Gianna. Now,

on?”

and I can almost hear

she relents, sighing in a

you getting back together with her, okay? Is that

a moment, I’m speechless. “Why? What could

have against that?”

stance. “Karl, let’s be real. Abby was a part of your past.

I just think you can

“Better? And since when

concern?”

“Look, I’ve worked closely with you for years, Karl. I

by extension, you. She is just a wrench

livelihood.”

words throw me off. How long has this been going on? How long had Gianna secretly been

Abby wasn’t in the picture? And how many lengths has she attempted to

be in

both annoyance and

for debate or discussion. Not by you,

into my life. She deserves that spot, and

understand?”

have a handle on the situation, Gianna’s next

huffing. “You’re a man, you can make

else.”

sigh. “What is

moments. The silence feels almost too heavy, but as she utters her

not just that I think you can do better.

agape as I process her revelation. “What? Is

flushed. “Yes. It’s been true for a long time, actually.

incredulous and bewildered. “Why am I hearing about this now? How come

never noticed?”

laughs bitterly. “Why would you? You had everything

grand scheme of things? I

your schedules, meetings, and paperwork. So, I kept it hidden. My feelings,

everything.”

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