#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?”

“Vigilant? Is that what you call it? It seems more

indignant and petty.”

to cross her face.

it’s accurate,” I growl. “You’ve been throwing

nothing but polite and courteous, yet you treat her like she’s

you. Why is that?”

her eyes darting away from mine as though she’s searching for a

this conversation. “Well, can you blame me?” she finally blurts out. “She must be

No one is that

step closer, my Alpha aura amplifying, letting her

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

on?”

shifts her weight uncomfortably, and I can almost hear the cogs in her mind whirring as

much to reveal. Finally, she relents, sighing in a

getting back together with her, okay? Is that what you want to

admission throws me off guard, and for a moment, I’m speechless. “Why? What could

have against that?”

stance. “Karl, let’s be real. Abby was a

with complications and drama. I just think you can do better.

my lips. “Better? And since when did my personal life

concern?”

almost to a whisper. “Look, I’ve worked closely with you for years, Karl. I

this pack, and by extension, you. She is just a wrench being thrown

livelihood.”

been going on? How

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

Abby can’t be in

in, my voice tinged with both annoyance and incredulity. “My choices, especially about who

debate or discussion. Not by you,

back into my life. She deserves that spot, and

understand?”

just as I think I have a handle on the situation, Gianna’s next words

“You’re a man, you can

else.”

sigh. “What

pauses for a few moments. The silence feels almost

I think you can do better. I…I have feelings for you,

widen, my mouth agape as I process her

looks away momentarily, her face flushed. “Yes. It’s been true for a long time, actually.

myself incredulous and bewildered. “Why am I hearing about

never noticed?”

You had everything you wanted. You

fit into that grand scheme of things?

and paperwork. So, I kept it hidden. My feelings,

everything.”

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