#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?”

Is that what you call it? It seems more like you’re

indignant and petty.”

smirk to cross her face. “Indignant is

throwing

has been nothing but polite and courteous, yet you

you. Why is that?”

a moment, her eyes darting away from mine as though she’s

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

No one

her know that her half-baked excuses won’t

Gianna.

on?”

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

she relents, sighing

back together with her, okay? Is

and for a moment,

have against that?”

her arms, matching my stance. “Karl, let’s be

and drama. I just think you can do better.

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

concern?”

I’ve worked closely with you for

wellbeing of this pack, and by extension, you. She is just a

livelihood.”

throw me off. How long has this been going on? How

lengths has

Abby can’t be

tinged with both annoyance

not up for debate or discussion. Not by you, not

deserves that spot, and nothing you say or do will

understand?”

on the situation, Gianna’s next

a man, you can make your

else.”

“What

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

just that I think you can do better. I…I

mouth agape as I process her revelation. “What? Is that

“Yes. It’s been true for a

find myself incredulous and bewildered. “Why am I hearing about

never noticed?”

bitterly. “Why would you? You had everything you wanted. You had Abby, you

into that grand scheme of things? I was just

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

everything.”

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