#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 like you’re

indignant and petty.”

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

I growl. “You’ve been throwing shade

has been nothing but polite and courteous, yet you treat

you. Why is that?”

a moment, her eyes darting away from

of this conversation. “Well, can you blame me?”

one is

her know that her half-baked excuses

to make, Gianna. Now, be honest with

on?”

almost hear the cogs in her mind

reveal. Finally, she relents, sighing in a defeated manner. “Alright, fine. I

together with her, okay? Is

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

have against that?”

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

I just think

escapes my lips. “Better? And since when did

concern?”

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

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

livelihood.”

this been going on? How long

the picture? And how many lengths has she attempted to go

be in

voice tinged with both annoyance

discussion. Not by you, not by

and nothing you say or

understand?”

have a handle on the situation, Gianna’s next words hit

a man, you can make your own decisions.

else.”

“What

moments. The silence feels almost

hadn’t. “It’s not just that I think you can do better.

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

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

find myself incredulous and bewildered. “Why am I hearing

never noticed?”

would you? You had everything you wanted. You

grand scheme of things? I was

schedules, meetings, and paperwork. So, I

everything.”

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