#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?”

arms fold across my chest. “Vigilant? Is that what you call it? It seems more like

indignant and petty.”

slight smirk to

throwing shade

nothing but polite and courteous, yet you treat her like

you. Why is that?”

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

can you blame me?” she

No one is

step closer, my Alpha aura amplifying, letting her know that

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

on?”

can almost

she relents, sighing

with her, okay? Is

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

have against that?”

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

I just think you can do better.

lips. “Better? And since when did my

concern?”

voice lowers, almost to a whisper. “Look, I’ve worked closely

extension, you. She is just a wrench

livelihood.”

been going on? How long had Gianna

lengths has she attempted to go

can’t be

with both annoyance

or discussion. Not by you, not by anyone. I

that spot, and

understand?”

I have a handle on the situation, Gianna’s next words hit me like a tidal

“You’re a man, you can make your

else.”

“What is

for a few moments. The silence feels

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

agape as I process

her face flushed. “Yes. It’s been

find myself incredulous and bewildered. “Why am I hearing

never noticed?”

everything you wanted. You had Abby, you had

Where did I fit into that grand scheme of things? I was just your secretary,

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

everything.”

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