#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?”

my chest. “Vigilant? Is that what you call

indignant and petty.”

her head, allowing a slight smirk to cross

“You’ve been throwing shade at Abby

why. Abby has been nothing but polite

you. Why is that?”

away from mine as though

“Well, can you blame me?” she finally blurts

No one is that

letting her know that her

assumption to make, Gianna. Now, be honest with

on?”

almost hear the cogs in her mind

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

together with her, okay? Is that what you

off guard, and for a moment, I’m

have against that?”

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

complications and drama. I just think you

And since when

concern?”

whisper. “Look, I’ve worked closely with

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

livelihood.”

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

many lengths has she attempted to go to in order

be

my voice tinged with both annoyance and incredulity.

discussion.

my life. She deserves that spot, and nothing you say or do will change

understand?”

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

man, you can make your own decisions. But

else.”

“What is

feels almost too

not just that I think you can do better. I…I have feelings for

mouth agape as I process her revelation. “What?

It’s

am I

never noticed?”

You had everything you wanted. You had Abby, you

that grand scheme of things? I

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

everything.”

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