Chapter 21

Ella

The room fell silent as Alexander’s words washed over us.

It wasn’t Liam who had leaked the information. But if it wasn’t him, then who could it be? No one Alexander, Gabriel, and now Liam.

else should have known about the contract, just mysel

“Did you leave a copy of the contract

(sitting

out

on

your desk?” I asked. “Maybe a servant saw

it?”

Alexander’s jaw clenched. “No, I’m permission, and I hold the only key.”

y careful with my personal information. No one from the household staff is allowed in this room without explicit

Suddenly, Liam straightened. “I might know who was involved.”

All eyes turned to him. Liam’s gaze shifted uncomfortably between Alexander and me before he finally sighed.

“The night of the bonfire… I went for a walk in the forest to clear my head. Sophia followed me.”

Alexander’s shoulders stiffened at the mention of Sophia’s name.

“She approached me and suggested we work together to break up your marriage,” Liam went on. “She knew about the contract. It was Sophia who gave me the idea to confront you about it.”

My blood ran cold. Sophia knew? How long had she known? I thought back to all the times she had looked down on me and treated me like a servant in my own home. It was no wonder when all the while, she’d known my marriage was nothing but a business arrangement.

“You told her?” I breathed, turning toward Alexander.

But he shook his head vehemently. “No. Never.”

I folded my arms. “Then she must have broken into your office. How else would she know that information?”

Alexander’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “She would never do something like that.”

Gabriel cleared his throat. “You do frequently have tea in your office with Lady Sophia,” he said quietly. “It’s possible you left something out and she saw it.”

Alexander didn’t answer that. I shook my head and looked away. Of course it would be Sophia. Of course she would be the one to reveal everything. She had never been happy about my marriage to Alexander.

“And I think she’s behind more than just the leak,” Liam added quietly. “The rogue attack at the bonfire didn’t seem to be a coincidence. The rogue seemed to hone in on Ella’s scent right away.”

“She’s always hated me,” I muttered. “Always wanted me gone. Maybe she even lured that rogue-”

“Now hold on,” Alexander interjected, raising a hand, “We can’t just assume Sophia is behind all of this without evidence. This is a serious accusation.”

I couldn’t help but scoff. Even now, after everything, he was still defending her.

“She pushed me out of a hayloft,” I reminded him. “Or have you conveniently forgotten that already?”

still don’t know for

Alexander, whose expression was unreadable. “And she probably sent that rogue after me at the bonfire! She’s trying to get rid of me, Alexander. Whether she kills me or breaks up our marriage, it doesn’t matter. She just

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Chapter 21

said calmly, coolly, as if we were discussing nothin, imen. This unlikely that she would do something like this. She’s not malicious.

again. After five years, nothing had changed. She would always to first in

respect,” Liam bit out, “she’s not as innocent

“You’ve known her

to have

to work with

between the two Alphas seemed to crackle like the moment before lightning strikes. Clearly, neither was willing

I may,” he said, “this speculation isn’t helping us right now. The media is only going to get

a deep breath, composing himself. “You’re right,” he agreed, running a hand through his hair and causing a few

47

a press conference,” Gabriel said. “You should make a statement before the rumors get out of hand. Be forthright about the arrangement–but frame it properly so it doesn’t continue

that could work.” He glanced at me. “Of course, you’ll need to

feeling the warmth suddenly drain from my face. “Me?

you,” he replied curtly, already picking up his phone. “This involves both of us. The

weakly. “I wouldn’t know what to say or how to

be fine. Just follow my lead

Gabriel left to make the arrangements before

lead,” I whispered, sinking down into a nearby chair. “As if it’s

hours later, I found myself standing in the foyer of the house, the pack PR stylist carefully primping my curled hair. They had chosen a no–nonsense look for me that was also attractive and feminine enough to feel approachable: a crisp white button–down tucked into a pencil skirt, low pumps, a sleek yet bouncy updo with

And the pearls felt like they were choking

Liam as the stylist hurried away to tend to Alexander, who was standing on the other side of the room surrounded by a small entourage

thought I was

my arm, but seemed to think better of it

to the Board so well before–you’re a

yes. But I’ve never done a press conference before.” Even now, I could hear the sound of reporters and journalists gathering outside. The conference hadn’t even

head. “Never? But you’re a Luna. Surely you and Alexander have done one

Chapter 21

the perfect, obedient little Luna, I

I shot another glance at Alexander, who was now whispering to Gabriel in

suit with his

model.

what hurt even more was that he hadn’t even looked in my direction since our discussion earlier, and I knew I would

Liam suggested, “I can help you

in ten minutes and

was more of a grimace than anything. “You said you wanted to know what went on at the camp I attended–so

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Chapter 22

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Ella

fell silent as Alexander’s

leaked the information. But if it wasn’t him, then who could it be?

known about the contract; just

you leave a copy of the contract sitting out on

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