Chapter 23

Did I hear it wrong?

I wasn’t sure if I was hallucinating or if Eleanor was truly apologizing to me.

Wasn’t she supposed to hate me? To be disgusted by me?

But why… why was she suddenly standing by my side?

I stared at Eleanor, my thoughts spinning in confusion. I had prepared myself for hostility, for a scream or a slap, but instead, I was met with something unexpected—a heartfelt apology.

No one had ever apologized to me before.

Rowan always insisted that my pain was my own fault. He’d remind me time and time again that I had chosen to marry him, and it was my weakness that kept me trapped in a failed marriage.

His mother had been no better, constantly manipulating me into believing I was overreacting, making me feel as though my struggles were trivial and unworthy of attention.

But Eleanor… she had done what they never did. She was the first to say the words I had desperately longed to hear. A real, genuine apology.

"I failed to raise one of my daughters and, in doing so, turned her into what I despise most," Eleanor said with a weary sigh. "Someone who stands by the abuser."

I looked down, struggling to find the right words. "I… I don’t know what to say. I thought you’d hate me."

"Hate you?" Eleanor shook her head firmly and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "No, dear. I could never hate you. After all, you’ll soon be my daughter-in-law."

Before I could respond, she reached into her purse and pulled out a sleek tablet. She handed it over to me with a faint smile. "This is my apology gift to you."

I furrowed my brows in confusion as I powered on the device. My jaw dropped as page after page of incriminating information about Rowan’s business appeared on the screen.

"This…" My voice was barely above a whisper. "How did you get all of this?"

"I have my ways," Eleanor replied.

The screen displayed detailed information about Rowan’s business background, the manufacturers he used, where he bought product materials, and information about a product scandal.

Scandal?

I had never heard of his company’s scandal before.

[Toxic Truth: Customers Expose Hidden Dangers in ORÉA Perfumes!]

Some customers shared their experiences using ORÉA perfumes.

"My skin burned after just one spray of their ‘Eternal Rose’ scent," wrote one user.

Another commented, "I trusted ORÉA to be luxury, but they’re using harsh chemicals!"

[Stolen fragrances? ORÉA allegedly copied a small perfumery’s formula!]

A small perfumery, Luxen, had accused ORÉA of stealing their signature scent, Moonlit Reverie.

The indie brand claimed they had pitched the formula to ORÉA two years ago during a collaboration proposal, only to have it rejected and then copied without permission.

"I don’t understand," I said, clearly confused. "With news like this, how is Rowan’s business still thriving? I don’t see any reports about customers boycotting his products."

Eleanor sighed and explained, "If you’re wondering where your money went, here’s your answer. Rowan spent a fortune suppressing bad press about his products. That’s the only reason his company is still standing today."

Zephyr said, "He can suppress the news now because only a few media portals cover it. But if I spread the story to major media outlets, Rowan won’t be able to bury it."

After being in showbiz for many years, I knew better than most how quickly the media could ruin someone’s life.

A single story could tear down even the most carefully constructed reputation in seconds.

If someone like Zephyr played a part in bringing down his company’s reputation, then Rowan wouldn’t stand a chance to fix it.

However, achieving such a result would require a significant investment from Zephyr. It wasn’t a small gamble—it was a calculated risk with a hefty price tag.

Was it worth it for him?

The one who truly stood to benefit from all this was me, not Zephyr.

But did I really deserve it?

"See? We can solve every problem if we work well together." Mona nudged Eleanor playfully on the arm, a smug grin on her face. "I’m proud of you, Eleanor."

Eleanor clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Oh, shut up." She started walking toward the manor, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. "If you have nothing to talk about, I’m going to my room."

"I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in days because some annoying person insists on having conversations all the time."

Mona trailed after her, clearly unbothered. "I never forced you to wake up, though. Just admit it—you like talking to me too."

Eleanor shot her a sharp glance over her shoulder but said nothing, her pace quickening as Mona continued to tease her.

Their voices slowly faded as they walked to the second floor, leaving me alone with Zephyr.

"Zephyr," I called to him. "Do you want something from me?"

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

I took a deep breath before saying, "You’ve done a lot for me, but I’ve never repaid you. That’s why I… I can offer something else."

"What else?"

I lowered my head and bit my lips. "You’re my mate, but we’ve only had sex once. I… I don’t mind to—"

"Stop," Zephyr interrupted firmly, his tone laced with disbelief. He leaned closer, his gray eyes locking onto mine. "Are you saying you want to pay me back by having sex with me?"

My head lowered further as I nodded.

He exhaled deeply, running a hand through his dark hair. "Then I reject your offer."

My head snapped up, my eyes wide with confusion. "What? Why?" Panic surged through me. "Is it because my body can’t satisfy you?"

A bitter thought clawed its way into my mind. Or was it because I wasn’t beautiful enough in his eyes?

I knew it.

I shouldn’t have eaten so many muffins in one day.

"That’s… not the reason, Samantha." He noticed the panic in my expression and softened his tone. "There’s nothing wrong with you."

He reached out, his fingers brushing my cheek in a tender caress. "I just don’t see you as a transaction, or something to be used. And honestly…" He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I don’t think you’re ready."

My breath hitched as his thumb traced soothing circles against my skin.

He continued, "We did it once because it had to be done, but now you have no obligation to satisfy me."

What?

What did he just say?

Was he serious?

What kind of man would refuse a woman’s temptation, especially his mate?

Rowan had always forced me whenever he wanted.

I looked away. "But… I have nothing else to give you. You’ve done so much for me, and I feel so… useless."

"Then don’t think about what you can give me," Zephyr said. "You’re my mate, Samantha. I take care of you because I want to, not because I expect anything in return."