Semua Bab Once Betrayed Now Untouchable : Bab 11 - Bab 20

Karina POV As I left the office and started down the hall, my colleagues crept out, their faces edged with sympathy. Even without pack bonds, these people, these humans, had become my family. Sophia, the team lead for Group Three, slipped past me into the office. A moment later, she returned carrying the box where Lyla had dumped my belongings, having carefully retrieved and cleaned everything from the trash. "Karina, let me help you with this," she offered, her eyes full of genuine concern. Looking at her, a warmth spread through my chest, and my eyes began to sting. This was, without a doubt, the darkest chapter of my life. My mating bond was shattering, and my career had been stolen. But I wasn't completely alone. "Thank you," I said, my smile genuine as I reached out and squeezed her arm. The entire Project Department escorted me to the elevator, with Sophia carrying my box all th

Karina's POV I kept my distance, my heart hammering as I followed Adrian. He finally stopped beside a tall oak tree and answered his phone, tossing a single dismissive glance over his shoulder to acknowledge me. Taking the hint, I backed away to a little mushroom-shaped gazebo nearby, giving him his privacy. I rubbed my temples, the disastrous interview replaying in my head on a loop. As soon as he hung up, I screwed up what was left of my courage and walked back over to him. "Alpha Adrian, you obviously have excellent judgment," I said, forcing a lightness I didn't feel. "And I clearly have none. You were right. I'm not a good fit for the secretary position. I'm sorry for wasting your time." One of his eyebrows arched. "You followed me all this way just to tell me I was right to reject you?

Karina POV l curled up on the sofa after dinner, staring at my phone. The chat screen with Ethan was still open. My fingers hovering over the keyboard.I must have typed and deleted at least four different messages. What was Adrian Wolf's game? He gives me his measurements, and then just radio silence.Was this some kind of power play? I sighed, tossing my phone onto the cushion next to me. Whatever Adrian's intentions were, it didn't really matter.Once this suit was delivered, our lives would never have to cross again.Footsteps approached from the hall. I quickly tapped the screen off and sat up straight, trying to look casual. Edward stormed in, his face a thunder cloud.Where are all your things? He demanded. His voice sharp and accusing. Your clothes, your shoes, your jewelry, all your bags.My heart skipped a beat. I whispered to myself to keep it together. But how did he find out? Why was he suddenly home early for dinner? And why was he immediately tearing through our closets?Ha

Karina POV It was Friday afternoon, and I was in the middle of booking a flight to Iceland when Victoria called. We hadn't spoken in three days, and I knew with a sinking certainty that she had something to tell me.I just hadn't bothered to reach out first. Hello, Mrs. Hayden. I answered, my voice deliberately cool. She jumped right in.We need to meet to add a clause to our agreement. Your lawyer can talk to mine. I said flatly. Karina, her voice hardened. You already strong-armed your way from 10 million to $50 million. The least you can do is show up and sign this addendum in person. I'm waiting at the Regent Hotel. It's discreet.Regent Hotel. My mind flashed back to Ethan's message. Adrian was also meeting someone there today. What were the odds?A tiny, reckless flicker of hope sparked to life inside me. Victoria must have noticed my silence, because she cleared her throat.07:00 tonight, if you don't show, the 50 million is off the table, and we go back to fighting over your orig

Adrien POV I kicked the door so hard that it exploded off its hinges with a thunderous bang. The needle poised above Karina's skin froze in midair.I stood in the doorway, gasping for breath. My inner wolf, Lucas, roaring with uncontrollable fury inside me. My security team poured into the room behind me, their footsteps pounding on the floor. I didn't have to give an order.They knew what to do. In seconds, those animals were on the ground, tackled, disarmed, and screaming like cornered rats.Just as I'd ordered.Two female hotel employees followed right behind them, but I couldn't make myself step inside just yet. My fists were clenched so tight, my nails were digging into my palms, and I was seconds from losing the last shred of my control. My white shirt was half unbuttoned, the sleeves rolled up to my elbows.Sweat slicked my skin, which was already flushed from racing over here. But it wasn't just exertion. It was pure, burning rage, the cold, untouchable alpha mask I had worn for