"Let''s go home.


    Three simple words from Ethan''s lips to Victoria, yet they pierced my heart like silver. I kept my eyes fixed on my te, refusing to watch as he wrapped his arm around Victoria''s waist, supporting her "drunken" form.


    I could feel his amber eyes on me as they passed, but I wouldn''t give him the satisfaction of seeing my pain The venison on my te suddenly looked unappetizing, the moonberry sauce congealing into a dark pool.


    The click of Victoria''s designer heels faded as they exited the private dining room of Amber Crest Restaurant. Only when I was certain they were gone did I allow myself to take a breath.


    "Well, that was unexpected," Sophia Hughes whispered beside me, her eyes wide with excitement. "Alpha Stone himself! Can you believe it?"


    I managed a nomittal hum, taking another sip of wine despite my better judgment. The alcohol burned down my throat, dulling the sharper edges of my humiliation.


    With Ethan and Victoria''s departure, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The oppressive tension dissipated, reced by animated chatter as my colleagues resumed their conversations with renewed vigor.


    "I think this calls for another toast," Sophia announced, standing up with her wine ss held high. Her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, her eyes bright.


    The others quickly followed suit, raising their sses in anticipation.


    "To new beginnings and sessful designs!" Sophia dered.


    "To new beginnings!" everyone echoed.


    I forced a smile and raised my ss, taking a careful sip. The room had already started to spin slightly, and I knew I needed to be cautious. My wolf form might have enhanced healing abilities, but my human form had embarrassingly low alcohol tolerance.


    "Are you


    alright, Olivia?" Sophia asked, noticing my careful sipping. “You''ve barely touched your food."


    "I''m fine," I lied. Just savoring the experience."


    The dinner continued for another hour, with conversations flowing more freely now that the Alpha King was gone. Design concepts were discussed, office politics analyzed, and personal stories shared. I participated minimally, my mind still reying the moment Ethan had chosen Victoria over me yet again.


    As the evening drew to a close, the bill was settled-on Ethan''s tab, as Victoria had so generously announced


    -and people began making arrangements to get home.


    "We can share a ride," offered one of the male designers from the crystal testing department. Two others nodded in agreement.


    I nced at the three men, all slightly intoxicated and watching me with varying degrees of interest. The thought of being confined in a car with them made me ufortable.


    An


    O <


    Flutes At the high i


    "Thank you, but my friend is picking me up, I lied smoothly, avoiding direct eye contact. "He should be here any minute."


    They seemed disappointed but didn''t press the issue. As they gathered their belongings and headed out, I remained seated, pretending to check my phone.


    When thest of them had left, I exhaled deeply, relieved to be alone. The alcohol in my system was making it difficult to think clearly, and I needed fresh air.


    I made my way outside to the garden adjacent to Amber Crest Restaurant. The night air was cool against my flushed skin, and I weed the sensation


    The garden was beautifully maintained, with moonflowers blooming under the night sky. Their subtle fragrance helped clear my head slightly as I walked toward a decorative fountain at the center.


    I reached the fountain and leaned over, cupping my hands to collect some water. The cold liquid felt refreshing as I sshed it on my face, though it did little to dispel the alcohol''s effects.


    Moonlight illuminated my reflection in the rippling water. I looked tired, my emerald eyes shadowed with


    exhaustion and hurt.


    "Pull yourself together, Olivia," I whispered to my reflection. "You''re stronger than this."


    I spotted a stone bench nearby and decided to sit down until I felt steady enough


    to call for a ride. The simple


    task of walking straight suddenly seemed monumental.


    .....on


    "One... two.... three..." I counted my steps carefully, focusing intently on cing one foot in front of the other


    By the time I reached "seven," the garden had begun to spin more violently. I blinked hard, trying to regain my


    focus.


    "Eight..." I whispered, taking another wobbly step forward.


    Instead of finding empty space, I collided with something solid-a broad chest d


    in expensive fabric. My hands instinctively clutched at the formal jacket for


    support, and a familiar scent enveloped me.


    (Victoria''s POV)


    I leaned against Ethan in the underground parking garage, ying the role of the intoxicated damsel to perfection. Maxwell Chen, Ethan''s ever-efficient assistant, held the car door open with his usual stolc


    expression.


    "Thank you, Max," I purred, making sure to stumble slightly as Ethan guided me into the backseat of his sleek


    ck SUV.


    I felt a surge of triumph as Ethan slid in beside me. Once again, I had seeded


    in pulling him away from


    Olivia, away from his responsibilities to her. It was bing almost too easy


    As Maxwell closed the door and moved to the driver''s seat, I shed my designer jacket with a dramatic sigh.


    "It''s so warm in here," I murmured, deliberately exposing more skin as I leaned closer to Ethan. I c


    hand on his thigh, my touch light but suggestive.