<b>Chapter </b><b>74 </b>


    Reba’s POV


    I turned to find Olivia Parker standing behind me, her tinum blonde hair falling in perfect waves. She wore a cream–colored dress that probably cost more than my monthly rent, and her signature diamond ne–William’s gift–glittered at her throat.


    “Interesting to see you here,” she continued, eyes scanning me from head to toe. “I heard you had a little… incident at Silver Collections. Must be sleeping with Dominic Sterling to afford ces like this.”


    Her words hit exactly where intended–right at my insecurities. My stomach clenched. But something had changed in me since ourst encounter. Maybe it was surviving Steve’s attack, or maybe it was the way Dominic had made me feelst night. Whatever it was, I stood straighter instead of shrinking away.


    “At least I’m not the other woman,” I replied, meeting her gaze directly. “By the way, does William know about your son? Does he know you’ve been hiding James from him? I wonder what Dominic would think about you insulting his future mate.”


    The color drained from Olivia’s face. Her lips parted in shock. She was cut off by William emerging from a fitting room, adjusting the sleeves of a new suit.


    *Olivia, what do you think of the-” He stopped abruptly when he saw me, his expression darkening. “Reba. What are you doing here?”


    “Shopping,” I replied simply. “Just like you.”


    William stepped closer, his posture aggressive. I could see his jaw tightening. “You should be more careful where you go. I thought you’d learned your lessonst time.”


    I felt a flicker of the old fear, my heart racing. But I forced myself to stand my ground. I wasn’t going to cower before him anymore.


    “I’m not going to let you intimidate me again, William,” I said<b>, </b>surprised by the steadiness in my voice. “Those days


    are over<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    He moved closer, and I caught a glimpse of gold in his eyes–his wolf rising to the surface. Then, unexpectedly, he paused and inhaled deeply. His nostrils red, and I watched his expression change from anger to shock to disgust.


    William could smell Dominic on me–not just his cologne or the fact that I’d been in his house, but the intimate scent that only came from sex. The powerful Alpha pheromones that now marked me as imed.


    <b>“</b>You shameless woman…” he hissed, his face twisting.


    His words stung more than I wanted to admit. Heat crept up my neck. What Dominic and I had done wasn’t exactly conventional, and I knew my actions wouldn’t be considered entirely honorable. But I refused to be judged by


    12:<b>1 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>


    William<b>. </b>


    <b>7 </b>


    “That’s riching from you,” I said, hands clenching at my sides. “Aren’t you standing here with your mistress while nning to buy a suit with money that should be paying for your son’s education?”


    William’s face paled further. He grabbed Olivia’s arm roughly. “We’re leaving. Now.”


    As they hurried toward <b>the </b>door, I heard him muttering to Olivia, “Stay away from her. Don’t antagonize Sterling’s


    woman.”


    I stood there, heart pounding in my chest. I was no longer William’s victim. I was Dominic Sterling’s… what? Girlfriend? Mate? Employee? Thebels confused me, but the power shift was undeniable.


    I turned back to the tailor, who was pretending he hadn’t witnessed the entire exchange. “<b>I’ll </b>pay the deposit now,” I said, handing over my credit card. “Please make sure it’s ready in time.”


    Byte afternoon, I was back at Dominic’s vi with my purchases. Diana was in the kitchen preparing dinner when


    I found her.


    “Diana,” I said, holding out a beautifully wrapped package. “This is for you. To thank you for all your kindness.”


    She looked genuinely surprised, her eyes widening as she carefully unwrapped the gift–a pair of elegant gardening gloves made from the softest leather and a set of luxury organic skincare products.


    “Miss Brown,” she breathed, running her fingers over the leather. “This is… I’ve never…”


    ‘I noticed your hands are always a little dry from housework,” I exined. “And I saw you tending the roses without proper gloves.”


    Diana blinked rapidly<b>, </b>emotion crossing her face. “No one has ever given me such a thoughtful gift. Mr. Sterling provides well, but he never<b>…</b>” She trailed off, then straightened her shoulders. “Thank you. Truly.”


    Chapter Comments


    R


    Visitor


    7 days ago


    a true Luna