Chapter 29
Chapter 29 A Bitter Laugh
The sudden movement startled me. I snapped my phone shut, uncrossed my legs, and stood abruptly.
“What are you doing? Why are you kneeling p>
“I know you’ve always hated me, Claire. You blame me for everything–even what happened at the Hilton. I know you think I orchestrated it…” Breanne dabbed her eyes with a tissue, her voice trembling with manufactured fragility.
“You did orchestrate it. Or did you suffer memory loss recently? Let me guess, if this staged ploy doesn’t work, a mysterious accident is next?” I stared incredulously.
Breanne ignored me, continuing her tearful monologue. “Even if you despise me, you could’ve let me explain! We’re supposed to be family! How could you… How could you leak my private photos p>
I finally understood Breanne’s theatrical arrival.
She had come all this way in the rain–to frame me once again.
I hadn’t even seen those private photos until Liyah mentioned them to me. How could I have posted them online?
I was too furious to speak. Meanwhile, Breanne’s sobs intensified.
Tim unmated, Claire! I’ve never even had a boyfriend! Those photos… they were just for me! Why would you destroy my reputation? Do you hate me so much you’d ruin my life p>
Stewurled toward Liam, voice breaking. “If my presence here offends her, I’ll leave! I move back to the US. No one will ever see me again, I promise. Liam, please–make her stop! Just let me go p>
ner final plea–a wrenching “please!“–caused Liam to flinch as though they shared a bond and he Getter pan. It seemed to bring him out of whatever frozen state he was in.
“eut priate photos? Why would you think Claire leaked something?“Liam’s eyes snapped condused teen Breanne and me
ate fummablend for his phone. Dozens of messages flooded his screen–friends sharing links to
Lauvia face hardened as he opened one i saw the reflection of the picture on his phone screen
rough the decorative muror befand hirm
Bremsa talock havay writer his chekad on another photo, and it was Breanne in a
ench maid costume. It wasn’t anything overtly scandalous, but explicit enough to make him
ich.
snapped his phone shut, rounding on me. “Did you do this? Why p>
ecoiled. This man was truly unbelievable.
had shadowed me constantly, determined to prove himself the nurturing mate. If he paused for en a second and used his head, then he would realize that I hadn’t had the opportunity.
ou are such a gullible fool, Liam Sterling! When would I have had the time when you have been
ed to my side for days?” I said coldly. “You tell me–was it when I was taking a shower, maybe? maybe when I used the washroom? That would be the only times you have been watching my
ery move these last few days p>
im hesitated. I could see the look in his eyes. He knew I was right.
aybe you’re mistaken, Breanne. Claire hasn’t left the house-” He turned back to Breanne, ftening his tone.
eanne jerked away from his touch, hysterical.
་ན་དར ར ན ༠
here is no mistake! My sources confirmed it was her! You’re taking her side? Who else would int to destroy me? Think, Liam! After what she’s done, you still defend her p>
r operatic wails could’ve summoned our ancestors at this point.
atched the two go back and forth, impassively.
242
yone with eyes could see Breanne’s intentions, but Liam, as always, remained clueless. It almost ide you wonder the type of Alpha he would become once his parents decided to step down and
nd over complete control. This may be why Henry still held the power. He may not like me
Hed into the family, but maybe he saw how weak his heir was.
16
er, I thought bitterly. Men truly did have hero complexes.
ned my phone and looked at the photos once again.
images were provocative but revealed nothing critical, merely hinting at a sensual side ath Breanne’s porcelain–doll persona. Forbidden fruit. Men would swarm her now, not shun She was really milking this.
ok my head with curled lips.
ninety percent confident that Breanne leaked these herself. She said she took them herself, is clear that someone else had been in the room with her. It was all staged. A clever ploy.
Predictably, Liam chose Breanne. After a hushed exchange, he seized my wrist with a bruising grip. He dragged me into the bedroom and slammed the door.
He pushed me forward, unceremoniously. I stumbled, but caught myself.
“Yesterday morning, you took a three–minute call in the garden. Who was it?” His eyes bored into
‘The BC Equestrian coordinator, I immediately recalled, but didn’t admit it to him. I confirmed my attendance as the competition will be held in BC this year.
I shook my head and sighed. “You’re right. Three minutes in the garden could magically get me access to something Breanne would have kept hidden. Something I wouldn’t have even known
existed, but go on with your baseless accusations p>
“What about yesterday afternoon?” Liam pressed, “You smiled at your phone. Who made you that
happy p>
‘The translation client p>
I had been discussing a part–time job I had held over the years with my employer. The client
thought my translation skills were excellent and wanted to hire me as a senior translator. It had
been a while since I worked, and Liam wanted me to remain his dutiful housewife; the recognition from my employer made me smile.
“I apologize for smiling throughout my days. I will remember, Liam Sterling does not like his mate smiling, not even once! Got it p>
I will admit, his surveillance of me was unsettling. I didn’t like this one bit.
18
He furrowed his brow, but chose to ignore my remark. “Last night, you kept checking your phone. What were you looking at?” he demanded.
‘Flight confirmation details.‘ I massaged my temples. “I am not allowed to browse online when I
am bored randomly? What’s your point, Liam? You already think it
Was me; you haven’t even
bothered to investigate. Don’t you find that curious? That one word from Breanne, and it’s gospel? ”
His face darkened with vindicated disgust.
“Don’t turn this around on the victim, Claire! I can see you clearly! You leaked those photos! Claire,
you’ve disappointed me beyond words. Women like you disgust me, always trying to tear innocent
people down to feel better about themselves. Get over your issues and leave Breannne alone! I
won’t tell you again, Claire. ”
I almost laughed.
His twisted logic was breathtaking. I offered no real defence, just sarcastic replies. We stood frozen in silence until Liam muttered, “No wonder you couldn’t bother cooking for me. Too busy
scheming p>
A bitter laugh escaped me. “You are an i***t, and when you realize your mistakes, it’ll be too late to
fix them. I hope you remember all of these moments and you drown in your sorrows p>
Fury had a funny way of unlocking humour. I pushed past him, locked myself in the study, and
welcomed the silence.
Minutes later, I heard Liam stomp down the stairs, and moments later, the door slammed shut. He
left.
To prove my suspicion, I heard a car engine roar to life below. Relief washed over me–no sadness, just liberation.
My phone chimed. [Flight confirmed]. I exhaled.
Four more days.
Time couldn’t move fast enough.
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.