Chapter 137
Chapter 137
Third Person’s POV
The air in the conference room turned brittle instantly.
B
Finished
Trista’s eyes narrowed, her guard slamming up. “Once you sign those termination papers, that evidence won’t have a reason to exist anymore p>
Cassian rose slowly from his chair. He rounded the long table and stopped right in front of her.
Planting one hand on the edge of the table, he leaned in, his Alpha aura crowding her space until he was inches from her face, locking onto her eyes.
“Evidence first p>
The words were bone–cold, devoid of any emotional flicker. “Or we’re done here p>
He was holding his pheromones on a tight leash, but the serrated edges of his power still scraped against her
senses.
Trista snapped, the provocation lighting a fire in her. She stood up abruptly. “Cassian, don’t push your luck p>
She knew exactly why she had the leverage to sit across from him–it was because she held the receipts on him and that she–wolf.
If she handed them over now, a man with the resources of the Ironthorn Alpha would have her and her family for breakfast.
Cassian straightened up, withdrawing his gaze with a clinical detachment, as if he’d already made up his mind. “Then there’s nothing left to discuss p>
He turned to walk away, his back as immovable as a slammed iron vault.
Trista felt the rage boil over, a lump of frustration wedged in her throat.
She rounded the table and grabbed his arm. “You set this whole thing up just to watch me waste my time? You think making a fool out of me is funny p>
Cassian’s eyes darkened. He shot a look at Humphrey.
Humphrey immediately stepped in to play mediator. “Luna Trista, please, don’t be upset. We can work out the terms slowly p>
That “slowly” was the last thing Trista wanted to hear. She yanked her hand back, intending to storm out.
Her movement was too frantic; her elbow caught Humphrey in the side.
The sound of his phone and a water glass hitting the floor echoed through the room. Water splashed everywhere.
Trista winced instinctively and bent down to help, checking the phone screen only to find it had gone completely black.
1/3
Chapter 137
Finished
She looked up, her ingrained manners kicking in. “I’m so sorry, Humphrey. I didn’t mean to Just tell me how much the phone was–I’ll cover it p>
Humphrey flicked a quick, nervous glance at his Alpha before waving his hand dismissively. “It’s a work phone. It’s a few years old anyway and due for an upgrade. Don’t worry about the cost; it’ll be fine once it’s fixed p>
Trista hesitated for a second then nodded. “Let me take it and get it repaired. I’ll have someone drop it back off at Ironthorn once it’s done p>
Humphrey stole another glance at Cassian. Cassian’s face remained–a mask of shadow, his eyes downcast and unreadable.
Humphrey cleared his throat. “Luna Trista, I’m Alpha Cassian’s beta. This phone contains highly sensitive. company and pack documents. It can’t risk a data leak. If you’re going to have it fixed, please use an official, secure channel. It’s safer that way p>
Trista hadn’t thought much of it at first, but Humphrey’s “reminder” made her
pause.
Think about it: Cassian had Humphrey call her here under the guise of signing the
Then, instead of talking terms, he demanded she destroy her leverage first.
papers.
When she said “Sign first,” he shut down and walked away.
Now, add a “phone full of secret files” into the mix, and the trap was practically set.
The scent gland on the back of her neck tightened. Her wolf bristled deep in her soul. Her gut was screaming – it was a setup.
Right then, Klein stepped forward, whispering a warning. “Ms. Holmes, it’s probably best to let Humphrey handle the repairs himself. You can just write a check for the damages p>
The realization hit Trista like a physical blow.
If she took that work phone to a repair shop herself, the Ironthorn pack could easily pin any future “data leak” or “system breach” on her. It was a classic frame job.
She masked her emotions instantly and handed the phone back. “Fix it yourself. Just send me the bill p>
Humphrey hesitated, his eyes darting to the silent man beside him.
Cassian finally spoke, his voice a low rumble. “Humphrey. Do as she says p>
With that, he walked out of the conference room without a single backward glance.
Ten minutes later, by the temporary street parking.
The evening breeze blew through the city, carrying a mess of urban scents, but Trista finally let out a long- held breath. “Klein, thanks for the heads–up back there p>
Klein zipped up his briefcase and sighed. “Ms. Holmes, we see this all the time before a bond is dissolved. People play dirty to win. You made the right call p>
2/3
15:14 Fri, Jan 2 GUG
Chapter 137
Trista looked down, hiding the turmoil in her eyes.
When it came to mind games and manipulation, no one outclassed the Ironthorn members.
Finished
In that over–air–conditioned room, she had almost walked straight into his trap: give up the evidence, then talk about freedom.
“Trista p>
An old car pulled up to the curb, and a man climbed out.
He walked with a noticeable limp but kept his back straight as he approached.
Trista stared for a long moment before recognizing the weathered face. “Emlen p>
It was her cousin, Emlen Holmes.
120
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.