Chapter 401
Finished
Third Person’s POV
Rowena’s gaze was steady, her tone strictly business. “Look, Cassian turned his family upside down for you. It’s pretty obvious he’s still not over it p>
“That’s his problem, not mine.” Trista’s expression went cold, her herbal scent turning sharp and jagged.
Rowena softened her voice slightly. “Just so we’re clear–I’m not Samantha. I have no interest in playing those petty, manipulative games to get a man’s attention p>
She locked eyes with Trista. “Right now, Cassian is the best strategic match for the Tundras. I plan on making a play for him p>
Trista stayed completely unbothered. “Ms. Porter, let me say this one more time: he and I are done. I don’t care what he does; I’m not going back. If you want him, go for it. You don’t need my permission p>
Rowena took a step forward, her designer heels clicking on the tile. A faint, oppressive aura began to radiate from her. “It takes two to tango, Trista. If you’d really shut him out and given him zero hope, why would he be throwing his life away to save yours p>
Trista arched a brow, her voice like ice. “He wants to be a masochist. What do you want me to do about it p>
The two women locked eyes in the narrow hallway, the air thick with silent static.
Rowena stepped even closer, invading Trista’s personal space with the cold, predatory scent of a high–tier hunter.
She leaned in, her voice a low, dangerous purr. “I’m not some second–rate knockoff like Samantha. I don’t just act sad to get my way. I have the resources to handle any woman who gets too close to Cassian p>
Trista wasn’t the type to be intimidated by a power trip.
She met Rowena’s gaze and asked calmly, “If you’re so ‘capable, then where were you when Cassian was on his knees begging me to mate with him? Why didn’t you ‘handle‘ me back then p>
Rowena’s pupils constricted for a split second before her lips curled into a polished, cruel smile. “Because l knew you two wouldn’t last p>
She made a dismissive gesture near Trista’s neck. “Whether it’s you or Samantha, you both lack real grit. With a man like Cassian, a breakup was always just a matter of time p>
They stood there for a heartbeat, the tension between them ready to spark.
Rowena gave a polite but freezing nod, then turned and walked away, her heels echoing down the hall.
Zelda poked her head out of the office, watching Rowena leave. “Does she think she owns LA? Talk about a power trip p>
Trista didn’t let it get to her.
1/3
12:35 pm
Chapter 401
Finished
Rowena was a different breed than Samantha–a high–achieving “Alpha she–wolf” with Tundra blood who probably fought her own brothers for power. She–wolves like that only cared about two things: optics and the bottom line.
Seeing Wynn approaching, Trista signaled Zelda to head back inside.
Wynn pulled Trista into a corner, sniffing the air nervously. “Luna Trista, was that woman giving you a hard time p>
Trista rubbed her temples. “Wynn, the mating is over. Just call me Trista p>
Wynn’s face fell. “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s a reflex. My brain just skips a beat p>
“Next time you see me, repeat ‘the mating is over‘ three times in your head first,” Trista coached her.
Wynn nodded obediently. “My grandpa and my dad are such fossils. They’re stubborn and way too overprotective. Please don’t stop talking to me just because of them p>
“You’re you, and they’re them,” Trista reassured her. “I know the difference p>
After chatting with Wynn for a while, Trista drove alone to the Shadowfangs.
Alistair was leaning back in his wheelchair, his white dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar–casual, yet still commanding.
His long fingers idly flicked his obsidian beads, the rhythmic clack the only sound in the quiet room.
Trista spoke up, feeling a bit guilty. “Alpha Alistair, if I’d known you had everything under control, I wouldn’t have jumped in and messed up your play. Give me a signal next time p>
Alistair looked up, his deep, unreadable eyes scanning her. “With your skill level? You think you could even read my signals p>
Trista was holding an extremely thin gold acupuncture needle, and her gaze turned a little dangerous. “Careful with the insults. My hand might ‘slip‘ in a minute p>
Alistair let out a dry chuckle. “Maybe being a little slow has its perks. At least you’re loyal p>
Silence.
Seeing her eyeing the top of his head with the needle, Alistair felt a chill and quickly changed the subject. “Once we’re done with the therapy, you want to stay for some Texas Hold ‘em p>
The second she heard “game’s on,” Trista whipped out her phone to fill the table.
She called Elias first, “Mr. Manwaring, bring Sayer over. Alpha Alistair is having the Shadowfang chef whip up a full French dinner p>
Alistair watched her make herself at home and just shook his head.
Next, Trista hit dial for Isaiah.
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.