?Chapter 107:

She sounded like a hurt bitch. I swear, I wanted to punch her in the gut and tell her to go to hell.

I clenched my jaw but kept my voice steady. “I’m not going anywhere. Ryder wants me here.”

“You think Ryder cares about you?” Sheughed, but there was no humor in it. “You’re just histest toy. He’ll toss you aside like all the others.”

At this point, I think she needs a new line. I’m already tired of listening to this same damn one every freaking time.

By the Moon Goddess, she was relentless. I forced myself to remain calm, leaning back casually. “Yawn. Seriously, Isabelle, this is getting old. I’m still here, aren’t I?”

Her face twisted with rage. “You’re wolfless. Weak. You’ll never be enough for him.”

I scoffed, still standing defiantly, shing her a challenging look.

I arched a brow. “Wolfless, maybe. But weak? Not by a long shot. And Ryder can’t seem to keep his hands off this ‘weak wolf,’ so what does that say about you?” I sneered at her face. Sometimes, some bitches need to be kept in their ce.

Her breath hitched, and her lips parted in shock. Bullseye.

Before she could spit out another venomous retort, Maverick’s deep voice cut through the tension. “What’s going on here?”

I recognized this tone from breakfast that morning. I was tempted to ask about his wife, but that would be very…

Muchter. At least, not when this killjoy just wants to do everything in her damn power to ruin my morning.

I stood up, brushing past Isabelle. “I’m done here.” I shot her onest look. “Nice chat, though.”

“I’ve been waiting for you for so long, Maverick. Can we start going?” That wasn’t even a question as I grabbed my bag, and with onest long look at her, I saw her gaze didn’t waver either. It trailed after mine, the rage in her eyes obvious. Let her fume. I don’t give a damn.

I followed Maverick out of the mansion, Isabelle’s bitter muttering fading behind us. Her words still lingered, but I wasn’t about to let her ruin my day. The woman was a walking cloud of negativity.

As we drove to the office, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ryder. What was he doing right now? Was he thinking of me? Or too deep in some business deal to even remember I existed? Why wasn’t he replying to my texts? I couldn’t even mind-link him. Should I keep trying? Would it be too petty? Oh damn! When did I be this Ryder-obsessed?

Ryder, Ryder, Ryder. Damn it, I needed to focus. My first day on the job awaited. New people. New challenges. And maybe, just maybe, a chance to prove that wolfless or not, I wasn’t going to be anyone’s second choice.

JASMINE

Isabelle’s venomous words still lingered in my mind, her presence had sunk its fangs into my thoughts, and now I was left with its venom. “Even if it’s thest thing I do, I’ll make this pack miserable for you. I’ll remind you that you don’t belong.” As much as I tried to shake her words off, they clung like a pesky insect. Luckily for me, as soon as I stepped into the gallery, my malice began to fade.

Maverick was really good at PR. This guy knew literally everyone. He introduced me to the team—mostly middle-aged people. I was probably the youngest, but regardless, I was warmly weed as the new gallery assistant. The vibrant artwork surrounding me sparked excitement within me, and I eagerly dove into my new role.

“Hi, I’m Jasmine,” I said, extending my hand to a young staff member. She was probably a year or two older than me, and I didn’t mind. Her warm eyes were a green g.

“Wee to our gallery,” a gentle voice replied. “I’m Sophia.”

She showed me around—my second tour, but hers was better since she gave me a sneak peek into how things worked at the museum. She showed me some artworks, and I was soon exining the meaning behind a stunning watercolor piece. Sophia’s eyes lit up.

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