817 An Exquisite Trap

    Hayley’s POV:

    t

    Finished

    Of course, I kept my thoughts well hidden, maintaining an expression of delight as I reached for bthe /bbgift /bbox with barely restrained eagerness, practically snatching it from Szar’s hands and hurriedly lifting bthe /b

    lid.

    “My igosh/ii! /iHow exquisite!” I pitched my voice higher in artificial wonder.

    For just a second, I caught a fleeting curl of disdain at the corner of Szar’s mouth.

    I knew, then. Despite his polished manners and deferential tone, he looked down on me with quiet contempt for being an “Omega.”

    I finished my performance, then watched him with silent precision.

    Szar rposed himself, a perfectly rehearsed smile sliding back into ce. “It’s truly an honor that you’ve epted it. Ms. Walton will be thrilled to see you in her chosen gown. It will mean more to her than any other gift.”

    I beamed at him with calcted innocence. “Really? That’s wonderful! I was worried she might not like what I chose for her.”

    I trailed my fingers over the fabric. “Should I wash it first? It’ll be fresher for tomorrow, right?”

    He cleared his throat, the soundced with barely restrained impatience. “That wouldn’t be necessary, Ms. Sander. Surely someone from the Sanders informed you? Evening gowns are meant to be worn once. Laundering would be … unbing.”

    “Oh, I see. Sorry, I’m still … adjusting.” I ducked my head in manufactured embarrassment.

    “No matter. Simply wear it as intended, and you’ll avoid any unfortunate missteps.” Szar adjusted his cuffs, then added with the imperious air of a noble addressing a servant, “While you may only be a low- ranking Omega who recently returned to the Sanders, certain expectations really should be prioritized.”

    I can’t help butugh at his words–internally, of course.

    The audacity! Even if I were truly an Omega instead of the Alpha I’d always been, I’m still a Sander by blood and a Walton by adoption. Who was he, mere ibutler /iof the Bets, to lecture me on propriety?

    I pushed down the flicker of anger in my chest and smiled politely. “I understand. Thank you, Mr. Bet.”

    Szar gave a curt nod before taking his leave,

    The moment his car vanished beyond the gates, all pretense of wide–eyed innocence melted from my expression.

    Cold–faced, I turned on my heel with the gift box in my hands. I can’t help but mentally apud bmyself /bbfor /bthat impable little performance of well–timed idiocy.

    At this rate, I might just have a future in Hollywood alongside my Oscar–winning baunt/b.

    Back in my room, I carefully opened the box Celine had bsupposedly /bbsent/b.

    To Szar’s credit, he hadn’t bbeen /blying. Inside bwas /bba /bfull bensemble/bb: /bbthe /bbgown/bb, /bbmatching /bbheels/b, and

    An Exquisite Frap

    Finished

    coordinating jewelry. It was clearly prepared to save someone from ast–minute fashion bdisaster/b.

    Methodically, I inspected every inch. I ran my fingers along every seam, probed every hidden bpartment /bin the box, and even had Hera sniff for traces of tampering. Still, nothing seemed off.

    When I finally slipped into the dress, it fit like a second skin, entuating every curve of my physique.

    I raised my brow. Had Celine really dropped the scheming–for once?

    After that humiliating defeat at the mall, had she finally grasped that opposing me was futile, thus decided to change tactics and make peace?

    I stood in front of the full–length mirror. The reflection staring back was devastating, elegant yet formidable. This dress didn’t just suit me–it elevated my lethal beauty as an Alpha.

    I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t perfection. In this, I’dmand every room I entered.

    But then again… would Celine be that generous?

    My smirk turned razor–sharp. Nope. iVery /iunlikely.

    Nobody would willingly surrender the spotlight in their own territory.

    This had to be a trap. Somewhere in this gift lurked a threat I hadn’t yet uncovered.

    I sat on my bed, mind racing. A few silent seconds passed before an idea sparked. If I couldn’t eliminate bthe /bdanger … maybe I could iredirect /iit.