CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 208 THE FALL

Freya’s POV

Professor Nolan caught my eye from across the table, a knowing glint in his gaze. We’d had an intriguing conversation at the previous gala about neural networks, and I could tell he was eager to continue where we’d left off.

"Dr. Stone," he said, leaning toward me as the appetizers arrived. "Your theory on adaptive algorithms was quite revolutionary. Have you made progress with the implementation?"

"The prototype exceeded our expectations," I replied, keeping my voice low. "We’re seeing a 37% increase in efficiency."

As we spoke, I couldn’t help noticing Aurora delicately placing a slice of medium-rare steak on Silvano’s plate—exactly how he preferred it. His favorite. Something only a mate should know.

Selene growled inside me, the territorial instinct flaring despite my attempts to silence it. *He’s still your mate*, she reminded me. *Our mate*.

"That’s impressive," Professor Nolan continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "Would you consider publishing—"

"Freya developed the core algorithm herself," Johnny interjected proudly, having overheard. "Single-handedly revolutionized our approach."

I shot him a grateful look, even as I noticed Aurora’s eyes narrowing at the mention of my accomplishments.

"SF AI Solutions has proprietary architecture that would complement our systems perfectly," Mr. Yuan noted, gesturing for his team to join us at the side sofas.

As the technical discussion deepened, I remained mostly silent, offering input only when necessary. When I noticed Johnny’s water glass empty, I reached for it without thinking.

"I’ll grab you a refill," I offered.

Johnny flashed me an appreciative smile. "Thanks, partner."

The word ’partner’ didn’t escape Aurora’s notice. Her lips curled into a dismissive smile as she whispered something to her associate. The message was clear: she thought I was just Johnny’s assistant, not his equal.

Selene bristled. *Show them who we are*, she urged.

I rose with Johnny’s glass, stepping carefully around the crowded table. As I passed behind several executives, a man in an expensive suit suddenly stood and turned, colliding with me. The glass slipped from my fingers as I stumbled forward.

Strong hands caught me before I could fall—hands I would recognize anywhere. The familiar scent of pine and winter hit me like a physical force as my body pressed against Silvano’s chest.

Time seemed to freeze. The entire room fell silent, watching us.

His arms tightened instinctively around my waist, the mate bond between us humming to life at the contact. For a moment, I felt his heart rate spike—a reaction he couldn’t control around me despite everything.

I regained my composure quickly, straightening my spine and stepping back. "Sorry," I muttered, voice barely audible as I turned away, ignoring the electric current that had jolted through our bond at the brief contact.

Johnny noticed the commotion immediately. He broke off his conversation with Mr. Yuan and strode toward me, his brow furrowed with concern.

"You okay?" His voice was low, meant just for me.

I shook my head slightly, hating the weakness but unable to hide it completely.

"Did you twist your ankle?" Johnny’s eyes tracked down to my foot, which I was carefully avoiding putting weight on.

"A little," I admitted reluctantly. My ankle throbbed painfully—definitely sprained. As a werewolf, I’d heal faster than a human, but it would still take a few hours before I could walk normally again.

The warmth in Johnny’s eyes as he checked on me sent conflicting emotions through my chest. It felt good to have someone care, but the bitter realization that my own mate hadn’t even asked if I was alright cut deeper than I wanted to admit.

Even now, as I stood injured, the judgment in their eyes was clear. They thought I deserved this pain.

As for Silvano... he hadn’t even bothered to steady me properly. When I fell, he hadn’t asked if I was okay. Not a word. The mate bond between us pulsed like an open wound, and Selene whimpered inside me, confused by his rejection.

The only person who genuinely seemed concerned was Johnny.

"Let me take a look?" he offered, already reaching toward my ankle.

"No need..." I protested weakly, conscious of all the eyes watching us. The last thing I needed was to create another scene.

Johnny ignored my objection completely. In one smooth motion, he scooped me into his arms, carrying me away from the crowd before setting me down gently on a nearby chair. Kneeling before me, he removed my high heel and carefully lifted my leg to examine the injury.

My ankle was already swelling. Without hesitation, Johnny called over a server, requesting a doctor and asking them to purchase a pair of flat shoes for me.

"You should’ve told me it hurt this badly," he chided softly, his fingers gently probing the swollen area. "You’ve always been too stubborn for your own good."

I managed a weak smile. "Part of my charm."

"Debatable," he teased, but his eyes remained concerned.

The crowd’s reaction was immediate—surprised glances and whispered conversations. I could practically see the recalculation happening in their minds. Johnny’s obvious care for me was shifting their narrative from "desperate ex-Luna throwing herself at her former mate" to something else entirely.

From across the room, I caught Silvano’s gaze for just an instant. Something dark and possessive flashed in his eyes before Aurora placed her hand on his arm, drawing his attention back to her.

Selene growled inside me, but I silenced her. That part of my life was over.

"The doctor will be here soon," Johnny assured me. "And don’t worry about the meeting with Mr. Yuan. I’ve got it handled."

"I’m not an invalid," I protested, but the relief in my voice betrayed me. "I can still contribute to the discussion."

Johnny gave me a knowing look. "Always the warrior, aren’t you? Fine, but you’re staying off that foot. I’ll bring them over here if you insist on working through your injury."

As Johnny arranged for the business discussion to continue with me included, I couldn’t help but notice Aurora whispering something to Silvano. His posture stiffened, and he deliberately turned away from our direction.

The mate bond tugged painfully, but I ignored it. I had a business deal to focus on and a future to build—one that didn’t depend on a mate who couldn’t even ask if I was okay when I fell.