There was a moment of silence. We were still trying to digest the fact that John and Jimson had carried out this n well under people’s eyes for more than a decade.

Finally, I drew in a breath and asked, “So… what now? Will you

be recing the employees? I mean… the nt is practically

riddled with problems.””

Olivia’s POV

“Yes,” Alexander said. His voice was calm, precise–like he was

discussing quarterly reports. “I will reorganize the nt. These

corrupt elements have given me no choice.”

He meant it. After what happened at the nt, it was the bare

minimum other workers would expect for a better faith in their

Alpha.

Then, as if summoned by a ghost, the door swung open and in

came Ethan.

He halted mid–step at the fork between Alexander’s shoulder

and my bedside. His eyes flickered–anger, pain, and something

darker. His stance stiffened.

Alexander looked up, his expression cool. Then Ethan’s hands

curled into fists at his sides, his jaw tightened.

“Why are you showing up here… every, single, day?” Ethan’s

voice cracked. His lips curled back revealing ivory fangs. “She’s

my woman,” he snarled, a low growl tearing through his throat.

“And I’ll kill any man,” he gestured at Alexander, “who tries to

seduce her.”

Even Yve growled in the back of my mind. “Why can’t Ethan

just leave us alone?”

Alexander offered a half–smile. His cool gaze sharpened. “She’s

my employee,” he replied. “I’vee because she was injured-

on my watch.“”

Ethan snarled louder, baring even more canine teeth. His eyes

glowed amber beneath the fluorescent light.

Alexander didn’t flinch.

Gai stepped in–solid, calm–his voice low but firm. “Please don’t

get it wrong Ethan. Alpha Alexander isn’t a yboy. He’s

showmanship, yes–but he’s also the best Alpha I’ve ever

known.”

Ethan whirled on Gai. Even Gai’s face paled slightly. Ethan’s lips

curled as he hissed, “Don’t try to get any closer to her.”

I held up a hand, a ridiculous gesture, but it worked. “Stop,” I said

bitterly, voice trembling with frustration. “Alexander doesn’t

want me. He doesn’t–like–women”

The room blinked. Literally. The three men froze, and even the nurse peeking in stopped her typing.

Silence.

Then Alexander smirked, face turning amused–and a little vindicated. He said softly, “I appreciate the… coverage.” He peered at me over his sses. “Public awareness is useful.” Intrigue mixed with admiration in his tone. “Thank you.” Then

he turned on his heel and left.

Before I could say, “It’s not like that!” the door clicked–the foolproof machine of hospital privacy imed its territory.

Ethan stood there, fangs still visible, lips pulled tight. “Gay?” He spat the word in disbelief. “Is he really gay?”

“Shut up!” I scoffed, cheeks aching with anger. “Our marriage is

already over.”

With a soft growl, Ethan stepped in close, almost touching me. “No.” His tone was low, deadly. He bared his fangs again. “We

won’t be over… until the day I die.”

The next morning, I was discharged from the hospital.

My bandaged leg throbbed slightly as I was wheeled to the entrance. Gai was already waiting with a sleek ck SUV. A

Green Group pilot stood beside him in a clean, pressed uniform, looking crisp and serious–unlike the chaos of the man behind ollime. /li/ol

“Olivia, you don’t need to fly back on Alexander’s private jet,” Ethan said sharply, stepping forward. “I’ve already arranged my

own.”

I didn’t even look at him. “Thanks, but no thanks,” I said. “I’ll go with the group.”

“Why?” he snapped, then softened immediately. “You don’t need

them, Olivia. I can take care of you. You don’t need to use his

jet.”

I turned to Gai. “Can I get the wheelchair?”

Before Gai could respond, Ethan lunged ahead and grabbed it

first, practically yanking it from the orderly. “I’ll do it,” he

dered with that possessive smile he thought was charming.

My eyes narrowed. “Don’t touch me.”

“I’m your husband,” he said quietly.

“You’re a nightmare I haven’t woken up from,” I replied.

Ethan blinked. But for once, he said nothing. He helped me into

the chair–too gently, like he thought it would change

something–and followed us to the car.

By the time we reached the airport lounge, I was already fed up. Gai had been walking ahead of us, pretending not to hear the nonsense Ethan was whispering behind me–apologies, empty

promises, half–sincere derations.

Then came Alexander. He stood by the jet’s boarding gate, sharp

in his ck coat, arms folded, the wind lifting a few strands of

his hair.

He nced over once, and his eyes went straight to Ethan.

“Did he hitch a ride?” Alexander asked casually, nodding toward

him.

Ethan huffed. “I can pay for it.””

Alexander didn’t even blink. “Great. Then I’ll send the invoice to

the Hawthorne Group.”