Chapter 22
of
I flipped to the final page of the thick stack
papers in my hand and held it out to Alpha Zach.
“This is the last of it, I said coolly. “Deduct the money my mother borrowed over the years, and the value of the house I’m currently living in. The final total comes to twenty–two point five million.”
I paused, then added with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes, “But I’ll be generous. Give me twenty million, and we’ll call the remaining two and a half a wedding gift–for you and your true love bride.”
Alpha Zach stood frozen in disbelief.
“You’re really calculating all of this with me?”
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he asked, stunned.
Oh, he really thought I’d just walk away with nothing?
After everything?
Back then, Alpha Zach had insisted on throwing the most extravagant wedding the Silver Claw Pack had ever seen. He claimed it was to keep others from looking down on
- me.
He invited Alphas and elites from
neighboring packs to witness the ceremony.
What he didn’t mention was that it was partly to cover up the stigma tied to my past.
My parents had once been rogues–only later were they accepted into the Silver Claw Pack.
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With every page he turned, the color drained from his face.
Each contract was stamped and signed by him.
Proof.
Of everything.
I silently thanked my past self for being a stickler with paperwork.
Back then, we were barely staying afloat- every deal, every fund mattered.
Alpha Zach had wanted to put the money in my name, said it would be safer.
“Zach, I can’t let you shoulder this alone,” I had told him.
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“You take seventy, I’ll take thirty. The dividends can be my dowry.”
“Juliet, thank you. I swear, I won’t let you down.”
He said that with his arms around me.
Back when we were still a team.
After that, we established a rhythm.
Every deal came with a contract–clear and fair.
I never imagined those contracts, meant to build our future, would one day be used as evidence in a debt collection.
Now, down below, the murmurs had started.
Guests pointed, whispering.
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Callie suddenly lunged forward and tore the stack from my hands. Her face twisted in rage.
“Juliet! You think this pathetic stunt will make Zach stay with you?!”
Gods, does she really still think men are more important than money?
Especially coming from her–the same gold–digger who dumped Zach without hesitation when the Silver Claw Pack went bankrupt?
“Callie,” I said slowly, “you may be the bride now, but look around.”
I gestured to the glowing aurora lights, the field of pink roses, the crystal goblets clinking in guests‘ hands.
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“All of this… was designed with my preferences in mind. Even the wedding invitations have the names Zach Potter and Juliet Kimmons printed on today’s date.”
I leaned in, just a little. “Doesn’t that make your skin crawl?”
Then I turned to Zach and gave his shoulder a casual pat.
“Alpha Zach,” I said dryly, “your once–fated mate came back to you. Shouldn’t you be giving her a wedding that’s even grander than this?”
His jaw tightened.
I could tell that jab hit home.
“Well then, I added, flipping my hair back,
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“please have the funds transferred to my account as soon as possible. Otherwise- well–there’s always the old lover’s reunion in court. That’ll make for even better headlines.”
His voice cracked, low and bitter.
“This… this is your idea of love? You can’t even lower your head a little?”
Men. Always confusing love with martyrdom.
He embarrassed me on a stage meant for my happiness-
And now he’s upset?
I shrugged.
“If it’s not love, then remember to pay up.”
And without another glance, I turned, heels
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clicking across the floor, gown swishing with every step.
Behind me, voices rose in anger and disbelief.
I didn’t care.
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