Chapter 254:

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As I watched her go, I remembered her past. She had once been a street urchin herself, fighting to survive and care for her sick younger brother. She knew how to talk to these people better than anyone.

A pang of guilt hit me for sending her back into those shadows.

But the fire of vengeance burned it away. Charly dared to use violence. I would use the sharp blade of public opinion to make her, and the man she clung to, pay the price.

Phoebe returned in the afternoon. The plan had worked perfectly. The silver had turned the city’s underclass into the most efficient channel for spreading news imaginable. The story was already making its way through every tavern, market, and slum.

She brought an extra piece of news. “My Luna, I also learned that after the thugs were jailed, Charly Kramer sent someone to contact the magistrate. It seems she was trying to arrange for their release.”

A cold smile spread across my face. More proof of her stupidity. She was leaving a trail.

I rewarded Phoebe generously for her excellent work and told her that once this was over, I would arrange to bring her brother, Chris, to the capital for the finest care.

Tears of gratitude welled in her eyes as she swore her loyalty to me once more.

I sent her to rest. Now, all the pieces were in place.

𝘠оu𝗋 nех𝘵 𝖿а𝘃𝗼𝗋і𝘵𝗲 𝗿𝗲a𝖽 𝗶s о𝗇 g𝖺𝘭ո𝘰v𝖾𝗅ѕ.сo𝘮

I stood by the window, looking out at the bustling city below. A storm was about to break.

Step one was ensuring Charly couldn’t get her claws on her minions in prison.

Step two was making Darren Contreras feel the sting.

I took a sip of my tea. It was cold, just like the resolve settling in my chest.

A rumor wasn’t enough. I needed a flashpoint. A stage on which Charly’s ruin could be displayed for all to see.

A bold, vicious plan began to form in my mind.

Charly loved to flaunt her purity and nobility in her fine white dresses.

Then I would use the foulest filth to adorn her “purity.”

Charly Kramer POV

“Useless! Two grown men can’t even handle one wolfless bitch!” I shrieked, hurling a porcelain vase against the wall. It shattered, the sound barely satisfying the rage boiling inside me. I paced my bedroom, my heels digging into the expensive carpet.

My maid, Doris, knelt on the floor, trembling as she picked up the shards. “My lady, please calm yourself. I’ve sent another message to Magistrate Grant. We should hear back soon.”

“How much longer?” I snapped. “If those two idiots talk, I’m finished!” I couldn’t let Darren find out I was behind this.

Just then, the messenger returned, his face pale. “My lady,” he reported, “Magistrate Grant refuses to release them. He says the case is too serious and requires further investigation.”

I couldn’t believe it. “Refuses? How dare he refuse me? I am to be the mate of Alpha Darren Contreras!”

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