Chapter 112
The threat wasn’t gone, Int for the first time in a long time I didn’t feel like was watching my back alone
It felt nice.
Third Person
Chloe Bennett knew how to enter a room, knew how to make an entrance, she arrived ate to the gala on purpose
It was a modest event by Titanfang standards. Industry networking hosted by a smaller easter Pack, but the right people were present
Influential trade partners, Pack representatives, Lomas the Chloe knew and wanted to be a member of. It was a blurring between the lines of politics and personal advancement.
Perfect conditions for a reintroduction on her own terms.
Chloe’s heels clicked softly as she crossed the floor, her crimson silk dress flowing behind her. The whispers that followed her confirmed she had timed things perfectly.
Didn’t she used to be with Logan, and Emily’s ex?
She’s with Eldrin & Vale now, right? Must’ve landed on her feet.
Chloe smiled when she heard the gossip. Not at the people speaking, it wouldn’t do to confirm or deny anything, but just to herself. A good reputation wasn’t as useful as a curious one.
She found Logan near the gallery wing, speaking with a Beta. His shoulders were tense, arms folded like he either didn’t want to be there or didn’t like what he Beta had to say.
He was a man with little patience for flattery. Still, she approached with a confident tilt of her head, and the smile that used to guarantee he went to her bed.
“Logan,” she said smoothly, letting his drop with familiarity.
He turned slowly. When his eyes met hers, they were cold and sharp, and not at all pleased to see her.
“I didn’t realize we’d both be here,” she added with a soft laugh. “Or perhaps I hoped.”
His expression didn’t shift.
“Chloe,” he said, voice clipped.
That was all. No smile. No how are you. Not even a hint of nostalgia
Chloe’s lashes fluttered just once. She adjusted the neckline of her dress, trying to draw his eyes to her chest. If drew the Beta’s instead.
“I’ve been meaning to review the revised proposals. I hear Titanfang’s infrastructure model is being used as a framework.”
“They’re under internal audit,” Logan replied. “If you have questions, you can direct them to the contracts liaison.”
Dismissed. Entirely. Logan turned back to the Beta without sparing her another word.
Chloe stood still for half a second too long, her mouth gently curved even as the air cooled around her. She stepped away with grace, and didn’t look back.
courteous nod,
But hidden inside she was boiling with anger and rejection.
She made her way to a smaller side room where the music was quieter. Carla was waiting by the display of archival blueprints, tablet in hand and eyes sharp behind thin–framed glasses.
Chapter 112
+25 BONUS
Chloe took a sip from her glass of champagne and let the tension side from her shoulders. “He’s not playing this time.”
Carla signed with frustration. “He hasn’t been for a while.”
Chloe nodded slowly. “Still, image is everything. If I can’t touch him, I’ll go for what he’s protecting.”
Carla tapped something on the tablet and turned the screen toward her.
“I’ve started circulating quotes to fringe platforms and third–tier columnists. Concerns on Pack legitimacy, dormant wolves, succession ambiguity, blah blah. Nothing concrete, but the questions are out there now.”
Chloe’s lips curled. “Let them come to conclusions themselves. We don’t need to say Emily’s unfit, even though she is. We just need people to wonder if she might be.”
Carla tilted her head. “There’s always risk in vague attacks.”
“There’s more risk in being obvious,” Chloe replied, cool and certain. “If we press too hard, she gets sympathy. If we don’t make it obvious we mean her, her approval continues to increase.
Carla gave a slow, thoughtful nod. “The long game,
then.”
“Always,” Chloe murmured, swirling the champagne once before setting it down.
She looked back out toward the main floor. Somewhere, Emily was likely smiling for the cameras, surrounded by allies and unaware of the rug being tugged beneath her feet.
Let her smile, Chloe thought. She’ll be crying soon enough.
2/2
