Chapter 166
Sarah’s POV
As I ended the call, I overheard Pudding and her “uncle” discussing desserts.
“I haven’t had dessert outside in forever! I’m so excited, Uncle! Can I have strawberry ice cream?”
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“Absolutely not. You know your health isn’t good–you can’t have frozen treats. Or do you want me to face the consequences when your mother finds out?”
“Just a tiny bit! A teensy–weensy taste won’t hurt. Mommy won’t even know…”
Guilt washed over me as I realized I would have to disappoint this precious child. “I’m so sorry, but my friend is in trouble. I need to go help her right away. I’m afraid I can’t join you for dessert after all.”
They both turned to look at me. The disappointment in Pudding’s eyes was unmistakable, making my guilt intensify. “I’m so sorry, Pudding. This is all my fault. Can I make it up to you another time?”
I reached into my purse and pulled out a business card, pressing it into her tiny hand. “This has my phone number on it. You can call me anytime, and I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
Pudding sniffled slightly but nodded bravely. “It’s okay, pretty lady. You go help your friend. Pudding will call you when you’re not busy.”
“Such a good girl.” I stroked her soft cheek one last time, fighting the strange reluctance I felt to leave her. With a deep breath, I forced myself to turn away.
As I hurried back toward the bridal boutique, my mind raced with questions. Who was that little girl,
really? And why did being near her make me stir with such powerful emotions?
I shook my head, forcing myself to focus. Elena needed me now. Whatever strange connection I’d felt to
little Pudding would have to wait.
Author’s POV
In truth, Greg Strong hadn’t gone far. After fleeing in a panic, he’d doubled back and was now crouched awkwardly behind a decorative planter, just a few feet from where the little girl and Jeremy were talking.
He peered over the edge with laser focus, like a cat stalking prey.
Behind him, his two bodyguards stood stiffly, barely concealing their exasperation.
What was this spoiled pack Beta up to now? First he’d run like a coward, and now he was crouching in public, eavesdropping like some second–rate spy?
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Finally, one of the guards couldn’t help himself anymore.
“Sir… what exactly are we watching?” he asked, lowering his voice.
Greg spun around, eyes flashing.“Who gave you permission to speak?”
He’d barely been able to hear the conversation he was eavesdropping on, and now with this interruption, he couldn’t make out a word.
When he turned back to resume his spying, the subjects of his interest had vanished. Rage flashed across
his face.
“You useless pieces of shit!” he snapped at his guards. “You can’t do anything right! Always getting in my
way!”
“I don’t even know why I bother keeping you employed!”
The bodyguards remained silent, knowing better than to defend themselves against an angry Beta wolf. Greg waved his hand dismissively, “Let’s go! NOW!”
As they walked to the parking garage, Greg’s mind was racing. He must have picked the wrong day to leave his den. He’d nearly hit on Alexander Blackwood’s mate–a mistake that would have ended not just him, but his entire pack.
Thank the Moon Goddess that the child had intervened. If he’d actually managed to seduce that woman, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
He hadn’t believed the little girl at first–she looked so tiny and harmless–but then he’d spotted Jeremy. He’d seen Jeremy once at a pack gathering, when someone had pointed him out as Alexander Blackwood’s personal assistant and Beta.
That moment of recognition had saved him. He knew the child hadn’t been lying about her connection to
the Alpha.
Greg felt immense relief that he’d recognized Jeremy in time, otherwise his entire Strong family would have faced Alexander’s wrath. Still, a nagging worry remained: what if the woman reported the incident
anyway?
For many weeks afterward, Greg Strong would live in constant anxiety, jumping at shadows and expecting Alexander Blackwood’s enforcers to appear at any moment.
Meanwhile, Summer rushed toward Elena’s bridal shop.
Sarah’s POV
As I approached the bridal boutique, I could hear heated arguments from within.
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“I ruined your wedding dress, so what?” a sharp female voice declared. “What are you going to do about it?
Go ahead and call my brother?”
Elena’s usually calm voice was tight with anger. “You’ve gone too far! You destroy someone else’s wedding dress and then act like you’re the victims?”
“Aunt Elena, they’re asking for a phone call, aren’t they?” Aria’s young voice cut in. “I’ll call right now. Don’t think we’re afraid of you!”
“Do you want me to give you the phone number?”
“You-!”
The confrontation sounded increasingly hostile. I frowned and hurried into the boutique, my protective
instincts surging.
They say a woman is most beautiful when wearing her wedding dress, and Elena proved that saying true. The pure white gown made her skin look like porcelain, and the diamonds embedded in the skirt sparkled brilliantly under the lights.
