Chapter 32

Sylvia's POV The moment Caesar walked out, the alcohol-induced haze lifted completely. The night air was cool against my flushed skin, sobering me up in an instant. Must be his precious first love calling him away. Fine. Whatever. Our arrangement was purely physical anyway. When my alarm blared the next morning, I reached across the bed instinctively—only to find cold, empty sheets. Caesar hadn't come back. A strange tightness coiled in my chest before I shoved it down. I dressed mechanically—cream knit sweater, black slacks—bare feet padding across the hardwood. Breakfast was a perfunctory affair before I headed to Frostline Enterprises. But focus eluded me. The way he'd left without a second glance. I drowned the memory in bitter coffee and forced myself to work. Then my phone lit up. Selene:Don't forget Mother's birthday next Saturday. Bring that mysterious mate of yours. Hugo's been swamped with pack mergers—such a burden, leading the Eastern Ridge alliance. My fingers tightened ar