Chapter 63

Elena’s POV Mrs. Hill appeared in the main hall, her shoulders hunched like she was carrying the weight of the world. Her eyes darted around nervously until they landed on Eric, who was leaning against the grand staircase, arms crossed, his gray eyes sharp as knives. “Alpha Eric…” she started, her voice trembling. “Please… I…” Eric didn’t even flinch. He let her squirm for a moment before speaking, slow and deliberate. “You embarrassed her. You insulted her. You humiliated her. And yet you have the audacity to show your face here?” Mrs. Hill’s hands wrung together. “I… I didn’t mean to, Alpha, I was just… following orders! I’ve been loyal for years. Twenty years! I’ve served the house faithfully. I know my place. Please, I beg you…don’t fire me. I’ll do anything. I’ll… I’ll never speak out of line again. I swear!” I stepped forward, my arms crossed, my eyes locked on her. “Anything?” I asked, voice calm but ice running through it. “You call me vulgar, disrespectful, a slum orphan, and