Chapter 39

Aina Seeing Osborne finally calm down, I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Deep down, I knew from here on out things wouldn’t be easy. The road ahead would be filled with challenges and threats, but with Osborne by my side, nothing felt impossible. His presence alone gave me strength. Just then, his phone buzzed on the table, breaking the stillness. Osborne released me gently and reached for it. “It could be work,” he muttered, though when his eyes landed on the screen, his expression shifted into a faint frown. “Who is it?” I asked, curiosity sparking at his sudden change. “Someone that isn’t supposed to be calling me… because he’s on his honeymoon,” he replied dryly, and immediately I knew who it was, Alex. Osborne answered, and I could hear Alex’s voice spilling through the line, casual and upbeat. “Hey, buddy,” he greeted, “I was just calling to let you know I’ll be back tomorrow.” Osborne raised a brow, his tone skeptical. “But you have the whole week off. I don’t think Miranda will like that.” Alex chuckled on the other end, unconcerned. “Ah, please. You know I can’t stay put in one place for a whole week, it’s draining. And besides, she’ll understand.” His words made it clear his mind was already set. Osborne shook his head but replied simply, “Okay then, if you wish. The workload is heavy right now, so I could use your help.” With that, he ended the call and set the phone aside. “Speaking of which…” I said carefully, turning to face him. His gaze instantly locked with mine, warm yet unreadable. “Since the whole Bella thing has settled for now, shouldn’t you be going back to work?” I asked. Instead of answering, Osborne’s lips curved into that smile, the one I knew all too well. The kind that made my heart flutter because it always carried trouble, mischief, and desire. He stepped closer, slipping an arm around me and tugging me against his chest. “You really want me to leave?” he teased, his voice low and deliberate. I couldn’t help but smile back, shaking my head. The answer was clear in my eyes before I even said a word. And before I could react further, his mouth claimed mine in a hungry kiss, one that stole every thought from me and made the world outside these four walls vanish. Bella A maid lay sprawled almost lifeless on the cold floor, blood seeping from the wound in her abdomen. She was the perfect vessel to bear the brunt of my rage. I still couldn’t believe Osborne had marked someone else, that pitiful thing, instead of me. It was humiliating, degrading. What would people say when they found out I was cast aside for someone like that? Hell, they already knew. The whispers were spreading, though no one dared speak them aloud in front of me. The faint, wheezing sound from the bloodied maid almost made me laugh. She even looked a little like that fat pig Osborne had chosen. The other maids stood frozen, heads bowed low, none daring to raise their eyes. “Take this fool out of my sight,” I ordered coldly. They obeyed immediately, dragging her body away, leaving a trail of blood across the floor. “Clean this room,” I added sharply. Wiping the blood from my hand and claw, a smile curled on my lips. This was only the beginning. Osborne should never have defied me. Now both he and that mate of his would pay the price. If I can’t have him, then no one will. Osborne is mine. He always has been, from the very first day I laid eyes on him. The perfect man for me. My perfect match. And everyone who knows me understands one thing: I always get what I want. Osborne will be no different. I will not allow him to humiliate me. Never. “Bob,” I called, and one of my men immediately stepped forward. “Yes, mistress.” I turned to him sharply, then softened into a smile, tucking my hair behind my ear as I asked, “Tell me, Bob… am I not beautiful?” He didn’t hesitate. “Indeed you are, mistress. The most beautiful she-wolf of them all. No one compares.” I laughed, satisfied. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. I am the most beautiful in this entire packs far and near. No one comes close. “Then explain to me,” I pressed, irritation simmering beneath my smile, “why Osborne doesn’t see it.” Bob bowed his head slightly, his tone reverent. “Only a fool or a blind man would deny your beauty. Osborne knows it, mistress. He is simply too proud, too afraid, to admit it.” I laughed again, the sound sharp. Yes. That was true. I remembered the way Osborne used to look at me, like he could crawl at my feet. He loved me once, no, he still does. This nonsense with that fat cow is nothing but a game. He’s just trying to spite me. Soon, he’ll realize the truth: I am the only one meant for him. “Then, Bob,” I purred, tilting my head, “will you help your beautiful mistress?” His loyalty never wavered. “Anything for the most precious lady of them all.” My throat cleared as I leaned closer, eyes glinting with schemes. “Find out everything about that lowlife clinging to my man. Every detail. Every weakness. Bring it all to me… then I’ll decide how to crush her.” He bowed. “As you wish, mistress.” A slow smile spread across my lips. Yes, they would all learn soon enough who Bella Maxwell truly was. I am my father’s daughter, and disrespect is something I do not tolerate. As soon as Bob left, I sank into my chair and lit a cigar. The quicker he brings me the information I need, the better. My mind kept replaying the things I’d do to both of them, each thought making me smile. Father had already given me the go-ahead, and I would make sure she was humiliated until she begged Osborne to reject her. But then, the image of that mark on her neck flashed in my mind, and rage exploded inside me. He had marked her. A scream tore from my throat. A mark makes rejection harder… unless I simply end her. If she’s gone, if she’s out of the picture, Osborne will have no choice. None at all but to claim me.