Chapter 196

Sylvia’s POV She gestured around the room with graceful hands. "Just a small token of my appreciation for both you and Caesar. After everything that's happened, I realized how childish and petty I've been." Her eyes lowered in apparent contrition. "Caesar has always been special to me, but I need to respect that you're his mate. This dinner is my way of apologizing and showing gratitude for your patience with me." Every word dripped with false sincerity. My wolf growled low in my mind, sensing the deception. What game was Helena playing now? And where was Caesar? "How thoughtful," I managed, scanning the room for any sign of my mate. "Is Caesar home yet?" "Oh, he's on a call with some Vertex executives," Helena said, arranging silverware with meticulous precision. "Something urgent about their latest project. You know how demanding they can be with him." She glanced up, studying my reaction through her lashes. "It must be difficult being mated to someone so... entangled with Vertex. Es