Chapter 175
Elsa
Emily's smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. "How gallant of you, Allen. Always rushing to rescue damsels in distress. Especially ones with a reputation for... flexibility in their professional relationships."
Something snapped inside me. Red filled my vision as a primal rage surged through my veins. Without thinking, I stepped forward and slapped her, the crack of skin against skin echoing in the suddenly silent corridor. The sting in my palm was oddly satisfying.
"You fucking bitch!" Emily gasped, her hand flying to her reddening cheek.
Bruce appeared behind her, his expression unreadable as he assessed the situation. To my surprise, he turned to the hovering staff.
"Form a screen," he commanded, his voice allowing no argument. "Now."
The servers immediately complied, creating a human barrier that shielded us from most of the onlookers. I used the moment to adjust my dress and secure Allen's jacket around my shoulders, my fingers fumbling with the fabric as adrenaline made them clumsy.
Emily wasn't finished. "Do you know who I am?" she snarled, her voice rising hysterically, spittle flying from her lips. "I'm Emily Davis of the Davis family! Who are you? Just some nobody assistant with no pack backing!"
She looked around at the gathering crowd, playing to her audience. "Who invited you to Ms. Garcia's moon ceremony anyway? You don't belong here—you're just Drake's castoff!"
The whispers grew louder. I felt my throat tightening, the familiar sensation of being cornered, of being judged for my status rather than my worth.
"You think you're so special because you've got Allen and Bruce fawning over you now?" Emily continued, venom dripping from every word. "Everyone knows what you really are—a pack-hopping omega who—"
"That's enough."
The voice cut through the crowd like a blade of ice. The spectators parted immediately, creating a path for Drake as he approached. His face was expressionless, but the air around him seemed to crackle with suppressed energy. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him, my body reacting traitorously to his presence.
"Mr. Stone," Emily faltered, her confidence visibly wilting.
Drake surveyed the scene with cold detachment. "I witnessed everything that happened here," he stated, his voice carrying effortlessly despite its quiet tone. "Ms. Hale was assaulted by both a server and by you, Ms. Davis."
Emily's mouth opened and closed like a fish. "I was just trying to help! Her dress was—"
"I saw you pull it," Drake interrupted, his tone making it clear the matter wasn't up for debate. "Ms. Hale is my former assistant. We maintain a strictly professional relationship, but I won't stand by while false accusations are made."
My heart twisted at the emphasis on "former" and "strictly professional," even as relief washed over me at his intervention. I swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump that had formed in my throat.
"But she—" Emily began, her voice taking on a whining quality.
I straightened my spine, finding my voice at last. "Ms. Davis," I said clearly, my words coming out stronger than I felt, "this isn't about me or you. This is about respect for our hostess."
I gestured around at the elegant surroundings, my hand still trembling slightly. "Ms. Garcia has invited us into her home to celebrate her grandchildren's moon ceremony. By creating this scene, you've disrespected her hospitality and disrupted a sacred occasion."
Emily's face paled as the implications sank in.
As if summoned by her name, Ms. Garcia appeared, her silver hair gleaming in the soft lighting. Despite her advanced age, she carried herself with unmistakable authority.
"What is happening here?" she asked, her sharp eyes taking in the tableau before her.
Bruce stepped forward smoothly. "A minor misunderstanding, Ms. Garcia. I believe Ms. Davis has had a bit too much champagne."
Ms. Garcia's gaze settled on Emily, who seemed to shrink under the scrutiny. "I see," she said coolly. "Perhaps it would be best if you retired for the evening, Ms. Davis. "
It was the most polite possible way to eject someone from an event, but everyone present understood the significance.
Emily's face flushed with humiliation. "I... of course. My apologies, Ms. Garcia."
As two staff members escorted Emily away, Ms. Garcia turned to me. "Ms. Hale, is it? Joseph mentioned you would be representing Moonlight Real Estate tonight."
I nodded, painfully aware of Drake's presence just a few feet away. My chest felt tight, making each breath an effort. "Yes, ma'am. On behalf of Moonlight, I wanted to congratulate you on your grandchildren's moon ceremony. It's a beautiful celebration." I managed to keep my voice steady, though my insides felt like they were being shredded.
Her expression softened slightly. "Thank you, dear. It takes grace to maintain composure in difficult situations. Not everyone possesses such quality."
From the corner of my eye, I could see Drake watching our exchange, his face unreadable. The weight of his gaze made my skin prickle.
"Drake," Ms. Garcia called, turning toward him. "Come meet my grandchildren. The twins are eager to see you."
Drake inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Ms. Garcia."
As he moved to follow her, our eyes met briefly. Something flickered in his amber gaze—recognition, perhaps, or respect—before he nodded once and continued on. The gesture was proper, professional, and completely appropriate between former colleagues.
Yet as I watched him walk away, the weight of everything unsaid between us hung in the air like the lingering notes of a song played too many times to forget. I exhaled shakily, my fingers absently touching the spot where his gaze had rested on my face.
Allen 's suit jacket felt heavy on my shoulders, but it provided a welcome shield against the curious stares that followed me like vultures watching wounded prey.
"Thank you for stepping in," I said to Allen, my voice still slightly unsteady. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear nervously. "Fuck, I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."
Allen smiled warmly. "It was nothing, Elsa. That woman had no right to treat you that way."