He Doesn't Love You Anymore (Amber and Ethan) novel Chapter 72

She’s pampering someone else

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She’s pampering someone else

(Amber’s POV)

I gazed at Dominic across the breakfast table, imable to hide my smile. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over his sharp features.

“You know,” I said, setting down my coffee cup, “I was just about to ask Henry for a share of Victoria’s pack rights in exchange for his help with the Moonlight Realty crisis.”

Dominic raised an eyebrow. “And how did that go?”

I grimaced. “He hung up on me. Quite angrily, I might add.”

“I’m not surprised,” Dominic replied, cutting into his venison with precise movements. “Your brother has always been quick to anger.”

”

“Unlike you,” I teased, leaning forward. “You’ve never hung up on me, even when I’m being difficult.”

A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “I have more patience than most.”

I reached across the table, pointing to his hand. “You have a piece of venison stuck there.”

Dominic glanced down, then gently wiped it away with his napkin. The simple, domestic moment made my heart swell with unexpected warmth.

“About today,” he said, his tone turning serious. “I want you to take Jared Stone with you whenever you leave the house.”

I frowned. “I already have Mason as my driver.”

“Mason is recovering from yesterday’s incident,” Dominic reminded me. “And Jared is one of my most trusted security personnel.”

His blue eyes held mine, unwavering. “Your safety is paramount to me, Amber.”

The intensity in his gaze made my breath catch. I nodded, touched by his concern. “Alright. I’ll take Jared with me.”

Dominic’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “Thank you.”

“So,” I said, changing the subject, “when should I head to the Chase pack house? Harrison will be expecting an answer soon.”

Dominic set down his fork, considering. “I suggest you wait a little longer.”

“Oh?” I tilted my head, curious. “Why’s that?”

“Given the seriousness of the Moonlight property issue and how harshly you treated Henry,” he explained, “it would be strategic to keep them waiting.”

I watched him, fascinated by his calculated approach. “You think Henry won’t call again today?”

Dominic shook his head. “No. Harrison is desperate for a solution. He’ll likely send Melanie to intercede on their behalf.”

I blinked, impressed by his insight into pack politics. “You really understand how they operate, don’t you?”

“It’s not so different from business negotiations,” he replied with a slight shrug. “People become predictable when they’re desperate.”

I nodded slowly, appreciating his strategic mind. “Then we’ll wait.”

Just as Dominic had predicted, my phone rang three hours later. I glanced at the screen and saw my mother’s nan.

“It’s Melanie,” I said, showing Dominic the display.

He nodded, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. “Right on schedule.”

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She’s pampering someone else

I answered the call, keeping my voice neutral. “Hello, Mother.”

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“Amber,” she said, sounding slightly breathless. “I’m outside your apartment building, but the security won’t let me in.”

I suppressed a smile. Dominic had implemented strict security protocols after the incident with Melissa.

“I’ll tell them to let you up,” I replied, then hung up.

1

I called down to the guards, instructing them to allow Melanie access. When she arrived at my door, she wasn’t alone. Two servants followed behind her, carrying boxes and bags.

“What’s all this?” I asked, gesturing to the items.

Melanie smiled tightly. “Just a few gifts. From your father and brother.”

I stepped aside, allowing them to enter. The servants set down their burdens in my living room before retreating silently.

I examined the offerings: rare moonshine herbs with healing properties, antique scrolls from Henry’s collection, and several other valuable items. They were clearly trying to placate me.

“How thoughtful,” I said, making no effort to hide my amusement at the reversal of our usual power dynamic.

I instructed my housekeeper to serve Melanie coffee and prepare some fresh venison for me. Once the servants had left us alone, Melanie wasted no time getting to the point.

‘Amber,” she began, her voice strained with worry, “we need your help with the Moonlight Realty situation.”

I took a bite of my venison, chewing slowly. “Oh?”

“The reporter, Hunter, is threatening to publish a story about silver contamination in our new development,” she explained. “It could ruin us.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And what would you like me to do about it?”

Melanie leaned forward. “We need Dominic to intervene. Hunter respects him. If Dominic asked him to delay publication until we can investigate properly…”

“You’re asking me to convince Dominic to get involved in a politically sensitive matter,” I observed calmly. “That’s quite a request.”

“You’re his mate,” Melanie insisted. “He cares for you. Surely he would do this if you asked.”

I continued eating my venison, deliberately taking my time. “Perhaps. But why should I help?”

Melanie’s expression hardened. “Because we’re family, Amber. And family helps each other pick up the pieces.“”

I nearly laughed at that. “Family? Is that what we are?”

“You shouldn’t have berated Henry like that,” she said, changing tactics. “He’s under enough pressure with his mating ceremony approaching.”

This caught my attention. “Mating ceremony?”

“Yes, with Naomi Warren,” Melanie confirmed, her tone disapproving. “Though I question his choice. The girl is frail, with a

weak wolf.”

I set down my fork, suddenly alert. Naomi Warren–I knew that name. She was Lucas’s love interest.

“You could have used your influence with Dominic to raise Henry’s status,” Melanie continued, oblivious to reaction. “Make him more desirable to stronger potential mates. Instead, you’re pampering someone else.”

My temper flared. I slammed my plate down on the table, making Melanie jump.

“How dare you criticize Naomi,” I hissed. “When Henry is a cheating scumbag who had an inappropriate relationship with

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She’s pampering someone elša

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Victoria!”

Under my skin, Cora growled furiously. She considered this an insult to an innocent woman.

Melanie’s face flushed with anger. “How dare you! You’re one to talk about cheating, after breaking your engagement to Ethan and having an affair with his uncle!”

I stilled, shocked by her words.

“Victoria told me everything,” she continued, her voice rising. “How you betrayed Ethan and strategically set your sights on Dominic instead!”

To my own surprise, I didn’t feel the usual surge of rage. Instead, a cold calm washed over me. I pulled out my cell phone.

“What are you doing?” Melanie demanded.

“Calling Harrison,” I replied coolly. “To report how his mate just insulted his future Alpha King’s mate.”

Melanie paled. She knew how much Harrison valued the pack’s reputation.

“I’ll also be requiring compensation,” I continued, “for the emotional distress you’ve caused me. A sum equal to the value of Grandmother Eleanor’s emerald moon earrings–the ones you tried to give Victoria.”

Before Melanie could respond, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and my heart leapt. Aunt Iris was calling.

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