Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

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Chapter 38

Three days later, Vicki and I were strolling down Rodeo Drive, the high-end dresses in the shop windows standing like rows of silent, proud guards.

“I just don’t get it, Ashley,” Vicki said for what had to be the tenth time, her beautiful face tight with worry. “Why on earth did you agree to him? Brian’s a total scumbag! He threatened you, treats you like some pawn he can move around however he wants. You should stay far, far away from him—not dive back into his mess again!

“And it’s so not like you. This isn’t the Ashley I know-the one who’s decisive and would never tolerate this kind of thing.”

I stopped walking, meeting Vicki’s eyes-those sincere eyes brimming with anger on my behalf. Warmth swelled in my chest. I couldn’t tell her the truth. I couldn’t tell her that Brian had used her career, her family’s safety, as leverage.

Vicki was one of the few people in my life I would protect at all costs.

The thought of her feeling even a hint of guilt because of me made my stomach twist.

“Vicki,” I took a deep breath and forced a casual smile. “Did you forget? I, Rebecca, am already one of the invited guests for this charity gala. Brian has nothing to do with that. Besides,” I paused, steadying myself, “I won’t deny that Brian has helped me before, so I’m just returning the favor this time. And the event is raising money for the orphanage in the pack-you know how much I care about those kids.”

Vicki gave me a skeptical look but eventually sighed and looped her arm through mine.

“Fine, you’ve got a point. For those adorable little ones, I’ll let it slide. But promise me one thing-tonight, you’re going to walk in there and absolutely steal the show. Make Brian-no, that blind fool-regret every stupid decision he’s ever made!”

Just then, our gazes landed on a dress displayed in the window of a high-end boutique.

A silver silk gown, shimmering like liquid moonlight.

The cut was daring, the design exquisite-hugging the mannequin like molten metal, outlining curves so mesmerizing it could steal the breath right from your lungs.

“Oh my God,” Vicki gasped, eyes lighting up. “Ashley, that dress… it’s made for you! You’ll look like a goddess who just stepped out of the galaxy!”

I couldn’t deny it-I was enchanted too.

This dress wasn’t like the red one I wore before, the one that screamed aggression and demanded attention.

No, this one felt like finely crafted armor-cool, regal, exuding a kind of untouchable elegance.

A well-dressed sales associate approached us with a warm smile.

“You both have excellent taste. This is the most exclusive piece in our store, designed by Monica herself. There’s only one like it in all of North America.”

“I’d like to try it on,” I said, my heart racing.

“Well, well, look who it is-Miss Soon-to-be-Kicked-Out-of-the-Pack.”

That grating, insufferable voice came from behind us. I didn’t even need to turn around. The cloying mix of cheap perfume and bitter jealousy made it obvious who it was.

Silvia. Strutting up like some kind of overconfident peacock, she stopped in front of us, her makeup perfectly applied but doing nothing to hide the smugness plastered across her face. She didn’t even glance my way. Her gaze locked onto the silver dress, and she declared with an air of entitlement, “I’ll take this dress.”

The sales associate hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. She gave Silvia a quick once-over before responding in

Chapter 38

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the most professional yet very pointed tone, “I’m so sorry, but this dress has extremely, extremely specific sizing requirements. I’m afraid…it may not suit you.”

The words were like a needle, puncturing Silvia’s fragile ego with precise accuracy.

What did you just say?” Her voice shot up several octaves, full of fury. “Are you mocking my figure? Do you even know who I am? I’m about to attend the most prestigious gala in all of North America-I am the one who needs this dress the most!”

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