Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

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“Because until he confirms it himself, you act like nothing has changed,” Marlene interrupted. “And even if

he does, throwing yourself at him will only make you look desperate. Have some dignity, Iris.”

Their voices faded as they left. I emerged from the stall slowly, staring at my pale reflection in the mirror.

When I returned to the ballroom, Iris was standing close to Daemon, laughing at something he’d said. Her

hand rested on his arm with casual intimacy.

I walked past them without stopping, heading for the exit. I’d done my duty. I’d represented my family. I

was done.

The afternoon sun was harsh after the dim elegance of the ballroom. I stood in the circular driveway,

pulling out my phone to call a rideshare, when Daemon’s SUV pulled up beside me.

“Get in,” he said through the open window. “I’ll drive you back.”

“I can get my own ride.”

“Get in the car, Violet.”

I should have refused. Should have maintained the boundaries we’d supposedly established. But I was

exhausted, my stomach was still churning, and the thought of making small talk with a stranger for the

twenty–minute drive back to the hotel made me want to cry.

“Fine,” I said, climbing into the passenger seat.

We drove in silence for the first few minutes. I leaned my head against the window, watching the city roll

past.

“Why didn’t you tell people?” The question came out before I could stop it. “About the rejection.”

Daemon’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “I told the people who matter.”

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Chapter 160

“Like who? Celeste?”

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His jaw clenched. “Yes. I told Celeste. And my parents. And Evan. Beyond that, I don’t owe anyone an

explanation.”

“So you’re just going to let people think we’re still together?” I turned to look at him directly. “Or are you

keeping it vague so you can have it both ways–freedom to pursue whoever you want while still having

people think the Goldcrest–Blackwood alliance is intact?”

“That’s not-” He stopped himself, visibly forcing calm. “Think whatever you want, Violet. I’m not having

this argument again.”

“Iris likes you,” I said bluntly. “Your ambiguity is giving her hope. Or is that the point? Keep your options

open now that you’re free to chase your precious Celeste?”

“Manage your own business,” he snapped, his control finally cracking. “And stay out of mine.”

“Gladly.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Just making sure your future Luna knows what she’s signing up

for. Wouldn’t want her to end up disappointed like I was.”

The muscle in his jaw jumped, but he said nothing. We drove the rest of the way in hostile silence.

When we pulled up to the hotel, I reached for the door handle immediately. “Thanks for the ride.”

I was halfway to the entrance when I heard my name called. “Violet!”

Linda was walking toward me from the street, carrying shopping bags filled with fruit. She looked more

relaxed than she had last night, some of the tension gone from her shoulders.

“I bought some fruit,” she said, holding up the bags. “Do you want any?”

I shook my head, glancing back to see if Daemon had left. He hadn’t. He was standing beside his SUV, and

when Linda followed my gaze, her entire body went rigid.

The expression on her face was nothing like the controlled pain from last night. This was raw, visceral

hatred mixed with something that looked almost like fear. Her hands clenched around the bag handles so

tightly I heard the plastic crinkle.

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Chapter 160

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Daemon’s reaction was equally telling. His entire posture changed, his blood–red eyes fixed on Linda with

an intensity that made the air feel heavy.

“Linda,” he said quietly. “It’s been a long time.”

“Violet, he’s also your friend?” Linda ignored him completely, turning to me instead. Her voice shook

slightly despite her attempt at control.

I hesitated, then decided honesty was simpler. “Not a friend. My ex.”

The moment the words left my mouth, Linda’s expression shifted. The hatred in her eyes intensified, and

now some of that anger seemed directed at me. She looked between us, her face going pale then flushing

with emotion.

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“Your ex,” she repeated flatly.

Then, before I could process what was happening, Linda dropped her shopping bags and crossed the

distance to Daemon in three long strides. Her hand came up fast and hard, the crack of her palm against his

cheek echoing in the quiet street like a gunshot.

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