99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 29

The sudden movement startled me. I snapped my phone shut, uncrossed my legs, and stood abruptly.

“What are you doing? Why are you kneeling?”

“I know you’ve always hated me, Claire. You blame me for everything-even what happened at the Hilton. I know you think I orchestrated it…” Breanne dabbed her eyes with a tissue, her voice trembling with manufactured fragility.

“You did orchestrate it. Or did you suffer memory loss recently? Let me guess, if this staged ploy doesn’t work, a mysterious accident is next?” I stared incredulously.

Breanne ignored me, continuing her tearful monologue. “Even if you despise me, you could’ve let me explain! We’re supposed to be family! How could you… How could you leak my private photos?”

I finally understood Breanne’s theatrical arrival.

She had come all this way in the rain-to frame me once again.

I hadn’t even seen those private photos until Liyah mentioned them to me. How could I have

I was too furious to speak. Meanwhile, Breanne’s sobs intensified.

“I’m unmated, Claire! I’ve never even had a boyfriend! Those photos… they were just for me! Why would you destroy my reputation? Do you hate me so much you’d ruin my life?”

She whirled toward Liam, voice breaking. “If my presence here offends her, I’ll leave! I move back to the US. No one will ever see me again, promise. Liam, please-make her stop! Just let me go!”

Her final plea-a wrenching “please!”-caused Liam to flinch as though they shared a bond and he felt her pain. It seemed to bring him out of whatever frozen state he was in.

“What private photos? Why would you think Claire leaked something? “Liam’s eyes snapped confused between Breanne and me.

He fumbled for his phone. Dozens of messages flooded his screen-friends sharing links to Breanne’s scandalous images.

Liam’s face hardened as he opened one. I saw the reflection of the picture on his phone screen through the decorative mirror behind him.

It was Breanne in a black lacey number. He clicked on another photo, and it was Breanne in a French maid costume. It wasn’t anything overtly scandalous, but explicit enough to make him flinch.

He snapped his phone shut, rounding on me.

“Did you do this? Why?”

I recoiled. This man was truly unbelievable.

He had shadowed me constantly, determined to prove himself the nurturing mate. If he paused for even a second and used his head, then he would realize that I hadn’t had the opportunity.

“You are such a gullible fool, Liam Sterling!

When would I have had the time when you have been glued to my side for days?” I said coldly.

“You tell me-was it when I was taking a shower, maybe? Or maybe when I used the washroom? That would be the only times you have been watching my every move these last few days!”

Liam hesitated. I could see the look in his eyes.

He knew I was right.

“Maybe you’re mistaken, Breanne. Claire hasn’t left the house-” He turned back to Breanne, softening his tone.

Breanne jerked away from his touch, hysterical.

“There is no mistake! My sources confirmed it was her! You’re taking her side? Who else would want to destroy me? Think, Liam! After what she’s done, you still defend her?”

Her operatic wails could’ve summoned our ancestors at this point.

I watched the two go back and forth, impassively.

Anyone with eyes could see Breanne’s intentions, but Liam, as always, remained clueless. It almost made you wonder the type of Alpha he would become once his parents decided to step down and hand over complete control. This may be why Henry still held the power. He may not like me mated into the family, but maybe he saw how weak his heir was.

‘Clever, I thought bitterly. Men truly did have hero complexes.

His face darkened with vindicated disgust.

“Don’t turn this around on the victim, Claire! can see you clearly! You leaked those photos!

Claire, you’ve disappointed me beyond words.

Women like you disgust me, always trying to tear innocent people down to feel better about themselves. Get over your issues and leave Breannne alone! I won’t tell you again, Claire.”

I almost laughed.

I wanted to.

His twisted logic was breathtaking. I offered no real defence, just sarcastic replies. We stood frozen in silence until Liam muttered, “No wonder you couldn’t bother cooking for me.

Too busy scheming.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. “You are an i***t, and when you realize your mistakes, it’ll be too late to fix them. I hope you remember all of these moments and you drown in your sorrows.

Fury had a funny way of unlocking humour. I pushed past him, locked myself in the study, and welcomed the silence.

Minutes later, I heard Liam stomp down the stairs, and moments later, the door slammed shut. He left.

To prove my suspicion, I heard a car engine roar to life below. Relief washed over me-no sadness, just liberation.

My phone chimed. [Flight confirmed]. I exhaled.

Four more days.

Time couldn’t move fast enough.