99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 95

Liam followed my line of sight and noticed the contact name and picture on his phone screen.

“I swear I didn’t change that contact!” he protested.

When I allowed myself to consider softening to him, despite everything, I also thought the idea that maybe Liam was changing for me. However, Breanne’s conveniently timed call interrupted everything and shook me back to reality.

He actually sat here and tried to tell me that he didn’t know she was listed in his phone contacts with hearts and the common pet name he used for her openly throughout my relationship with him?

Nope! I wasn’t buying it. I won’t let him keep turning me into the punchline. I had to stand firm on this.

Liam angrily sent the call straight to voicemail and turned his full attention back to me.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let Breanne bother you again. I’m arranging a blind date for her to get her mated off as soon as possible!”

“Whether she gets mated or not is none of my concern. Whether you mate with another female, it is none of my business. Weren’t we discussing furniture details? If there’s nothing else, I need to get back to work.”

With that, I stood up to leave. As I do so, Liam quickly grabs my arm to try to stop me.

“Baby, don’t rush off. I’ve really missed you these days.” His gaze was filled with longing and apparent misunderstanding of the moment. “Look at you, working so hard, and you’ve lost weight. Why not quit your job and let me take you to Hawaii for a vacation? Didn’t you always want to go?”

His seemingly caring words would have melted me in the past.

But now, It only felt greasy and overwhelming.

I even wondered how I had managed to tolerate this before. Love and the mate bond could distort one’s perception.

Seeing Liam lean in for a kiss, I quickly raised my hand to cover his mouth.

“Liam, stop! This is s****l harassment!”

“You’re my mate. This is just me expressing my feelings. How can it be harassment?”

I forcefully pushed his hand away.

“I’ve heard enough of these lines. Can you please stop saying them? Additionally, last night, Breanne doused me in gasoline and planned to set me ablaze. Security was called and took her away. Why is she not behind bars?”

Liam’s eyes widened, and there was a brief flicker of guilt and shame before it was pushed aside with the expression I knew all too well.

The Sterling Alpha family paid off the security, and there would be no charges. They have most likely already destroyed any evidence and footage that could support my claims.

Once again, he chose Breanne.

Before he could respond, I decisively grabbed my bag, turned, and walked out without a hint of regret.

The door slammed shut behind me.

As the end of the workday approached, I went to the break room to refill my coffee. At this point, I was more coffee than blood in my veins, but I had deadlines to meet.

Just as I placed my cup on the counter, Queenie’s figure appeared behind me like a shadow from the pits of hell. I could almost detect the hint of sulphur.

Queenie was on the phone.

“Luna Sterling, I’ll be coming over for dinner tonight, right? You are certain that Liam will pick me up after work? Really? Great! See you tonight!”

After hanging up, Queenie swayed her hips, deliberately bumping her elbow against my arm.

“Ms. Taylor, is there something you need?” I turned my head slightly.

“You heard who just called me, right?” Queenie crossed her arms, unable to hide her smugness.

I pretended not to know. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. Who was it?”

Queenie’s smile faltered.

“You didn’t hear me? It was your ex-mother-in-law, Luna Sterling. She invited me over for dinner tonight, and-” She deliberately elongated her words, “Liam will personally come to pick me up. How about that? You never got that treatment, did you?”

I heard every word clearly.

The Sterling Alpha family, the Sterling Moon pack and Liam no longer stirred any emotions in me. I was like an addict on the road to recovery. There were slip-ups, but I got right back on the path, separating myself from them each time.

However, I must admit that seeing Queenie’s smug face, I felt an inexplicable annoyance creep in.

I picked up my coffee cup, blew on it gently.

“Oh, congratulations on getting one step closer to mating into the Sterling Alpha family. That’ll do wonders for your reputation. I suppose a girl like you doesn’t mind sharing as long as the price is right, though. You and Breanne on either side of Liam. Your portraits will look absolutely perfect.”

After saying that, I didn’t even glance at Queenie. I turned to leave.

The utter disregard stung Queenie, especially the words of congratulations, but also hinted that she would still be sharing Liam with Breanne.

It was inevitable, but she clearly didn’t think of it at the time.

“You!” Queenie’s smile twisted into a scowl, “Claire! Stop right there!”

She suddenly turned and grabbed my arm, causing the coffee cup to crash to the floor.

A few curious colleagues gathered at the break room entrance.

I halted, my cold gaze sweeping over Queenie’s hand gripping my arm.

“Ms. Taylor, let me go. With all these witnesses, I am clear to file assault and harassment complaints.”

My tone remained flat, but an invisible pressure silenced the onlookers.

“What are you so proud of?” Queenie retorted, “You’re just a discarded ex-mate pretending to be high and mighty! You’re just jealous of how the Sterling Alpha family treats me, jealous that the future Alpha of the Sterling Moon pack, Liam, is picking me up. He’s long forgotten about a waste of a mate like you.”

“Queenie.”

A low, displeased voice interrupted from the entrance.

Everyone turned in surprise.

Liam stood tall at the door. His expression was unreadable, but his deep-set eyes were fixed on Queenie’s hand, which was gripping my arm, his brows furrowed in disapproval.

He had clearly heard everything.

Queenie released me as if shocked, her face paling.

“L-Liam? Why are you here so early?”

Liam didn’t respond immediately. His gaze swept over Queenie’s flustered state before landing on me.

But I didn’t even look up. I lowered my head to carefully wipe the coffee stain from my hand.

“I changed the time to pick you up after work.” He paused and added, “I heard you love chocolates. I just bought some and left them in the car.”

“Aww. Liam, you’re so thoughtful!” Queenie’s face lit up with surprise and delight.

“Let’s go!” Liam extended his arm, his tone even gentler. “Let’s have dinner at my place!”

Queenie eagerly linked her arm with his, casting a smug glance at me.