Chapter 193
Erin’s POV
“I really want to know how you became my eldest son’s personal secretary?” Judy demanded, her eyes shifting from me to Derek. The warmth she had once shown me when I was Bradley’s girlfriend had completely vanished, replaced by cold hostility.
I stood frozen in the doorway of the elegant living room, suddenly feeling like an intruder. The plush sofas and expensive artwork that had once impressed me now seemed to mock my presence. My inner wolf whimpered, sensing the hostility directed at us.
Derek, however, remained perfectly composed. “She is my designated personal secretary,” he stated simply, his voice carrying that unmistakable Alpha authority as he walked confidently toward one of the sofas, his hand still resting on the small of my back.
I could feel his palm pressing firmly against me, not just guiding but almost shielding me from his mother’s glare. The warmth of his touch contrasted sharply with the cold reception we were receiving.
Harry Stone rose from his seat, his imposing figure reminding me of an older version of Derek. His gray eyes–so similar to his son’s–narrowed as he studied us.
“What does that mean, Derek?” he asked, his tone serious and measured. Unlike his wife’s open hostility, Harry’s face revealed careful
calculation.
Derek gestured for me to come closer. I hesitated before taking a few reluctant steps forward, fighting the urge to run from the room. As I moved, Derek shifted his position slightly, placing himself partially between me and his parents.
“Nothing. This is a matter of Stone Group, it has nothing to do with you, mother,” Derek announced, his expression giving nothing away.
Now, my mind finally sorted out a little bit of thought. So it was Judy who knew me that her youngest son’s ex–girlfriend became her eldest son’s secretary, and she was furious and thought I was playing with the relationship between the two brothers. So she asked Derek to bring me today and wanted to question me directly.
“This is absolutely ridiculous!” Judy exploded, her face flushing with anger. She took a step forward, and I instinctively moved closer to Derek. “You! You’re nothing but a deceiver!”
She turned back to Derek, her voice rising. “How could you make her your secretary after what she did to your brother? Have you considered Bradley’s feelings at all?”
My hands clenched into fists as I lowered my gaze to the expensive carpet beneath my feet. Every instinct screamed at me to defend myself, to remind them that it was Bradley who had betrayed me, not the other way around. But I remained silent, regretting my decision to accompany Derek to this hostile environment.
Harry cleared his throat, adjusting his tie as he glanced toward the hallway. “Bradley isn’t here right now. It would be best if you took this girl away before he returns.”
I could feel their gazes on me–judgmental, hostile, dismissive. My inner wolf paced anxiously, sensing the threat in the room. The weight of their stares made my skin crawl, and I found myself inching closer to Derek, seeking the safety his presence provided.
“Derek, Judy began, but he cut her off with a slight shake of his head.
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