Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 77

Isolde's POV

 

Thalia slammed her tray down on the cafeteria table and pulled out a chair with unnecessary force.

 

"If I see that disgusting mush they call a salad on today's menu, I might just gouge my eyes out," she declared, settling into her seat. "I hate that stuff. I'd rather starve all day than touch it."

 

I sat down across from her and started eating my breakfast. I needed the energy—especially if Evanthe was planning to beat me up again during today's combat training under the guise of "practical demonstrations."

 

"Isolde."

 

I looked up, surprised to see Ash approaching from my left, tray in hand. I raised an eyebrow.

 

"Good morning, Isolde," she said. "Do you mind if I join you for breakfast? All the other tables are full, and I don't want to sit with women who mock me behind my back."

 

I quickly scanned the cafeteria, confirming that the tables were indeed occupied. I nodded.

 

"Sure. Join us."

 

Ash sat down and greeted Thalia, who responded with a friendly smile.

 

"Have you thought about what I mentioned last night?" I asked Ash after a moment. "About reporting Sybilla's bullying to HR?"

 

Thalia cut in. "What? She's being bullied too?"

 

I put down my fork and took a deep breath, preparing to explain what I'd witnessed.

 

After I finished, Thalia shook her head. "I'm not surprised. Sybilla is such a bitch. Even if Ash reports it to HR, they won't do anything. Greta doesn't care about this kind of stuff."

 

"Exactly," Ash confirmed.

 

My heart ached for her. No one deserved to be treated that way.

 

"You and Orion seem to get along," Thalia suggested. "He clearly likes you. Why don't you tell him?"

 

I immediately shook my head. "This involves Evanthe too. We can't tell Orion—he's Evanthe's brother. It would get back to her, and she'd make Ash's life even more miserable."

 

"Ah... right. Orion's not an option then," Thalia agreed.

 

"It's okay. I'm used to it," Ash said with a small smile. "I can handle it. Thank you for at least sympathizing with me. That's more than I've ever gotten from any other women in the Moon Alliance Program."

 

She smiled and continued eating her breakfast.

 

No one should have to deal with this shit.

 

"Isolde."

 

Oh, for fuck's sake! Can't my name rest for just one minute?

 

I whipped around, ready to snap, but quickly reined myself in when I saw it was Greta, the talent management director. I hastily put down my fork and stood up.

 

"Yes, Ms. Greta?"

 

"Prepare yourself for tonight with Mr. Silverwood. He has requested your services," Greta announced, then repeated for emphasis.

 

My heart plummeted. A wave of dizziness washed over me as I stood there, eyes wide but vision blurring. My head spun.

 

The emotions hit me all at once—excitement at being given VIP treatment again, but disappointment knowing Ezra wasn't truly looking forward to spending time with me. He regularly invited women from the Moon Alliance Program to satisfy his needs.

 

Around me, women stared in shock. Some with mouths full of food hanging open, others with spoons suspended in midair.

 

"Again?" one whispered.

 

I looked at Greta and exhaled heavily.

 

"Again?" I asked softly.

 

"Yes. Again. I don't know what he sees in you." She looked me up and down with disgust on her face. "You're nothing but a troublemaker!"

 

"You don't need special preparation since you've done this before. You may proceed to combat training after breakfast," she instructed before walking away.

 

I sighed in relief as my heart continued racing, then sat back down.

 

My mind raced to confirm what I'd just heard—I would be spending the night with Ezra Silverwood, CEO of Silver Moon Group. Memories of our last night together made my cheeks flush. Would we kiss again? Have dinner? Would I help prepare his private suite? Choose his clothes?

 

God. I'm losing my mind!

 

"No other woman has been summoned by Mr. Silverwood twice in the same week except for Evanthe," I overheard someone whisper.

 

"What's so special about her?"

 

"I don't know and I don't care, but I'm excited."

 

"Why are you excited?"

 

"Because Evanthe will be furious when she hears this. She'll take revenge on Isolde. I can't wait to see the drama unfold." The woman finished with a wicked giggle.

 

I knew she was right. My heartbeat quickened with desperation.

 

Evanthe is going to be furious... She's going to come after me again!

 

I quickly got up and left the cafeteria.

 

As I made my way to the Battle Arena, I silently prayed that Evanthe wouldn't be there today. But my prayer went unanswered—the moment I entered, I spotted her.

 

I froze in place.

 

Our eyes met.

 

Evanthe gave me a fake smile and drew her thumb across her throat in a slicing motion, her eyes never leaving mine.

 

She had just threatened to kill me in the most subtle way possible.

 

I felt myself melting like ice under her death glare.

 

I noticed Ezra and Orion were also in the Battle Arena. Great. Everyone's training here today.

 

I gave them a small bow in greeting. "Good morning, Alpha Ezra, Gamma Orion."

 

"Good morning, Isolde," Orion replied with his usual charming smile.

 

Ezra didn't speak, but I could feel his gaze lingering on me.

 

I went to my spot to put down my backpack and removed my workout jacket.

 

"Ezra," Evanthe called.

 

I couldn't help but turn to look.

 

Ezra stopped what he was doing and looked at Evanthe.

 

She approached him with a brilliant smile, asking, "My hair is a bit messy. Would you mind helping me fix it?"

 

I found her request ridiculous. She was clearly lying just to get Ezra's attention.

 

She's lying... that's disgusting!... So fake. Please say no.

 

When Ezra didn't respond, Evanthe called his name again, trying to sound sweet and vulnerable. "Ezra?... Please..."

 

Ezra stared at her expressionlessly for a moment.

 

"I'm not interested. Find someone else to help you," he finally said, turning away to continue what he was doing.

 

Inside, I was practically soaring with joy.