Zara POV

Willie picks me up from the shopping center and drives me home. Grandpa's waiting for us at lunch.

Too bad Lacy had to rush off for work. I really wanted to tell her about the scene she missed.

"Zara, there's a business gala tomorrow." Grandpa cuts his food precisely, every movement controlled. The mark of an Alpha who's ruled for decades. "All the elite families and business leaders will be there. Willie will take you. Once you understand the networks, you can take over more of the companies."

"Of course, Grandpa." I smile.

I've been groomed for this since childhood. I have my MBA. Taking over part of the family empire is no challenge at all. And during those three years with the Sterlings, I never stopped studying.

But to the Sterling family, I was just a housewife. Nothing more than a woman who existed to cook and serve her husband.

The thought makes me laugh bitterly. I shake my head.

"I'll be honored to escort you, dear sister," Willie says, catching my eye. His smile is warm and protective.

Raven stirs contentedly. 'Pack,' she sighs. 'Real pack.'

The next evening, Willie and I arrive at the gala.

The moment we enter the ballroom, gasps ripple through the crowd.

"Look! The Fros heir!"

"Wow, I've always admired him! But who's that woman with him?"

"Probably another gold-digger using her looks to climb into the Fros family."

The speculation about my identity runs hot and cold. I understand—I've kept a low profile for years. After marrying Timothy, I had almost no contact with the Fros family publicly.

But their whispers don't bother me. Willie and I nod politely to the guests as we make our way deeper into the ballroom.

Then I feel it. Eyes on us. Intense. Burning.

I scan the room and spot them.

Timothy Sterling andStella Taylor.

Timothy's tall frame is wrapped in a perfectly tailored suit. His blonde hair is slicked back immaculately. He's always been handsome—debonair, even. Tonight's no different.

Stella wears a rose-red gown, her chestnut hair loose around her shoulders. She clings to Timothy's side like a decorative accessory.

They probably never imagined seeing me here. Not like this. Not looking wealthy, polished, and powerful.

But here I am.

Timothy's face darkens like storm clouds gathering. His brow furrows. His eyes lock onto my hand where it rests on Willie's arm.

I can feel his wolf—Havoc—pushing against his control from across the room. Alpha energy pulses off him in aggressive waves.

Willie notices Timothy too. He leans down, voice gentle. "Don't worry, Zara. I'm here."

"No." I smile slowly. "They're the ones who should be worried."

I tighten my grip on Willie's arm and walk toward them with the confident stride of someone who's already won.

For three years, I suffered in silence because I loved him.

Now I'm free. I'm unstoppable. What is there to fear?

The four of us face off. Willie and Timothy are evenly matched—two powerful Alphas assessing each other. Their wolves circle beneath the surface, territorial and wary.

ButStella? She pales next to me. Literally. She looks washed out.

I've heard she's supposed to be a wealthy heiress. But her bearing tells a different story. She drapes herself in expensive brands like armor, but she still looks like a fraud desperately trying to fit into high society.

Willie and Timothy exchange cold, polite greetings.

"Alpha. Sterling. Good evening."

"Alpha. Fros. I've heard much about you. An honor to finally meet."

They shake hands. But Timothy's eyes never leave me.

His stare seems to ask: This is your choice?

He probably thinks I jumped straight from his bed into Willie's. That I traded up to a richer, more powerful Alpha.

Maybe he thinks I knew Willie all along. That I left Timothy because I had someone better waiting.

I can see it all in his eyes—rage, jealousy, shock. His gaze traces over me, taking in my beauty, my elegance, the way every man in the room has noticed me tonight.

Including him.

It's almost funny. Was he blind before?

Stella clearly senses Timothy's intensity. She shrieks at me, voice pitched high and grating. "Zara! What are you doing here? A business gala like this—it's not appropriate for someone like you!"

She's trying to remind everyone I'm an omega. Trying to humiliate me in front of all these influential wolves.

Before I can respond, Willie cuts in. His voice drops several degrees. "Who are you to speak to Zara that way?"

Alpha command bleeds through his words. It's not directed at me—butStella flinches.

"Sir," she stammers, "don't you know Zara is divorced?"

She probably thinks she's exposing some scandal. That a powerful Alpha like Willie Fros would never want a divorced woman.

"Divorced people aren't allowed at galas?" Willie laughs coldly. "Then I suggest you take Mr. Sterling and leave. Immediately."

Stella's face flushes red. She turns to Timothy, clearly expecting him to defend her.

But Timothy just stands there, one hand in his pocket, expression dark and irritated. He doesn't help her.

I step closer toStella, letting my contempt show. "Why wouldn't I be here?Stella Taylor, you're overstepping."

"I'm just stating facts!" She backs up, panicking. Timothy still doesn't intervene.

"Alpha. Sterling." Willie glances atStella with obvious disdain. "Your taste is... questionable. Your companion leaves much to be desired."

Timothy's face darkens further. He doesn't respond.

Willie pats my hand where it rests on his arm. "Shall we go inside? Everyone's waiting to meet you."

He's talking about Fros family business partners—people we need to speak with. I know this might make Timothy assume we're together. But why should I care? This whole situation feels like sweet, sweet justice.

We haven't walked more than a few steps when I hearStella's voice behind us, petulant and whining. "Timothy! Are you just going to let them humiliate me like that?"

I don't hear Timothy's response. Maybe he'll pull her aside and comfort her gently.

But then heavy footsteps sound behind me. A hand clamps around my wrist.

An angry male voice growls in my ear. "Zara. Come with me. Now."