Chapter 3
On that day, Scarlet Mendoza watched as Ariel Hart posted what seemed to be a harmless video online. In it, Ariel appeared heartbreakingly fragile, delivering a series of artfully composed statements. Scarlet was used to such theatrics from Ariel, but this time, her so-called friend had brazenly referenced the rumors.
"I've already consulted with my pack lawyer about these unfounded rumors," Ariel declared, her tone calm and measured. "And beyond that, my best friend, Scarlet Mendoza, who is a journalist, will undoubtedly stand by me. So, my dear packmates, there’s no need to fret..."
The video hadn’t been up long before a torrent of hateful comments aimed at Scarlet appeared beneath it.
"What kind of friend doesn’t step up to help Ariel when she’s in trouble?"
"I’m starting to think Scarlet was the one who leaked Ariel’s scandals! Such a phony!"
"Ariel is just too gullible, always believing others. She’s so pure-hearted..."
The harsh words pierced Scarlet’s heart like ice shards. She knew all too well that Ariel had orchestrated this. Her eyes shifted to Quentin Bell, heir to the Bell Pack’s Alpha lineage, who was watching the video on his tablet, a faint smile playing on his lips. He saw the hostile comments yet chose silence.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Ariel had arrived.
"Scarlet, I don’t understand why they’re targeting you. That wasn’t my aim. You're my best friend; I’d never want to hurt you..." Ariel’s voice was soft, her eyes glistening with fake tears.
Scarlet frowned but couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. "If this wasn’t intentional, then what would you call it? It’s funny, I’ve never seen you post anything like this before."
Her words barely hung in the air when Ariel’s tears spilled over. She reached out, trying to grasp Scarlet’s arm. "Scarlet, believe me. How could I ever do this to you?"
Scarlet’s demeanor turned cold. She saw right through Ariel’s charade and had no patience for pretenses.
"Stop pretending already. Don’t think I’m unaware of you and..."
Before she could finish, Quentin interjected sharply, his alpha tone commanding the room. "Enough! Scarlet, we all know who Ariel is. Do you really want to embarrass her over a few harsh comments? Ariel’s faced just as much criticism, if not more! It’s your fault for not helping her clear this up."
Quentin’s words, delivered with authority, stung. He looked at Ariel with such concern that if Scarlet hadn’t been there, he might have hugged her.
Watching them, Scarlet was at a loss. Her eyes turned misty as cherished memories painfully resurfaced, like riding a carousel of sorrow. All the care and affection Quentin had ever shown her were merely rewards for her compliance.
Whenever she helped Ariel smooth over scandals, Quentin would praise her as the best journalist. When she tarnished other celebrities for Ariel’s sake, he’d call her the cleverest. But now, she had nothing.
Returning to her room, Scarlet crouched by her bed, overwhelmed by years of pent-up grievances. Tears rolled down her cheeks; she too had a heart susceptible to pain.
In six days, she would finally be free of them.
The next day, with swollen eyes, Scarlet went to work as usual, only to be struck by a car on the roadside. As she squinted to identify the black vehicle, she saw two Deltas from the Bell Pack stepping out.
Their gaze fell on her as they whispered, "Did we kill her? She’s not moving."
"Call the pack healer first! The future Alpha specifically instructed—she can be injured but not dead! Who knows how she crossed him, but she’s just unlucky."
In an instant, agony flooded her senses. The car that had once hit Quentin had now crashed into her. She wanted to speak, but blood choked her throat, leaving her trembling and powerless.
Closing her eyes, tears fell as she succumbed to the pain... Quentin, you truly are heartless...