Chapter 11

<p>CHLOE'S P.O.V.</p><p>My phone vibrates before I even reach Woodvale's main road. I glance at the screen. As expected, it was Jo.</p><p>“Tell me.”</p><p>“Yvette called Catherine.”</p><p>My fingers tighten around the steering wheel. “When?”</p><p>“About ten minutes ago.”</p><p>“And Catherine?”</p><p>“She called Jasper immediately afterward.” I let out a slow breath.</p><p>“Keep monitoring them,” I say.</p><p>“I will.”</p><p>“And Jo, be careful." Even though she was fearless and a loyal friend, I still feared for her safety; after all, she was risking her life for me.</p><p>“Always Luna” I can feel the smile through the phone.</p><p>The call ends and I stare ahead, my wolf restless beneath my skin. I'm sure by now they knew something was up after Yvette's call. They just didn't know how much I already knew.</p><p>By the time I returned home, Jasper had already called twice. I ignore both calls.</p><p>When I finally enter the house, I find him waiting in the sitting room.</p><p>“Where have you been?” His voice sounds casual, but I can hear the tension beneath it.</p><p>“Checking the final arrangements for the party.”</p><p>“For hours?”</p><p>“Yes.”</p><p>He studies me. “You could have told me.”</p><p>“I didn't realize I needed permission.”</p><p>His jaw tightens. “I was worried.”</p><p>I almost laugh at the irony. Worried. After everything he had done to Sophia, he suddenly knew how to worry.</p><p>“I am fine.”</p><p>He walks toward me, wrapping his arms around me. “Chloe, I know things have been difficult between us.” I look at him, already knowing where this is going.</p><p>“But you've been different lately.”</p><p>“Different?”</p><p>“I dunno, you seem calmer.” I smile; he was fishing for information. Even at the slightest. Which meant he was scared or nervous at the very least. Good</p><p>“Maybe I finally accepted that fighting you was pointless.”</p><p>His expression softens. “That is all I wanted.”</p><p>I almost choke on the lie.</p><p>“Of course.”</p><p>He kisses my forehead; I remain still in his arms.</p><p>“I'll see you at dinner.” He speaks and then walks away. The moment his back disappears, my smile fades.</p><p>The next morning, I meet Briella at her office.</p><p>"Is everything ready?” I ask.</p><p>She closes the file in front of her.</p><p>“Yes. The divorce documents, custody petition, financial records, and supporting evidence are all organized.”</p><p>“Good.”</p><p>“If you are certain about this, Chloe, we need to be careful. Once these documents are filed, Jasper will retaliate in full force.”</p><p>“Bri, I expected that much.”</p><p>Briella gives me a concerned look. “And the abuse evidence?”</p><p>“I have medical photographs, Celia''s notes, and the investigator's report.”</p><p>“Then we have enough to move forward.”</p><p>I nod. “There's one more thing you should know about.”</p><p>I tell her about Yvette, and Briella's brows rise.</p><p>“She agreed to come?”</p><p>“Not yet.”</p><p>“But you invited her.”</p><p>“Yes, she will come.”</p><p>“You sound certain.”</p><p>“I know what she wants.”</p><p>“And that's Lucas?”</p><p>I nod. “Exactly.”</p><p>Briella closes the file.</p><p>“Then let's hope she chooses her son over Jasper.”</p><p>“She will.”</p><p>When I return home, Catherine is waiting in the hallway.</p><p>Her eyes immediately narrow into slits. “Where were you?”</p><p>“Out.”</p><p>“Doing what?”</p><p>“Party preparations.”</p><p>She steps closer.</p><p>“I heard you changed and met with the manager.”</p><p>“I did.”</p><p>“What about?”</p><p>My heart skips; there it was. The trap to catch me in a lie. To give myself away. I knew she knew nothing; she was only probing.</p><p>"I needed to make sure everything was in place?”</p><p>Her expression hardens. “Don't play games with me, Chloe.”</p><p>I raise a brow at her. “I'm not.”</p><p>“The birthday does not need unnecessary surprises.”</p><p>I smirk, wanting to tease her “I disagree.”</p><p>“It is Lucas's birthday, not some public spectacle.”</p><p>“I am his mother. I think I know what his birthday needs.”</p><p>Her lips tighten.</p><p>“You are becoming bolder by the day.”</p><p>“And you're unnecessarily nervous; relax.”</p><p>Her eyes flash. "Watch yourself.”</p><p>“I always do.”</p><p>She steps aside. “This party will go exactly as I planned.”</p><p>“No.” I look directly at her. “It will go exactly as I planned.”</p><p>We engage in a staredown until she turns away.</p><p>“Do as you please.”</p><p>I watch her disappear down the hallway, and I release the breath I had been holding, stumbling slightly. I needed to be careful around her not to arouse suspicion.</p><p>Immediately, I call Jo, who picks up on the third ring. I fill her in on what had transpired, urging her to check up on the manager and ensure everything was in place. An hour later, she got back to me with the confirmation that everything was fine, and only then did I relax.</p><p>I couldn't afford to lose anymore time. Come tomorrow, everything had to be perfect.</p>