Chapter 36
Cossette Jonas — POV
Days passed quickly, and before I realized it, the weekend had arrived.
Betha sat beside me as I drove toward Natalie Sterling's house. Earlier that morning, Alaric had sent us the address along with one clear instruction — keep it strictly confidential for her own protection. Being extremely popular apparently meant living with constant risks.
The moment I saw her name on my phone, my mind drifted back to a few days ago… at Ray's house.
Natalie Sterling is my ex.
Just remembering those words made something tighten inside my chest — an uncomfortable reaction I refused to examine too deeply.
Why should I care? I was married to Frost. Even if our marriage had nothing to do with love anymore after everything he had done to me… it was still my reality. My focus should be on my revenge — not on Alaric's past.
And definitely not on that stupid elevator kiss.
It meant nothing.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost missed a turn.
"Hey — you need to turn right," Betha said suddenly.
I blinked and quickly turned the wheel.
"Yeah… I saw it."
She watched me carefully. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," I replied. "Why wouldn't I be okay?"
She smirked. "Maybe because we're about to meet Alaric's insanely hot and ridiculously famous ex."
I kept my eyes on the road and sighed. "She's just his ex. I don't see the problem."
Betha's smirk grew wider. "You told me what happened between you two. The tension is obvious." She paused, then added with a laugh, "And honestly? Same energy with Ray."
She leaned back comfortably. "So what is this? You collecting powerful men like business deals?"
I chuckled softly. "Very funny. I have more important things to focus on."
"So boring," she teased.
Then she leaned closer. "Still… if you had to choose between Alaric or Ray—"
"There," I interrupted quickly, pointing ahead. "That must be Natalie Sterling's house."
Betha burst out laughing. "Avoiding the question — classic Cossette move."
Then she looked up at the mansion and froze.
"Oh… wow."
The house looked exactly like something from a celebrity magazine — a massive modern villa made of glass and white stone, with enormous black double doors at the entrance. Perfectly shaped gardens surrounded the property, tall palm trees lined the driveway, and luxury cars were parked neatly outside. Through the wide glass windows, a shimmering infinity pool stretched across the back of the house. Everything about the place screamed fame, wealth, and power.
In front of the house sat Alaric's car — and inside were Alaric and Alex.
Wait… since when were those two getting along?
Behind them was Ray's car.
So… we were officially the last ones to arrive.
And honestly? That was entirely Betha's fault. She had taken forever getting ready like she was attending a red-carpet event. When I asked if all that effort was for Alex, she immediately denied it.
"No," she had said proudly. "I'm a fan of Natalie Sterling. I want her to like me… maybe even become my friend."
And now… here we were.
Standing right in front of Natalie Sterling's mansion — and whatever chaos was waiting for us inside.
---
Alaric Veynor — POV
Finally… the team's princesses arrived.
Cossette and Betha stepped out of the car like they were attending a gala instead of a simple meeting. Especially Betha — wearing a cute blue dress, looking excited and ready to impress. A total cutie brunette.
And then… Cossette.
Simple as always. Jeans and a blue top — effortless elegance. Maybe she was matching with her best friend, maybe not. But even dressed casually, she was… dangerously irresistible.
Damn.
I had never been this attracted to a woman before. And the craziest part? Nothing had really happened between us. Just one unfinished elevator kiss — nothing serious — and yet I couldn't stop thinking about her.
Her jasmine scent.
Her smile.
Those ridiculously blue eyes.
That calm, confident aura she carried like armor.
Without realizing it, I smiled.
"This smile," Alex said beside me, "is it for Betha or Cossette?"
I sighed. "For God's sake, Alex. I'm not attracted to Betha. Relax."
He smirked. "Good. Just checking."
You might be wondering how I ended up in the same car as Alex.
I thought Cossette would leave from Tasty Company so we could go together to Natalie Sterling's house. So I went there early to wait for her.
Instead… I found Alex outside the building looking lost. He thought Betha would come from the company too, and he planned to take a taxi with her to Natalie's house.
The problem? She wasn't there.
And he didn't even have a ride.
So I told him to get in.
And now… here we were. Sitting in front of Natalie Sterling's mansion, watching Cossette and Betha walk toward us.
And somehow… my eyes refused to look anywhere except at Cossette.
Author Note:
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