Kendrick strolled in with an easy smile. This impossibly handsome young werewolf was Geraldine’s so-called benefactor. He was the heir apparent to the Flamino Pack, born in Falkora; his father, the current Alpha, was an oil tycoon with a hundred-year-old empire. As the heir to a lineage that wealthy, Kendrick was practically drowning in money. “What’s the problem? Am I not allowed to come by?” Kendrick’s English was halting; his brows drew together slightly as his gaze landed on Geraldine. Geraldine shook her head quickly, seizing the moment to cling to his arm and coo sweetly, “Kendrick, did you miss me? Is that why you came?” I shot her a glance and curled my lip. ‘“There are people here, you know. Calm down.” Geraldine glared at me. “Kendrick, she’s the one who’s been bullying me. I can never win against her. Your people have influence—help me put her in her place, will you?” But Kendrick ignored her completely. His eyes landed on me instead, and he greeted me softly, “Hi.” I rolled my eyes and replied. “Your English is still terrible, huh?” At that, Kendrick ducked his head, embarrassed. “Sorry, I don’t come to Varken often; of course I haven’t improved.” “And how exactly did you end up liking her?” I gestured toward Geraldine, still plastered against him, my tone flat and incredulous. Kendrick’s gaze softened; he smiled as he answered, “Because she looks a little like you—especially her mouth. Kissing her almost feels like kissing you.” I gagged, literally. “Do you have to be that disgusting?” Then I fixed him with a look. “Kendrick, she’s been throwing her weight around because of you. Can you do me a favor?” His smile turned warm. “Of course.” Geraldine’s eyes widened in shock. “Kendrick… you two know each other?” Kendrick’s gaze lingered on me, his voice dripping with something dangerously close to reverence. “Of course I do. She’s the one I told you about, my dream girl.” Geraldine’s face drained of color.I caught her stunned expression and, honestly, I’d never felt so satisfied. The moment I’d learned yesterday that Kendrick was the man backing her, I’d already pictured this exact scene. Kendrick had pursued me for a long time, but I’d rejected him outright more than once; eventually, I’d even told him I had a boyfriend, and only then did the heir of the Flamino Pack finally back off. He was hopeless romantics; after I turned him down, he wasn’t about to let his heart sit idle. What I hadn’t expected was that he’d end up with Geraldine. “When did you meet Raelyn?” Geraldine’s voice trembled, eyes filled with disbelief. Kendrick’s eyes softened as they held mine. “Raelyn was only fifteen then—a kid, fresh abroad. I saw her outside a university, standing up for a girl being bullied. The way she moved—so sharp, so fearless—she took my breath away. From that moment, I couldn’t look away.” “Kendrick!” Geraldine’s voice cracked as she all but shrieked. “You’re the son of an oil magnate; how could you ever pay attention to some Omega brawler?” Kendrick’s brows furrowed as his gaze turned cold. “What are you talking about? If you weren’t so completely different from Raelyn—if you were even a little like her—I might have liked you more.” The words hit Geraldine like a slap. “But, Kendrick, you told me you liked me!” “I do like you,” he admitted with disarming honesty, “but only because you look like her. Your lips… they reminded me of hers. But I’ve always liked her more.” Geraldine froze, then her voice rose, sharp and desperate. “But Raelyn has a boyfriend! She doesn’t even like you!” Kendrick only smiled, unconcerned. “I know Raelyn has someone. I just hope he treats her well. If he doesn’t well, I won’t sit back and do nothing.” Geraldine crumpled completely then, collapsing to the floor in a heap as ugly, raw sobs tore out of her. “Kendrick! You said you’d marry me when you turned thirty. Were you lying to me?” Kendrick’s brows pinched together. “When did I ever say that? It was a drunken joke, nothing more.” “Geraldine,” I said, watching her cry like her world was ending, “have you forgotten everything you’ve done? Do you cry like this for everyone?” And in that moment, it clicked. Geraldine didn’t love anyone.She’d chased Aiden because he was young, handsome, and destined for greatness; she’d latched onto Kendrick because he had wealth, power, and good looks to spare. In the end, the only person Geraldine truly loved was herself.