Eloise became quieter as Mavis’s words continued to echo in her mind. She didn’t dwell on the apology; she just wanted to be respected, something she had almost forgotten how to expect from others.
Ainsley, the powerful Alpha, had destroyed everything. He destroyed Eloise.
Pain and regret twisted inside her as she recalled the past. She had once believed she could rise, that she could demand respect. But those hopes had been shattered long ago. She had learned that it was foolish to expect too much from anyone, foolish to expect respect when she was treated as little more than a stepping stone.
The harsh words from Mavis stung deeply. Eloise could feel the weight of the cruel accusation: "You crawled on the ground and barked like a dog for money."
She clenched her fists, trying to supp
