---- your favorite." David froze for a second, caught off guard. "What?" I turned to face him-something I hadn't done willingly in three years. Leaning in, I lowered my head toward his neck, breathing in softly, deliberately. "Tt's pretty strong," I said slowly. "That kind of scent... tends to attract other male wolves." He flinched. Then, just as I expected, he stepped back-twice. Eyes flickering. Guilt radiating from every movement. He couldn't even meet my gaze. "Oh, maybe I picked it up from driving them home. I'll go shower. Change clothes." Every word was a lie. Lazy. Careless. A pathetic attempt to cover the truth. ---- Earlier that day, on the way to go hunting, he'd made avery intentional detour to pick up two wolves from the party-a male and a female. The female's scent was subtle, but the second I smelled it, I knew it was her. David wasn't just torching my heart - He was slicing it open, piece by piece, until there was nothing left to burn. "Well, isn't this the fragile little beauty our Alpha's been hiding away?" The she-wolf sneered at me with a sugary smile. " Tsk. Some girls just get all the luck." David laughed, indulgent and shameless. "Serena, don't tease. You and Luke are my closest friends. That's why I brought you." But Serena pouted, clearly enjoying herself. "What's wrong, Alpha? You told me you'd claim me when we were pups. ---- Now you act like you don't even know me?" When she saw me staring at David, he panicked and coughed - twice. Luke caught the cue instantly. "Serena, knock it off," he said with an exaggerated grin. "Our Alpha's taken now. Careful-if you upset his mate, she might really break his heart." Serena rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "They're not even bonded. It's not like he's ever touched her... What kind of 'mate' is that?" Her voice was low. But it cut through me-sharp and clear. And after that? David kept trying to soothe me with sweet words, tender gestures, fake apologies. I didn't respond. ---- I didn't even look at him. Because I was done. Done pretending. Done hurting. In the world of "Crimson Heiress" by CrushReel, business magnate Zelda falls victim to a treacherous plot orchestrated by her own brother and husband, unwittingly surrendering her empire to the cunning Yasmina. As Yasmina's sinister intentions unravel, Zelda meets a tragic fate. However, a twist of fate brings Zelda back to life, setting the stage for a riveting saga of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Exploring themes of deceit, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships, "Crimson Heiress" delves into the intertwined lives of its characters against the backdrop of a captivating blend of CEO dynamics, time travel elements, and mysterious reincarnations. The narrative unfolds within the opulent setting of a grand mansion, where secrets are as abundant as the characters' ambitions. As Zelda navigates through her journey of transformation and retribution, readers are drawn into a web of drama that promises unexpected twists at every turn. What sets "Crimson Heiress" apart is its seamless fusion of suspenseful storytelling with elements of glow-up narratives and intricate character developments. With its gripping plotline and immersive exploration of vengeance and second chances, this ongoing tale captivates audiences seeking a compelling blend of mystery and drama. Discover the allure of "Crimson Heiress" for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.