Chapter 5 Chapter 5

IRENE'S POV

I returned once more to the house I shared with Matthew, though stepping back inside immediately cast a heavy pall over my mood.

Meeting with Leon had provided a brief reprieve, and I hoped he would reach out to me proactively after reviewing the information on the USB drive.

Matthew was absent, no doubt with Thea. The fleeting sense of relief was quickly replaced by a profound loneliness as I sank onto the couch, staring at the walls of a home that had once been filled with love and warmth. Now they felt like the walls of a prison, confining me in isolation. Running my fingers over the fabric of the sofa brought back memories of Matthew's presence that still carried warmth. But those memories had been tainted, his betrayal leeching the warmth away.

I pulled out my phone, searching for information on Leon - his face, his powerful chest muscles. My fingers traced his image unconsciously as I recalled his intense gaze at the gala, the way he had listened to my proposition with skepticism yet compassion swirling in his eyes. It all replayed vividly in my mind, stirring my inner wolf. I must have been too immersed in Matthew's love for too long - Alpha Leon was a man a thousand times better than him. But...would he truly accept my proposal?

My phone rang then, jolting me from my reverie. A glance at the screen revealed Leon's name, and my heart skipped a beat. With a mix of anticipation and nerves, I answered the call.

"Hello Irene," Leon's deep voice reverberated through the line, sending a shiver down my spine. "I've been thinking about our conversation."

"Hi Leon," I replied, striving to keep my voice steady. "So what are your thoughts? Tell me, Alpha Leon."

I held my breath, afraid of missing any nuance in his expression that could lead me to misinterpret his meaning.

"Irene." Finally, Alpha Leon's magnetic timbre rumbled forth again, and I had to admit it sent a fresh wave of heat through me.

I waited with bated breath for him to continue, still lacking a definitive answer.

"My assistant verified the information you provided, and it is indeed useful, but not enough to take down Matthew's pack and empire."

I nodded to myself, responding evenly. "The USB was merely a gesture of good faith. The real secrets are on my laptop - Matthew kept important files there," I explained. "And that is what you need to obtain. I'm under too much scrutiny to do it myself, so this is where you come in."

"A clever approach," Leon said after a pause, no doubt carefully considering my words. "So you have a plan for how to make this happen?"

I took a deep breath, formulating the plan in my mind.

"First, we can stage a 'break-in.' Your people can steal my laptop and take some minor valuables to cover the real motive. Then I'll report a fake burglary to mask the information leak."

Leon mulled over my suggestion.

"A good idea, it won't trace back to you that way."

"Exactly, that's the goal. I don't want to tip Matthew off too soon - I want to give him one big 'surprise.' But I will need your help with something else as well."

"What is it?" Leon asked.

"I need you to attend my photography exhibition..." I trailed off abruptly.

"You're providing me all this, just to have me attend your photo show?"

"Bringing down Matthew is reward enough. The second request is because when I leave him, I won't be taking any of his alimony - that would be an insult. I want to continue my photography work independently, and your presence would create a huge buzz in the art world that I believe would benefit me more than any alimony from him," I stated firmly.

"I understand, and I'm honored to assist," Alpha Leon chuckled. "We'll proceed with your plan. When can we execute this 'break-in'?"

"Give me a few days to prepare," I replied. "I need to ensure everything is in place."

"Understood," Leon said. "Take care, Irene. Until then."

Hanging up, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

However, I still needed to consider what to do about the house. Thea had made it clear she coveted it, but I wouldn't let her have it. The best recourse may be to demolish it entirely, but I would need to line up a suitable buyer first.

Matthew had underestimated me, but he was about to find out just how formidable I could be. With Leon by my side, I would seize this opportunity to regain control of my life and make Matthew submit.

I lay in bed, unable to sleep as Leon's voice echoed in my ears. We continued chatting on WhatsApp, discussing the details of our plan. He was direct, efficient - his words carefully considered and precise. I couldn't shake the feeling of his involvement, but for now, I needed his help. That was what mattered most.

Just as I was drifting off, the door suddenly burst open. Matthew barged in, his movements brash and grating.

"What's going on between you and Leon?" he demanded, his tone icy cold.