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Chapter 36: Professional Boundaries

Penulis: Judith GW
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-14 11:02:46
(Layla’s POV)

Annie stared at me suspiciously, her small nose wrinkling. “Why is your face all red?”

“Is it?” I touched my cheek self-consciously. “I just walked quickly, that’s all.”

“You look mad,” Annie observed, closing her math workbook. “Did Auntie Barbara say something mean? She can be mean sometimes.”

“Everything’s fine,” I assured her, pulling out her spelling list. “Let’s focus on these words for your test tomorrow.”

Annie wasn’t fooled. “I heard Auntie Barbara and Dad yelling. Were they fighting about you?”

I sighed, deciding a partial truth might satisfy her curiosity. “Your aunt is protective of you and your dad. That’s natural for a family.”

“She doesn’t like other women around Dad,” Annie confided, taking a sip of her water. “She got mad at the grocery store lady once just for helping him find pasta sauce.”

Despite everything, I couldn’t help but laugh at this image. “That’s a bit extreme.”

“Auntie Barbara says she and Dad belong together because Mom’s gone,” Annie conti
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  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 37: Dinner Invitation

    (Layla’s POV)I glanced at my watch as I gathered Annie’s completed worksheets from her table. Six o’clock already—time had slipped away during our extended therapy session.Annie had progressed to wiggling not just her toes but parts of her foot, small movements that represented huge neurological victories. Each twitch brought a fierce grin to her face that made the hours of repetitive exercises worthwhile.“You’re getting better every day,” I told her as I packed the worksheets into my bag. “If you keep working this hard, you’ll be taking steps before you know it.”Annie beamed from her wheelchair, tiny dimples appearing in her cheeks. “Dad says I’m tough.”“The toughest,” I agreed, zipping my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. “Same time tomorrow?”“You’re leaving already?” Samuel’s deep voice came from the doorway. He’d changed from his formal business attire into dark jeans and a charcoal henley that somehow made him look even more imposing than his suits.I nodded, picking up

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 38: Stepmom Material

    (Layla’s POV)I’d never eaten somewhere that required three different forks before. The table looked ready for a magazine photoshoot, not actual humans eating food. Barbara had clearly pulled out all the stops, arranging fresh flowers in a low centerpiece and lighting tapered candles at each end of the table.“Sit here,” Barbara directed, pointing to a chair across from Annie’s specialized seat. “Samuel always takes the head of the table.”I followed her instruction, watching as she bustled around, straightening already-perfect place settings. She moved like she belonged here, like this was a routine she performed regularly. Her territorial behavior couldn’t have been more obvious if she’d peed on the furniture to mark it.Samuel wheeled Annie in, helping her transfer to her adapted chair. The little girl’s eyes went wide at the elaborate table setting.“Wow! It looks like Christmas!” she exclaimed, running her fingers along the edge of her fancy plate.Barbara beamed at the praise, ta

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 39: Switched Plates

    (Layla’s POV)The declaration landed like a bomb at the dinner table. Barbara’s face froze in a rictus of a smile, her knuckles white around her wine glass.Samuel went completely still, his fork suspended halfway to his mouth.I stared fixedly at my plate, heat blazing across my face and neck in embarrassment.Nobody spoke, nobody moved. The only sound was the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner, marking each excruciating second of silence.My chest tightened with mortification at being put on the spot, as well as strange pleasure at Annie’s preference, and acute discomfort at Barbara’s obvious dismay.I couldn’t bring myself to look at Samuel, afraid of what I might see in his expression.Barbara recovered first, forcing a brittle laugh. “Children say the most outlandish things, don’t they?” She patted Annie’s hand condescendingly. “Sweetie, Layla is your nanny. That’s a very different relationship.”“So?” Annie challenged, stubbornly crossing her arms. “Dad can mar

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 40: Drugged Confessions

    (Layla’s POV)As we ate the dessert, Barbara dabbed her lips with a napkin and rose from her chair, smoothing her dress.“I think I’ll retire to my room now,” she announced, directing a meaningful look at Samuel. “It’s been such a long day of travel. Annie, darling, don’t stay up too late. Samuel…” Her gaze lingered on him, and she blinked slowly. “I’ll see you later this evening, perhaps?”She glanced at me briefly, a small, triumphant smile playing at the corners of her mouth before she turned away. “Goodnight, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your cake.”As Barbara’s footsteps faded down the hallway, Annie rolled her eyes dramatically. “She always does that. Acts like she and Dad have secret plans.”“Annie,” Samuel warned, though he looked more tired than angry.I took another bite of strawberry cake, savoring the sweet-tart flavor, but as I swallowed, a strange sensation swept through me—a light-headedness that seemed to come from nowhere. I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my suddenly

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 41: A Scheme

    Samuel’s POVThe car swerved violently as I slammed the brakes, tires screeching against asphalt. Layla's body lurched forward, the seatbelt snapping tight across her chest—but it did nothing to stop her hand from sliding up my thigh."Samuel..." Her voice was a breathy whisper, lips brushing my ear as she leaned closer. "My strong, stubborn Alpha..."Every muscle in my body tensed. Her fingers traced circles on my leg. I caught her wrist, but she just sighed and pressed closer, her warm breath fanning across my neck."I've watched you," she murmured, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my forearm. "The way your jaw clenches when you're annoyed... how you rub your temples when Annie tests your patience..." A soft laugh escaped her. "You're always thinking, always protecting... but in my dreams..."Her hand slid up to cup my cheek, her thumb brushing the corner of my mouth. "...in my dreams, you let go."Her words sent a jolt straight to my core. I swallowed hard, gripping the steerin

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 42: Unwanted Guest

    Samuel’s POVClaire cowered behind me in panic as the man swaggered into the apartment. The stench of cheap liquor and his body odor filled the small space, making my nose wrinkle in disgust."Frank." Her voice trembled, fingers digging into my arm. "What are you doing here? How many times do I have to tell you—stay away from us!"Frank staggered past us, his boots kicking aside broken glass as he collapsed onto the couch."Aw, sweetheart," he drawled, the words thick with alcohol and malice. "This how you welcome your husband home?" His yellowed teeth gleamed in the dim light as he patted the stained cushion beside him. “Need money,” he announced bluntly, swaying slightly on his feet. “Got collectors breathing down my neck, nowhere to run.”Claire trembled visibly. “The money at home, you took it all already. There’s nothing left.”Frank's bloodshot eyes locked onto me with sudden, predatory interest. A slow, greasy smile spread across his unshaven face as he leaned forward on the

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 43: Morning Aftermath

    Layla’s POVHis head turned slowly at the sound of my voice.Sprawled across our secondhand couch that was at least two sizes too small for his frame, his usually impeccable dress shirt rumpled, the top buttons undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of a toned chest. "Did you change my clothes?" I asked again, my voice embarrassingly thin.One dark brow arched. "Do I strike you as the type?" His voice was dry as desert wind. "Your mother handled it. Though I did have to veto the bunny slippers."My face burned. "They’re wolves, not bunnies.""Ah." He tilted his head, studying my pajamas with exaggerated scrutiny. "My mistake. The ferocious wolves with... pink bows on their ears?"I crossed my arms. "It was a gift.""From a five-year-old?"I threw a couch pillow at him.Samuel caught it effortlessly, but not before I saw the smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m someone with strong boundaries, Layla. Besides our one night stand, I have never done anything so out of line.”Relief flooded thro

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 44: Political Pawns

    Layla’s POVI lunged for Mason’s phone, but he jerked it away, still recording. “Give me that!” I snapped, furious at his implications.Samuel rose from the table and approached the door. “Let’s take this outside,” he said coldly.Mason backed onto the front lawn, his camera never wavering. I followed them both, acutely aware of my ridiculous pajamas but too angry to care. The morning air chilled my skin through the thin fabric and raised goosebumps along my arms.Once outside, Samuel silently pointed toward his car. Mason’s camera swung to follow his gesture, capturing the luxury vehicle sitting on bare rims, all four tires conspicuously absent.“What is this?” Mason asked, genuine surprise in his voice.“This,” Samuel replied calmly, “is what happens when an Alpha fails to maintain proper security in his territory. My tires were stolen last night, leaving me stranded.”Mason lowered his phone slightly as Samuel continued.“The theft of my tires is a small matter,” Samuel said. “But s

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28

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  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 50: Standing Ground

    Layla’s POVJust as Samuel stepped through the front door, Barbara rushed over in high heels, her face flushed with anger. Her expensive silk dress swished dramatically around her long legs as she stormed toward us.“Where have you been?” she demanded shrilly. “Why didn’t you come home last night? Annie was asking for you!”Samuel’s cold gaze swept over her, making her take an involuntary step back. “Aren’t you aware why?” he asked icily. “Your little drugged dessert made that impossible.”Barbara’s face paled visibly, but she recovered quickly. “I apologized for that misunderstanding—”“Misunderstanding?” Samuel repeated incredulously. “You deliberately drugged food in my home, near my child. There was nothing to misunderstand.”“It wasn’t meant for her,” Barbara protested, shooting me a venomous glance.“That makes it worse, not better,” Samuel replied sharply. “You put everyone at risk with your childish scheme.”Barbara flinched at his tone but rallied defiantly. “I was only trying

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 49: Waiting

    Layla’s POVThere wasn’t much to do at the council today. The usual mountain of paperwork had mysteriously shrunk to a manageable pile, and I finished organizing the materials in the archives by early afternoon. “Ready to go?” Cora asked, poking her head around a bookshelf. “I’m finished cataloging the new acquisitions.”I nodded, tucking a thick rehabilitation therapy book under my arm. I’d discovered it in the medical section yesterday and signed it out, hoping it might help Annie’s recovery.We pushed open the heavy oak doors together, stepping into the bright afternoon. I paused on the top step, momentarily blinded after hours in the dimly lit archives.“Oh my,” Cora whispered, nudging me sharply. “Look who’s waiting for you.”I blinked, my vision adjusting to see Samuel standing next to his car in the parking lot. His hands rested in his pockets as he paced back and forth, clearly waiting for someone. The suit outlined his broad shoulders and straight posture. I admired his chis

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 48: Unexpected Revelations

    Layla’s POVElder Raymond’s office fell silent as the grandfather clock in the corner ticked loudly. He glared at Samuel for several long seconds, fury and fear battling across his face. Finally, he exhaled sharply through his nose.“Fine,” he growled reluctantly. “You may view the footage, but this stays between us—no reports, no formal inquiries.”“Agreed,” Samuel replied immediately.Raymond heaved himself from his chair and led us down a narrow hallway to a small room filled with electronic equipment. Monitors lined one wall, displaying different areas of the archives in real-time. Raymond typed a series of passwords into a computer terminal, bringing up a calendar interface.“What date exactly?” he asked tersely.“Umm, four weeks ago?” I guessed.Raymond inputted the dates, pulling up archived footage from multiple camera angles. He stepped back from the console, arms crossed.“Thirty minutes. No more,” he declared firmly before exiting the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 47: Clarifications

    Layla’s POVI stood in front of Samuel, my fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of my skirt. In the auto shop around us, mechanics worked on Samuel’s newly installed tires.“I explained my relationship with Barbara because Annie likes you,” Samuel stated firmly, his face stern as a judge delivering a verdict. “Changing nannies would affect her rehabilitation progress significantly. That’s all.”Heat rushed to my cheeks. Of course. He hadn’t been clarifying for my benefit—it was always about Annie. I’d been stupid to think otherwise, to imagine his explanation held any personal significance.“You’re right,” I replied, dropping my hands from my skirt. “Annie’s recovery comes first. She needs consistency in her care.”Samuel nodded, relief flickering across his face. “Good. I’m glad we’re clear on this matter.”“I guess I overthink things sometimes,” I admitted, forcing a smile to hide my disappointment.“You should worry more about Frank’s threats than these misunderstandings,” Samuel

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 46: Unwelcome Revelations

    Layla’s POV“It seems inappropriate for you to keep pursuing your ex-girlfriend’s belongings,” Samuel said pointedly. “What would Abigail think about your fixation on Layla’s necklace?”Mason slammed his car door, face flushing. “Don’t lecture me about my marriage, Samuel. You have no right.”“And you have no right to pressure Layla about her personal possessions,” Samuel countered.Their argument escalated. Each barb was sharper than the last. I sat awkwardly behind them in the car, watching as they snarled at each other like wolves establishing dominance.“At least I have a mate,” Mason sneered. “Unlike you, still pining after a woman who clearly didn’t want you enough to stay.”Samuel’s expression darkened dangerously. “My relationship with Elise is none of your concern.”“Isn’t it? Your emotional unavailability affects everyone around you, especially your daughter. Annie deserves better than half a father.”“Don’t you dare bring Annie into this,” Samuel growled.Their argument grew

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 45: Family Legacy

    Layla’s POVI looked down at the moon necklace nestled against my chest again. The silver felt warm under my fingers. I’d worn it every day of my life, the metal absorbing my body heat until it seemed part of me.“Sell it, Layla.”I jerked my head up at Mom’s unexpected voice. She stood in the doorway watching us with a strangely intense look on his face. When had she followed us outside?“This way you wouldn’t have to work so hard as a nanny,” she continued, not meeting my eyes. “You could find something…safer.”I unconsciously glanced at Samuel. The thought of leaving his household made my stomach twist. Being with Annie had become healing for me, and if I was honest with myself, being near Samuel was equally important, despite the complications.“I don’t want to sell it,” I said firmly. “It’s not for sale at any price.”Mason stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Be reasonable, Layla. This necklace is worth far more than you realize. I could pay enough for you and your mother to live

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 44: Political Pawns

    Layla’s POVI lunged for Mason’s phone, but he jerked it away, still recording. “Give me that!” I snapped, furious at his implications.Samuel rose from the table and approached the door. “Let’s take this outside,” he said coldly.Mason backed onto the front lawn, his camera never wavering. I followed them both, acutely aware of my ridiculous pajamas but too angry to care. The morning air chilled my skin through the thin fabric and raised goosebumps along my arms.Once outside, Samuel silently pointed toward his car. Mason’s camera swung to follow his gesture, capturing the luxury vehicle sitting on bare rims, all four tires conspicuously absent.“What is this?” Mason asked, genuine surprise in his voice.“This,” Samuel replied calmly, “is what happens when an Alpha fails to maintain proper security in his territory. My tires were stolen last night, leaving me stranded.”Mason lowered his phone slightly as Samuel continued.“The theft of my tires is a small matter,” Samuel said. “But s

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 43: Morning Aftermath

    Layla’s POVHis head turned slowly at the sound of my voice.Sprawled across our secondhand couch that was at least two sizes too small for his frame, his usually impeccable dress shirt rumpled, the top buttons undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of a toned chest. "Did you change my clothes?" I asked again, my voice embarrassingly thin.One dark brow arched. "Do I strike you as the type?" His voice was dry as desert wind. "Your mother handled it. Though I did have to veto the bunny slippers."My face burned. "They’re wolves, not bunnies.""Ah." He tilted his head, studying my pajamas with exaggerated scrutiny. "My mistake. The ferocious wolves with... pink bows on their ears?"I crossed my arms. "It was a gift.""From a five-year-old?"I threw a couch pillow at him.Samuel caught it effortlessly, but not before I saw the smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m someone with strong boundaries, Layla. Besides our one night stand, I have never done anything so out of line.”Relief flooded thro

  • My Ex's Uncle Claims Me as His Luna   Chapter 42: Unwanted Guest

    Samuel’s POVClaire cowered behind me in panic as the man swaggered into the apartment. The stench of cheap liquor and his body odor filled the small space, making my nose wrinkle in disgust."Frank." Her voice trembled, fingers digging into my arm. "What are you doing here? How many times do I have to tell you—stay away from us!"Frank staggered past us, his boots kicking aside broken glass as he collapsed onto the couch."Aw, sweetheart," he drawled, the words thick with alcohol and malice. "This how you welcome your husband home?" His yellowed teeth gleamed in the dim light as he patted the stained cushion beside him. “Need money,” he announced bluntly, swaying slightly on his feet. “Got collectors breathing down my neck, nowhere to run.”Claire trembled visibly. “The money at home, you took it all already. There’s nothing left.”Frank's bloodshot eyes locked onto me with sudden, predatory interest. A slow, greasy smile spread across his unshaven face as he leaned forward on the

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