Ch. 18 THE SHAMELESS

Emily’s POV

With a refreshed mood, I strode into the kitchen, the chatter among the chefs and maids instantly dying down as I entered. Ignoring their curious, sidelong glances, I swept my gaze across the room, single-minded in my search for the coffee machine.

Just as I reached for a mug from the bottom drawer, a maid swiftly stepped into my path, blocking my access. "What are you doing in the kitchen?" she demanded, her tone critical. "And why didn't you greet us? Acting like you own the place, just because the Alpha has taken an interest in you."

Another maid cut in, her voice rumbling with hatred. "Don't get your hopes up, dear. The Alpha is only pretending to care because of what his brother did. You are not truly his mate, you are just a nobody."

I couldn't help but chuckle at their blatant hostility. "If I was truly a nobody, as you say, you wouldn't be so bothered by my presence," I responded, shoving the maid aside as I retrieved a mug. Filling it with the fresh coffee, I turn