Burn in the Alpha Princess's Wrath novel Chapter 327

Chapter 327 The Substitute

Leslie’s POV

“Tch. You invite just anyone, don’t you?” I muttered, face cold as I leaned toward Lorde.

He rubbed his forehead helplessly. “Mr. Carris brought him…”

My stomach sank. Of course. Carris–always the troublemaker.

If I’d known, I would’ve sent a gift through Liam and spared myself the headache.

Finished

I scoffed and started planning my escape–until Kirby began striding straight toward me.

Instinctively, I reached for Lorde’s arm, meaning to use him as a shield.

But before my fingers touched him, Carris darted in, grinning like the devil. He clapped Lorde on the shoulder. “Birthday boy, a few friends want to sing for you. Come on, don’t keep them waiting!”

He dragged Lorde off without a chance to protest, even shooting me a wink. “Take care of yourself, Leslie…”

I shot him a glare sharp enough to kill. Carris, you damned Scourge.

Grinding my teeth, I turned, intent on leaving, on evading Kirby’s eyes.

But the man who stepped in front of me wasn’t Kirby.

I froze for a heartbeat, then exhaled sharply.

Carl.

Dressed in a tailored suit, his presence was softer, polished. He lacked Kirby’s innate dominance, that suffocating pressure of an Alpha born to command.

Carl’s smile was practiced, every angle rehearsed, and though it mimicked Kirby’s to a degree, it reeked of hollow courtesy. Something about it pricked my nerves.

Kirby never smiled like that.

“Leslie,” he said, voice careful, deferential. “It’s good to see you again.”

I inclined my head, expression composed. With all these eyes watching, the last thing I needed was another headline.

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18:53 Mon, Sep 22

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A32

Chapter 327 The Substitute

Finished

Carl hesitated, then pushed on. “I wanted to apologize about the hot search last time. That photo… I asked a journalist friend to take it.”

One brow arched. As if I hadn’t already guessed. And yet, he admitted it here, of all places.

Asphodel’s golden eyes glimmered within me, her voice a snarl. Typical. Cause trouble, then whimper for forgiveness. Omegas never change.

I didn’t bother correcting her. My gaze stayed fixed on Carl, waiting for what else he’d reveal.

His eyes flickered when my expression didn’t shift, but he forced himself on. “I know it caused you trouble. I’m sorry.”

I let a faint smile curl my lips, my tone edged with amusement. “You’re popular now. Best not to admit things like that out loud. Once is enough.”

Aurora Entertainment had sunk a fortune into his name. If he crashed too soon, I’d lose money. No–he had three months to earn it back, triple.

Carl’s POV

My heart hammered as I stood in that glittering hall, every word scraping my throat raw. “That photo on the hot search–it was me. I had a friend take it.”

For a moment, I thought she’d crush me with that pine–scented dominance.

But Leslie only smiled faintly, her voice steady. “You’re a rising star now. Don’t repeat the mistake.”

Relief crashed through me. She wasn’t angry? She wasn’t furious?

The rumors painted her as cold, ruthless, untouchable. But here—she was calm, almost

generous.

It had to be this face. The resemblance to Kirby. That was the reason,

My smile grew, warmth spilling into it. I stepped closer, letting a thread of pheromone bleed into the air. “Leslie, I’m new to this industry. I don’t know the ropes. I’ll need your guidance.”

The meaning was plain. I wanted her backing.

Hadn’t Lorde soared the same way? Who wouldn’t be jealous of that path?

Even if I had to play the substitute for Kirby, I’d accept it.

Her answer was simple, businesslike. “Naturally.”

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18:53 Mon, Sep 22

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Chapter 327 The Substitute

My chest leapt. My smile deepened.

That was consent. Surely it was.

18:53 Mon, Sep 22

Burn in the Alpha Princess’s Wrath