Bella's POV
Following our plan, we settled into the living room with drinks in hand. Derek dominated most of the conversation, detailing aspects of the recent mission.
"A woman with your beauty and intelligence possesses a rare kind of magnetism," Grandma remarked, offering me what seemed like genuine praise.
I managed only a faint smile in response.
"Though it's unfortunate how achievement sometimes brings unwanted complications," she added, and I felt my smile dissolve completely.
I understood exactly what she meant. Even her subtle reference to those damning video clips made my chest constrict and my self-assurance crumble.
"Forgive me for overstepping, but the public won't tolerate this. Alpha Derek, you have a wife. Bella, you're a mother. Both of you need to exercise better judgment," Lady Norma stated bluntly, forcing me to stare down at my hands.
