Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 142 I’m not sleepy

Victoria’s POV

News of Ethan’s divorce spread like wildfire throughout the pack territories, eventually reaching my ears despite my attempts to stay disconnected from anything related to him.

After the divorce, Scarlett had been vicious, publicly spreading rumors that Ethan had cheated on her and that he was no longer capable of "performing as a man" after being physically assaulted. My wolf, Nora, growled with satisfaction at the thought.

Scarlett certainly had a talent for creating drama.

Her relentless gossip campaign ensured everyone in our circle knew about Ethan’s humiliation. The whispers followed him everywhere, and I couldn’t help but feel a dark pleasure at the thought of his discomfort.

The Sterling family’s reputation was in tatters.

The Northstream Pack was already facing financial troubles, and after paying Scarlett a substantial settlement in the divorce, Sterling Industries was teetering on the edge of collapse. One more strong gust and the whole house of cards would come tumbling down.

I wasn’t upset about their predicament in the slightest. If Mona ended up marrying into that family as rumors suggested, it wouldn’t be good for the Sterlings—but it would certainly be entertaining for me to watch.

I’d been avoiding my grandfather for several days, but when the weekend arrived, I couldn’t dodge him any longer.

He’d summoned me home, and I knew Patrick Wagner was still staying with him. That’s precisely why I didn’t want to go back. Fortunately, Kane had already selected several properties, and I planned to show them to Patrick this weekend. If he liked any of them, he could move in immediately.

Frankly, his prolonged presence at my grandfather’s estate was becoming a nuisance.

"Patrick, take a look at these options," I said, spreading the property listings across the coffee table. "If none of these appeal to you, I have a few backup choices. And if you still don’t find anything suitable, I could even sell you my current place and move elsewhere myself."

I noticed his expression change, a flash of hurt crossing his features. "Victoria, am I bothering you so much that you’re this desperate to get rid of me?"

"That’s not it at all," I replied quickly. "I just worry you’re not comfortable."

Patrick turned to my grandfather. "I’m quite comfortable, actually. I enjoy having tea and conversations with William. These past few days have been rather pleasant, wouldn’t you agree?"

My grandfather nodded. "Indeed. Having someone to talk with has been wonderful."

I shot my grandfather a meaningful glance, and he wisely decided not to push further. I knew he didn’t have bad intentions, but his obvious attempts at matchmaking were becoming tiresome.

"Victoria," Grandfather said, "Patrick has been in the country for several days now. It’s the weekend—why don’t you take him sightseeing? Be a good hostess and show him around the city. There are many interesting places to visit."

I sighed. "Grandfather, I’ve been working non-stop for days. Can’t I just relax at home during my first weekend off?"

"Victoria!" he chided. "Staying home is boring. Going out is a form of relaxation too. With your busy work schedule, you should take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the scenery."

I stood up abruptly. "Grandfather, I just remembered there’s something urgent at the office. I should probably go in for a few hours."

"What urgent matter? I spoke with Kane yesterday, and he assured me you finished all your work. There’s no need for overtime," my grandfather countered.

I felt trapped, my wolf pacing anxiously within me.

Patrick intervened, his voice gentle: "William, Victoria does work hard during the week. She deserves to rest however she chooses. We’re both young—there will be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing in the future."

I froze. Had Patrick misunderstood our relationship? Had I not made myself clear enough previously?

"You’re right," my grandfather conceded. "You young people have all the time in the world ahead of you. Victoria, if you’re tired, would you like to take a nap?"

"I’m not sleepy. I think I’ll just take a walk in the garden," I replied, desperately needing some fresh air. I felt an invisible pressure weighing on my chest, making it difficult to breathe, especially in Patrick’s presence. His words constantly made me uncomfortable, creating a tension I couldn’t shake.

I needed to speak with Grandfather soon and make it absolutely clear that Patrick and I were just friends. Nothing more.

"Would you like me to join you?" Patrick offered, his eyes hopeful.

I shook my head quickly. "No need. I’d prefer to be alone."

As I walked away, I could feel both their gazes following me. My wolf huffed in annoyance, disliking the sensation of being watched.

The summer garden was in full bloom, with red roses and peonies displaying their vibrant colors. I lost myself in their beauty, momentarily forgetting my troubles. How could these flowers bloom so perfectly, so enchantingly? I made a mental note that when I was older, I wanted a large garden filled with flowers like these.

I was so entranced by the blossoms that I didn’t notice someone approaching from behind. When I stood up and turned around, I collided directly with Patrick.

He seized the opportunity, sliding his arm around my waist to steady me. "Victoria, are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and intimate.

At that precise moment, I spotted one of the staff approaching with a visitor. "Miss Lancaster, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Sterling is here to see Alpha Lancaster," the housekeeper announced.

And there he was—Damien Sterling, walking beside the housekeeper, his smoky cedar and midnight rose scent reaching me before he did.

My wolf, Nora, immediately perked up, her interest piqued by his presence. I felt her pressing against my consciousness, wanting to get closer to him and his wolf Arthur. I struggled to keep her contained as my heartbeat quickened.

Damien’s eyes narrowed at the sight of Patrick’s arm around my waist, a flash of something primal crossing his features before his expression returned to its usual mask of casual indifference.

I quickly stepped away from Patrick, creating distance between us. The tension in the air was palpable, like electricity before a storm. Both men stood tall, their wolves clearly assessing each other beneath their human exteriors.

This was going to be an absolutely delightful disaster.