Chapter 355

Victor looked great when he walked up to the podium in a dark gray suit and a blue tie that matched his eyes. He was giving a televised speech outside the Association about the new slander laws and taking questions afterward.

He thought I would be safer at home, so I was watching him on the living room TV at the mansion. I’d call him after I was sure it was over.

There weren’t any new stories about me so far today. Shane’s article and interview seemed to have helped. But it could be that Alphas were too busy rebelling against Victor’s new laws meant to stop the lies and misinformation.

Predictably, the news sources that were the most guilty of this behavior were the ones complaining about it the most.

The reliable news sources were telling people that it was for everyone’s good that the truth be told, and opinions must be labeled as opinions and not facts.

I sat up and paid more attention when Victor also shamed Alphas for closing essential businesses.

“Punishing people who need groceries or to use your banks to access their money just because you disagree with a new law is unconscionable,” he declared. “Feel free to peacefully oppose any law, but do it in a way that will not punish your fellow citizens.”

The speech was brilliant, and Victor delivered it perfectly.

After Victor’s speech, I left the living room to find a quiet room to call him. On my way upstairs, I ran into Benson in the foyer with a pretty blonde woman in a maid’s uniform.

“Miss Wilson, this is Anna, your new maid,” Benson said. “She’s been fully vetted and has a variety of skills I think you will find useful.”

“I …I don’t think I need a maid,” I stammered. “I get along fine without one at Victor’s apartment. Maybe you can use her somewhere else in the house.”

“Mr. Klein personally approved of Anna to be your new maid,” Benson said. “You must speak to him if you aren’t pleased with her.”

“It’s not that … I just …never mind.” I sighed and began to walk away. A new maid was the last thing I wanted. It was too soon after Jennifer’s betrayal for me to trust a stranger.

Benson caught up with me at the bottom of the stairs.

“Miss Wilson, Jayden investigated Anna’s background and references,” he whispered. “You can trust her. She’s an excellent lady’s maid. She was also in the armed forces, where she learned remarkable self-defense skills.”

I looked at the nervous smile of the young woman watching me and thought of Amy. Anna had the same blonde hair, brown eyes, and a petite frame.

But she wasn’t Amy. I didn’t know her. How did Jayden know that her loyalty couldn’t be bought like Jennifer’s had been?

Yet, punishing Anna for what Jennifer did was wrong. She probably needed this job. I had to give her a chance, but I wouldn’t let myself get too close to her.

“It’s nice to meet you, Anna,” I said. But my words sounded hollow even to me.

“Since you are going upstairs, I’d like to show Anna your rooms and closets, if that’s okay with you, Miss?” Benson asked.

“Of course, Benson,” I said and led the way upstairs. “I was going to my library, but we can stop in my room.”

I led the way to my bedroom and opened the door.

“Jennifer also used the closets in the next two bedrooms down the hall for my things,” I said. “I didn’t buy everything in the closets. Many of my clothes belonged to my mother.”

It annoyed me that I felt the need to say that. Why did I care what Anna thought of my spending habits and how much clothing or shoes I owned?

“Excuse me,” I said. “I’m going to my library.”

“Miss Wilson, would you like some tea after Mr. Benson shows me around upstairs?” Anna asked.

Her eyes had a hopeful look to them. It would be mean to say no when she was only trying to please me.

“Sure,” I agreed. “I need to make a call first. Give me twenty minutes.”

I hurried to the library, sat on the couch, and pulled out my phone. Victor answered my call on the third ring, but he was still speaking to someone in the room with him for several seconds.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he finally said. “Things are crazy here.”

“I won’t keep you for long then,” I said. “I watched your speech, and I thought it was great.”

“You are probably in the minority of Alphas who think so,” Victor grumbled. “They don’t understand that freedom of speech does not mean there can’t be consequences if that speech is false.”

“I haven’t seen any feedback yet,” I said. “I’ll check what’s being said online after we hang up.” I thought of Anna. “Did you know Benson hired a replacement for Jennifer?”

“Yes,” Victor said. “Jayden insists she’s perfect for the job. She can do hair and spar with you to practice your kickboxing.”

“Oh.” I didn't know what to say.

“Give her a chance, Daisy,” he requested. “It would ease my mind to have her near you when I’m not there.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Sure.”

“I must go, sweetheart,” he said. “I just got word that Alphas are opening their businesses, but they are threatening to protest the new laws by not paying their taxes.”

I exhaled sharply. “Good luck, darling. “Will you be home for dinner?”

“I’m planning on it,” he said, and we disconnected.

I shook off a little anger at the fact that nobody asked for my input when they were looking for a replacement for Jennifer and began scouring the internet for reactions to Victor’s speech.

In less than a minute, I regretted looking.

I found dozens of social media posts declaring I had ruined Victor. They were blaming me for changing Victor into being pro-non-alpha.

How could I argue when it was true? I did help Victor see the truth about the unfair treatment of Betas and Omegas.

But then I saw clips from a podcast. Jeff Brogan, an extreme Alpha superiority advocate, couldn’t get my name out of his mouth this afternoon.

“With Daisy Wilson influencing Victor Klein’s every decision, what chance do we Alphas have to maintain our rightful place in society?” he asked.

His tone ramped up into outrage. “First, it was our children’s education. Now Daisy has Victor taking away our freedom of speech. What will Daisy want to take away from us next?”

“Daisy wants to tear down Alpha society and rip away everything we deserve to have. Therefore, she must not be allowed to marry the leader of The United Association of Alphas and become his Luna.”

I heard enough.

I stood, turned off my phone, and stuffed it into my pocket. There was no way I could read now. I had to get out of the house.

A ride by myself in my new truck sounded good. I craved the solitude and anonymity of riding up high in the cab of the Hummer and not thinking or speaking to anyone.

After checking my pocket for the key fob, I exited my library, turned right, and headed for the stairs.

I didn’t get far.

Suddenly, there was a clatter, and hot water splashed on my arm as a teapot, cookies, and a porcelain cup and saucer went flying when I ran into Anna carrying the tea tray to my library.

The stress of the Alphas' attitudes toward me, combined with my burning forearm, made my anger bubble over.

“Watch where you’re going!” I barked as I clutched my arm. The words from Jeff Brogan’s podcast were still swirling through my brain, and I had no control over my emotions.

Anna cringed. “I’m so sorry, Miss Wilson. I …I was bringing your tea and some cookies Benson said you like.”

With shaking hands, Anna began to pick everything up from the floor before noticing I was holding my arm.

“Oh no! The hot water burned you,” she cried. “Let me get you some ice to put on it.”

“Just get out of my way,” I snapped.

I was ashamed of myself the second the words came from my mouth, but I was too upset to make things right with Anna. I would apologize later.

Going around her and the spilled contents of the tea tray, I ran for the stairs.

“Miss, wait,” Anna called behind me.

But I had to get out of the house. I was desperate to be alone.

I ran across the foyer to the front door and rushed outside. All I wanted was to get into my truck.

But I only walked a few steps after I exited the mansion when someone pushed me to the ground a second before shots rang out.