Sold To The Untouchable Alpha novel Chapter 31

[Arissa's POV]

When we arrived at the estate, Gisele was outside pacing. Her body was relaxed, though a fake look of worry played on her face.

As she spotted us, I didn't miss the annoyance that flashed in her eyes over seeing not only me, but the elders alive and well.

"Oh, thank the goddess." She sighed, falling back into her acting. "I was so worried!"

Rushing forward, she grabbed Elder Theodore's hands as crocodile tears began to fall down her cheeks.

"I'm so relieved to see that none of you were injured or worse…"

"Well, most." I corrected, drawing her tear-filled gaze to me. "Elder Ian didn't manage to survive."

For a moment, Gisele was silent, but soon she let an over-exaggerated sob escape her over my news.

"Oh no!" She wailed. "How could this be?"

I kept my mouth shut, watching Gisele's well rehearsed act. To anyone else she would have been convincing, but to someone who lived around snakes for many years, I spotted them a mile away.

"What is this?" Ivan asked, almost materializing right beside me.

"Fuck!" I hissed, jumping almost a foot in the air. "Announce yourself and remember personal space!"

"I didn't try to hide my approach." Ivan pointed out, crossing his arms. "You just need to pay closer attention."

"I do pay attention." I shot back. "I was just distracted by a show."

As the words left my lips, Ivan shifted his gaze to where mine rested.

Oblivious to Ivan's arrival, Gisele continued her perfectly planned act of concern.

"She's a damn good actress." I murmured, wondering if Ivan saw through her too.

"That she is." Ivan agreed.

Turning, I eyed him, wondering again why he let this woman stay if he didn't trust her. What game was he trying to play?

"You are free to go." He said suddenly, catching me by surprise. "I can handle the rest of this."

"Are you going to continue to let her play her games here?" I pushed.

Based on how disappointed she seemed that the elders were still alive, my distrust of her grew stronger. She was clearly not as simple as we thought and I worried she would do some major damage if allowed to continue to move around freely.

"That isn't of your concern."

His words were almost like a physical slap in the face towards me. Did he really distrust me so much?

"Sorry I asked." I snapped. "Since it isn't my concern, don't ask me to spy again, uncle."

I didn't bother waiting for a response from the asshole. I knew when I wasn't wanted or needed anymore and I never planned on begging for anyone's trust or to be included.