Chapter 56. A Queen Never Yield

Isabella’s POV

I noticed it immediately. The way James looked at her.

It was subtle, barely a flicker of hesitation in his gaze, a shift in his posture, a sharp inhale he thought I wouldn’t catch. But I always did. I had spent too long molding James into what I wanted, too long ensuring that he was mine. I had spent too long being his brain, being his support, being his shield.

And now, with just a single glance, she was threatening to unravel it all. She was being her weak, pathetic self again. I wanted nothing more than to rip her pathetic wolfless throat out with my claws.

Avery.

I had eliminated her from his life once, and I would do it again. Didn’t care how, I didn’t care if I needed to end her once and for all to do it. James belonged to me.

It had taken patience, manipulation, and careful planning to secure my place by his side. I had played the role of the devoted lover, the understanding fiancée, the perfect partner. I had poisone