onapter 21 : Legal Barners Chapter 21 : Legal Barriers Chapter 21 : Legal Barriers ( Samantha's POV ) The Silverclaw Law Firm loomed before me , its modern glass facade reflecting the afternoon sun . I adjusted my dark sunglasses , hoping they would conceal my identity well enough . The last thing I needed was someone recognizing the Luna of the Blackwood Pack seeking divorce counsel . I took a deep breath and pushed through the revolving doors . The receptionist glanced up with a practiced smile . " I'm here to see Marcus Bennett , " I said quietly . Her eyes widened slightly in recognition . " Do you have an appointment , Ms … ? " " Reed . Samantha Reed , " I replied , using my maiden name deliberately . " And no , but please tell him it's urgent . She made a quick call , then directed me to the elevators . " Fifteenth floor , suite 1502. " Marcus was waiting when the elevator doors opened . His expression was a mixture of surprise and concern . " Samantha , " he greeted me, extending his hand . " This is … unexpected . " I removed my sunglasses , meeting his gaze directly . " I need your help , Marcus . " He led me into his office , closing the door behind us . The space was elegant but understated , much like Marcus himself . " Please , sit ," he offered , gesturing to a leather chair across from his desk . I remained standing . " I'll get straight to the point . I want to divorce Ethan . " Marcus's eyebrows shot up . " That's … quite serious . " " I'm very serious , " I replied , finally taking a seat . I need someone who understands werewolf mating laws . Someone who won't be intimidated by the Alpha King . " A shadow crossed his face , " Samantha , there's something you should know . " My stomach tightened . " What is it ? " " Ethan has already contacted every law firm in Ravenwood City ," Marcus said carefully . " He's made it clear that anyone who represents you will face severe consequences . " The revelation hit me like a physical blow . " He what ? " " He's using his influence to block your legal options ," Marcus explained , his expression grim . " I'm sorry , but I can't take your case . " Anger flared within me , hot and bright . " That's … that's manipulation! He can't do that ! " " He's the Alpha King , " Marcus replied simply . " He can do almost anything in this territory . " I stood abruptly , pacing the length of his office . " So I have no options ? I'm just trapped ? " Marcus watched me carefully . " I didn't say that . But you need to be strategic . " ก 1/4 Chapter 21 Legal Barriers stopped pacing , turning to face him . " What do you mean ? " " Ethan is acting from fear right now , " he explained . " If you walt , negotiate from a position of strength rathe than emotion , you'll get better terms . " My eyes narrowed . " You think I should stay with him ? After what he's done ? " Marcus sighed , leaning back in his chair . " What exactly has he done , Samantha ? Besides the surrogate situation ? " " He's trying to replace me ! " I exclaimed . " With a woman who looks like my younger self ! " " Is that what you believe ? " Marcus asked , his tone maddeningly calm . " Or is that what gossip has led you to believe ? " I stared at him incredulously . " Gossip ? I saw them together at Golden Sands Cove ! He gave her roses , Marcus . Red roses . " " And that condemns him ? " he countered . " Ethan has always been possessive , yes , but his devotion to you has never wavered . " I laughed bitterly . " You sound just like him . No wonder your relationship with Ruby fell apart . " The barb hit its mark . Marcus's expression hardened momentarily before he regained his professional composure . " This isn't about me , " he said evenly . " It's about ensuring you don't make a decision you'll regret . " I reached into my purse , pulling out a folded document . " I know about the contract , Marcus . The one between Ethan and Rebecca Taylor . " His eyes widened slightly as I placed it on his desk . " Where did you get this ? " " That doesn't matter , " I replied coldly . " What matters is that you drafted it . Your signature is right there at the bottom . " Marcus stared at the document , then back at me . " Yes , I drafted it . As Ethan's attorney , that's my job ." " So you knew , " I said , my voice breaking slightly . " You knew he was planning this betrayal . " Marcus stood , coming around the desk to face me directly . " It's not what you think , Samantha . " " Then what is it ? " I demanded . " Ethan needs an heir , but his heart remains with you ," he explained , his tone sincere despite his professional demeanor . " The contract specifically states Rebecca is only a surrogate , nothing more . " I shook my head , gathering my purse . " A man who truly loves his wife doesn't impregnate another woman behind her back . " " Samantha- " " No , " I interrupted , moving toward the door . " I don't want to hear any more excuses . Either help me div him , or I'll find someone who will . " Marcus followed me to the door . " What you're seeking is vengeance , not justice . " I paused , hand on the doorknob . " Maybe I just want the wrongdoer to be held accountable . < Chapter 21 : Legal Barriers " And maybe forgiveness would heal you both , " he suggested softly . I opened the door . " Some betrayals are beyond forgiveness , Marcus . You should know that better than anyone . " With that parting shot , I walked out , not looking back . Behind me , I heard Marcus pick up his phone . " Ethan ? She was just here … No , I refused the case … Yes , but you should know that these aggressive tactics might only push her further away … " I quickened my pace to the elevator , not wanting to hear more . Back in my car , I felt utterly defeated . Ethan had anticipated my every move , using his power to cut off my escape routes . The realization was both infuriating and terrifying . My phone chimed with a message . From Ethan : " I won't let you leave me . Rage surged through me . I threw my phone against the steering wheel , a wordless cry of frustration escaping my lips . The phone bounced back , and to my horror , I saw it had sent a garbled message to Hector Grayson : " Hkjdsfnkjsdnf . " " Great ," I muttered , quickly typing a follow - up : " Sorry about that . Random pocket text . But since I have your attention … do you happen to know any reliable divorce lawyers ? " His response came almost immediately : " I do . Would you like to meet to discuss ? I'm at my estate for the remainder of the afternoon . " The formal tone of his message provided a strange comfort after the emotional confrontation with Marcus . I replied with a simple " On my way " and started the car . Hector's estate was located in a quiet , exclusive neighborhood on the outskirts of Ravenwood City . The security guard recognized me immediately and waved me through the ornate iron gates . I found Hector in the courtyard , enjoying coffee at a small table beneath a flowering tree . His posture was relaxed yet dignified , a book open before him . As I approached , my heel caught between two stone pavers . I stumbled forward , a small gasp escaping my lips . Hector moved with surprising speed , catching me before I could fall . His hands were steady on my arms , his eyes assessing me with concern . " Are you alright ? " he asked , his voice deep and calming . I nodded , embarrassed . " Just clumsy . " He knelt down , gently helping me remove my shoe . His fingers brushed against my ankle as he freed the heel from where it was wedged . " You shouldn't wear such high heels ," Hector said quietly . I felt a strange sensation from his touch - not romantic , but a comforting presence that contrasted sharply with the turmoil Ethan had brought into my life . I wondered if Hector might be the ally I desperately needed in my fight for independence .