Page 22 of Knot Your Sugar

But… it doesn’t quite scan with Elena. There’s a certain earnestness about her, a genuine passion that’s hard to fake. And Dorian Beaumont? The man’s practically a legend, renowned for his high standards and spotless integrity when it comes to pastries. He wouldn’t compromise his reputation for a casual fling.

No, this has the distinct whiff of genuine, ill-advised mutual attraction. Which, if I’m being honest, I canalmostunderstand. For a beta, Elena… well, she has a certainsomething. A spark. And that surprisingly alluring scent she gives off, like sugar and sunshine, is definitely several notches above your average beta’s olfactory profile. Intriguing, to say the least.

Still, regardless of the motive, the evidence is undeniable. Leverage. Beautiful, incriminating, potentially game-changing leverage. One anonymous tip to the judges, complete with video attachment, and I’d bet there’s a 50/50 chance she’d be packing her whisks faster than you can say 'conflict of interest'.

Yet, there's something unsatisfying about winning because your competition gets booted. It's like being told you wona marathon because everyone else got food poisoning. It's technically a victory, but not one that proves anything.

No, my victory needs to feel real. I've worked too hard, sacrificed too much to get where I am today. Those pre-dawn hours spent learning my craft, the endless practice while my father grumbled about me wasting my alpha potential on 'woman's work,' the crushing weight of culinary school debt… it all fuels the fire.

So while I won't sabotage Elena to win, having insurance never hurts. Just in case she actually really is cheating. An alpha always prepares for every eventuality.

My strategic musings are interrupted by the muffled sound of voices from the hallway. Low, but distinct enough for my alpha hearing to snag keywords.

"—can't quite believe it myself, but Mitchell swears he saw them at The Tipsy Whisk. Yesterday." That’s judge Parker.

"Beaumont and Elena Avery? Before the festival even officially started? That’s… highly problematic." And that’s judge Chen. Sounding distinctly unamused.

I’m out of bed and pressed against the door faster than a soufflé collapses, straining to hear more.

"Mitchell said they looked very… friendly."

"If this is true, and they had a pre-existing relationship… Conflict of interest doesn't even begin to cover it. Automatic disqualification."

The voices fade as they head toward the elevators, leaving my mind racing.So, their little woodland tryst wasn’t a first-time offense? They were already acquainted?This is escalating from a small kitchen fire to a five-alarm blaze.

I lean back against the door, practically purring with satisfaction.

Well well. Given this delicious new intel (bless whatever lucky break put me in the same hotel as these two)… what should I do that's best forme..?

A sudden, rather brilliant idea begins to form. An opportunity. A way to ensure a fair fight,andpotentially gain a different kind of leverage over the surprisingly captivating Elena. Yes. This could work out very nicely indeed.

Key card palmed, I'm out the door and heading for the hotel bar, a plan already clicking into place.

Predictably, Parker and Chen are huddled at a quiet corner table, looking like they’re dissecting state secrets. They go conspicuously silent as I approach, which is all the confirmation I need.

"Good evening, esteemed judges," I say, flashing them my most disarmingly charming smile. "Mind if I join you for a nightcap? The festival air has made me surprisingly thirsty."

Parker eyes me narrowly. "Mr. Reynolds. We were actually talking about sensitive festival business."

"Perfect! That’s actually exactly what I was hoping to chat about," I say, sliding into the empty chair across from them before they have a chance to protest. "Couldn't help overhearing a bit of your conversation in the hallway. Sounded... intriguing."

Chen straightens, her bonded omega scent taking on a defensive note. "That was a private discussion, Mr. Reynolds."

"Of course, of course. But when it potentially involves the integrity of a competition we’re all invested in…" I let my voice trail off meaningfully. "Something about Mr. Beaumont and Miss Avery, was it?"

They exchange a quick, loaded glance. Parker leans in, his goatee adding an unnecessary layer of gravitas. "What do you know about it, Reynolds?" he asks, voice low.

I adopt an expression of mild concern. "Well, I do know that Dorian Beaumont and Elena Avery were seen in each other’scompany," I say, carefully omitting the when, where, and the rather incriminating footage currently residing on my phone.

"So, you confirm the rumors!" Parker exclaims, his eyes narrowing. "This is a clear violation, a serious—"

"But there might be a slight misunderstanding," I interrupt smoothly, "well a pretty large one, actually. There is absolutely, positivelynothinginappropriate happening between Mr. Beaumont and Miss Avery."

Parker's eyebrow rise. "You just said you know they were together."

"Yes. Talking. Strictly business." I lean back, projecting an air of relaxed confidence. "You see, Mr. Beaumont has taken a strong professional interest in Pierre's Bakery, where Elena is currently an apprentice."

"Pierre’s?" Chen scoffs. "Why on earth would Dorian Beaumont, of Beaumont Patisserie, care about a tiny, small-town bakery?"

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