Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 21

~Alex's POV

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The dial tone buzzed in my ear, a mocking little rhythm that mirrored the gnawing anxiety in my gut. I slammed the phone back down on the cradle, the plastic greaning under the impact. My fingers hovered over the screen again, the familiar pattern of her number etched into my memory. Part of me yearned to press call, to hear her voice, any voice, at this point. But the other part, the more cautious part, held me back, yet the nagging feeling remained.

why had she called?

What was she thinking?

A sigh escaped my lips, a plume of frustration in the still air of my office as I dropped the phone on the table.

It vibrated, startling me from my thoughts. My heart leaped-maybe it was her! But the flicker of hope died as quickly as it arose. It was just Christian, his name flashing on the screen in a digital taunt. With a grimace, I answered the call. "Expecting someone else?" he drawled, his voice dripping with amusement.

"Are you calling me to tell me it's done or calling to just irritate me?" I countered, my voice Hat

"Now, now, Alex," he chuckled, the sound grating on my nerves. "I know you're lonely cooped up in that office all day. Just wanted to be a friend."

I fought back a growl. Christian's idea of friendship was twisted. Sometimes, it intrigued me, most times it just annoyed me but it was what I liked about

him. How twisted he was.

"Cut the crap. Christian," I growled, the sound low and menacing.

"Alright, alright," he conceded, feigning surrender. "Since you want to be so serious, the message has been sent. His company will take the first hit tomorrow. Then I'll work on twisting the knife where it hurts the most."

A flicker of satisfaction, primal and unwelcome, coursed through me. Daniel Stone. The name had become a constant thorn in my side, a festering wound that wouldn't heal. His arrogance, his ruthlessness, everything about him made my blood boil. Seeing him crumble, his carefully constructed empire teetering on the brink - it would be a twisted kind of justice.

My wolf rumbled in agreement deep within me, a deep guttural sound that vibrated through my bones. Pushing those primal urges down, I spoke.

"Good. Just keep me updated."

"But of course," He replied, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. "Wouldn't want you to miss any of the fun, would we?"

again, his tone shifting abruptly. "I went to

hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. Every hair on my body stood on end, a prickling sensation that crawled up my spine. I waited, my breath caught in my throat, expecting him to elaborate. But he remained silent, a smug smile evident in

for me to ask what

was causing. "But hey, no worries. You'll

worry that would gnaw at me untill had answers. "Do your damn job, Christian," I growled, the words laced with

call. I slammed the phone back down, the frustration momentarily eclipsed by a surge of anger. Christian was a necessary evil in this game, a skilled manipulator who could navigate the dark underbelly of the business world with ease. But his

Chapter 21

play psychological games,

Amaya like it always did. I let out a sigh as a knock on the door startled me from my reverie. "Come in," I called out, my voice

through the doorway. Her usually composed face was etched with a hint of concern. "Mr. Thome," she began, "I apologize for interrupting, but

The day's events

is Ivan McCall," she continued, her voice steady despite my brusqueness. "He was quite insistent on seeing you

say

Ruth replied, shaking her head slightly. "He was rather tight-lipped. Just kept

flickered within me, a spark amidst the dull ache

myself out

about Amaya. Even before I found out about Daniel Stone's little marriage proposal scheme, I never liked Ivan. There was something about him, a polished veneer that felt an

in. "Well

going to offer me a seat?" he asked,

say you exactly qualify as a guest. So offering a seat doesn't seem high on the

practiced smile. "Fair enough," he conceded, taking

my chair, "let's get to

need your help," he blurted out, the urgency in his voice a stark contrast to his earlier composure. There was a tremor in his hands, a telltale

nerves.

Interesting.

the least. I raised an eyebrow, watching him. "With

slightly. "My company. I'm in a bit of

invest?"

Chapter 21

the whole point of his marriage proposition to Amaya. I can't let him know otherwise. Not if