Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 46

-Alex's POV-

The air in my office hung heavy with a silence so thick it felt tangible. The three of us- myself, Amaya, and the woman who had introduced herself as Ms. Edwards-sat across from each other, an awkward tableau of simmering emotions and unspoken tension. My gaze was locked on Amaya, who studiously avoided my eyes, flitting her attention around the room as if desperately seeking an escape route. I knew her well enough to recognize the telltale signs. She hadn't wanted to be here. In fact, if she had her way, she wouldn't have stepped foot inside this building, let alone my office.

Ms Edwards broke silence. "So..." she began, "did you have a chance to go over the designs I sent you already?"

My eyes flickered away from Anaya's face. Truth be told, the redesign project hadn't even registered on my radar. It was something the board had deemed necessary, a bureaucratic hurdle I hadn't bothered to invest any emotional energy in. I hadn't been interested in anything. Not since she left. But the project had to be done, a formality to be addressed.

"No," I admitted bluntly. There was no point in pretending. I wasn't interested in wasting time with polite lies, she didn't look like she would appreciate it either.

Ms. Edwards seemed surprised by my honesty. A hint of a smile played on her lips. "Well, Mr. Thorne," she said, her voice betraying a hint of amusement, "at least you're being honest. No need for pretense, I appreciate that."

I had guessed.correctly then. Pretenses were not part of her agenda. She preferred frankness, a quality I found oddly refreshing in this tense situation.

I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking beneath me. "There's no point in wasting either of our time."

My gaze drifted back to Amaya, lost in thought, a frown etching lines on her forehead. For a moment, the anger simmering within

power she me almost subsided. The sight of her, even her annoyance, had an inexplicable calming effect on my wolf. That was the had over me, a power that both terrified and intrigued me.

As if sensing my shift in focus, Ms. Edwards cleared her throat, bringing my attention back to her. "Oh, forgive me," she said, a touch of apology in her voice. "I was so eager to get down to business that I neglected proper introductions. Mr. Thorne, allow me to introduce Ms. Stone here."

There was a flicker of something in my chest - a strange mix of satisfaction and irritation, perhaps - satisfaction at the fact that she hadn't taken Ivan's name and irritation at the realization that she still carried her father's name no matter how much hate I had for

the man.

voice smooth and professional. "Ms. Stone is a raw new talent, and I felt it would be beneficial to have her involved in this project from the very beginning. Once we have finalized this initial stage, Amaya will be leading the charge on the

"Amaya would be what?"

knew what had happened. It was something she always did, talked to herself in her head and it had slipped out before she could

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Chapter 46

the conversation back towards the project at

all I gave, and that was all she

ran a hand through my hair, the weight of the decision settling on my shoulders. It was true, I hadn't given much thought to the redesign before.

So, I guess I

on her tablet. "Functionality and collaboration," she echoed, her voice thoughtful. "Those are excellent starting points. Is there a specific color palette you

a modern feel," I said finally. "Something clean and professional. Maybe a

with pops of color to add personality. And a blend of materials

vein for a while, bouncing ideas back and forth. Ms. Edwards was an excellent listener, prompting me with insightful questions that helped me articulate my

hadn't expected to enjoy

"Excuse me," Amaya said hesitantly, "but wouldn't a completely open floor plan be a bit distracting

her involve herself. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, a hint

me.

could elaborate on your suggestion? Mr. Thorne mentioned the importance of collaboration, but also

smile playing on her lips. "Well," she began, "what if we incorporated designated quiet zones into the open floor plan? Maybe soundproofed pods or private meeting rooms for when employees need to concentrate. That

was confident, her knowledge of design principles undeniable. While there was a part of