Bonds

Chapter 43

-Maya’s POV-

The soft hum of conversation drifted from the phone pressed against my ear, momentarily pulling me away from the half-finished sketch on my desk. Natalia’s voice, usually a source of comfort and calm, held a tinge of concern that sent a jolt through me.

“Earth to Amaya,” she repeated, her voice laced with amusement.

“S h i t, I’m so sorry,” I blurted out, snapping back to attention. “I wasn’t listening to you.” The apology tumbled from my lips before! could even process the fact that I had zoned out in the middle of our conversation. I couldn’t see her, but I could practically picture her rolling her eyes on the other end of the line.

“Of course you

weren’t,” she replied, a playful scold in her voice. “As I was saying, I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about this whole thing. I know your father, Amaya. He’s a ruthless businessman, through and through but also an s l e. I don’t see him willingly signing away power like that.”

It was as if she was peering directly into my mind, reading the doubts and anxieties that had been swirling there for days. Natalia had always possessed an uncanny ability to understand me, to anticipate my thoughts and feelings. It was one of the things! cherished most about our friendship.

“It almost feels like he strong-armed you into it,” she continued, her voice turning serious. “Think about it. He stands to gain everything from this merger – leading two of the most powerful packs in the entire city. The influence, the resources…” Her voice trailed off, but the unspoken implication hung heavy in the air.

I let out a long sigh, the sound echoing in the sudden silence that followed her words. The truth was, I had been kicking myself ever since I agreed to the merger and I couldn’t help but wonder why, Ivan had proven himself time and again, standing by me through thick and thin.

“I don’t know, Nat,” I admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. “He hasn’t given me any reason to doubt him. He’s been nothing but supportive, helpful but still…” My voice trailed off.

“And the lawyer, still nothing?” Natalia asked.

I mean, how am I supposed to have a conversation with my father about all this when I

This whole situation is suspicious as hell. But still Ivan has consistently proven himself to be trustworthy, reliable. I think we are both just overthinking

few weeks. He had helped me navigate the chaos surrounding

hasn’t he? Maybe it’s really all in our heads, “I conceded, the

saying you should blindly trust everyone. That would be foolish. But in this case, give Ivan the benefit of the doubt.

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Chapter 43

had been there for me, the way he had looked at me with genuine care

a hint of a reluctant smile

“Now, how about we get you back to focusing on those fabulous designs

desk and rolling my shoulders back. The tension had been knotting my muscles, and Natalia’s voice,

in. “Personal calls

same person who had

amusement.

uh, I didn’t realize anyone was there.” I scrambled to compose myself, trying to project a

“I’m not here to play hall monitor.

there.”

hand towards me, “We haven’t had the opportunity to properly meet. I’m Sarah

“Seeing that you gave me a boost of confidence when I interviewed, I am guessing you already

you on board,” She declared, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “We’ve been needing a fresh set of eyes in the design department for ages. Ms. Edwards can

chair. “Really? She seems nice enough.”

sometimes she is scary, not only that, it’s hard for her to embrace change but don’t worry,” she said with a sly grin. “That’s where we come in, the creative rebels. And with you on our team, we might just be able to finally shake things up a bit.

collaborating with a team of passionate designers, even if it meant navigating some corporate politics, suddenly seemed like a thrilling