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.

levels. I mean, how am I supposed to have a conversation with my father about all

“Listen, Amaya, I understand your doubts. This whole situation is suspicious as hell. But still

guilt flickering to life within me. She was right. Ivan had been nothing short of amazing these past few weeks. He had helped me navigate the chaos surrounding my return, provided unwavering support during the whole Petrov debacle, and had even taken in my children. He just seemed too good to be

Maybe it’s really all in our heads, “I conceded, the words tumbling

be foolish. But in this case, give Ivan the benefit of the

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Chapter 43

the way he had looked at me with

guess he has,” I finally admitted, a

you go.” She said, a triumphant lilt in her voice. “Now, how about we get you back to focusing

pushing away from the desk and rolling my shoulders back. The tension had been knotting my muscles, and Natalia’s voice, laced with reason, had finally managed to loosen the grip. “You’re right. Maybe I am letting the past color my

teasing voice cut in. “Personal calls aren’t allowed during work hours,

the gaze of a woman, the same person who had ushered me the day I interviewed standing in

amusement.

“I, uh, I didn’t realize anyone was

chuckled, a friendly sound that instantly put me at ease. “No worries,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m not here to play hall monitor. Honestly, this whole ‘no personal calls thing is a bit ridiculous. Everyone sneaks

there.”

extending a hand towards me, “We haven’t had the opportunity to properly meet. I’m Sarah O’Brien, and let me be the first to

genuine smile spread across my face as I grasped her hand. Her grip was firm, and her eyes held a warmth that was both disarming and inviting. “Seeing that you gave me a boost of confidence when I interviewed, I am guessing

voice brimming with enthusiasm. “We’ve been needing a fresh set of eyes in the design department for ages. Ms. Edwards can be a bit… stuck in her ways sometimes.” She

my chair. “Really? She seems nice enough.” Sarah’s comment piqued my curiosity about the

it. She is a force to be reckoned and 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

a flicker of excitement within me. The idea of collaborating with a team of passionate designers, even if it meant navigating some corporate politics, suddenly seemed like