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.

out a breath. “Still nothing. Which isn’t exactly helping my paranoia levels. I mean, how am I supposed to have a conversation with my father about all this when I can’t even see

doubts. This whole situation is suspicious as hell. But still Ivan has consistently proven himself to be trustworthy,

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

in our heads, “I conceded, the words tumbling out in

trust everyone. That would be foolish. But in this case, give Ivan the benefit of the

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Chapter 43

way he had looked at me with genuine care and concern in his eyes. The evidence, I had to

has,” I finally admitted, a

about we get you back to focusing on those fabulous designs of yours? The

and Natalia’s voice, laced with reason, had finally managed to loosen the grip. “You’re right.

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

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

amusement.

quickly ending the call and shoving the phone into my pocket. “I, uh, I didn’t realize anyone was there.” I scrambled to compose myself,

me at ease. “No worries,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m not here to play hall monitor. Honestly, this whole ‘no

there.”

opportunity to properly meet. I’m Sarah O’Brien, 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 you already know my name,” I replied, returning

good to have 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 be a bit… stuck in her

in my chair. “Really? She seems nice enough.”

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

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