Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 83: Hidden Priorities
Karl

The mahogany door clicks shut behind me as I step into the conference room.

Members of the council, influential businessmen and entrepreneurs who hold significant power in the

community, are already seated around the long table. I can feel the weight of their expectations

hanging in the air, but right now, my thoughts are preoccupied with something—or rather, someone—

else.

Before I can approach the table, my secretary, Gianna, is waiting by the door for me. “Good morning,

Alpha Karl,” she says, her voice low and even as usual. “Nice to see you after all this time.”

I nod as I slip my jacket off and hang it on the hook. “I’m glad to be back.”

“And you’re staying, I presume?” she asks, her eyes glinting with something unreadable.

For a moment, I feel almost like I’m being put on the spot. The others are preoccupied with their

preparations, but Gianna’s gaze is unwavering. I always knew that she disapproved of my… adventure

out to the city to win Abby back, but there’s something else in her gaze. Something I can’t quite put my

finger on.

“We’ll see,” I say, trying to be vague.

Gianna blinks slowly before handing me the meeting’s agenda in a leather bound folder. As she does,

our fingers brush, and she leans in.

“Sir, I know this might not be my place, but I heard that your… ex-wife is staying with you. Is that

correct?”

Her sudden choice of words gives me pause, especially in this setting. Slowly turning to face her, I can’t

help but notice a subtle furrow of her brows, a tightening around her eyes. “And if she is, would that be

that a problem?” I ask, keeping my voice neutral.

“No, not a problem,” she says, but her hesitation tells me otherwise. “Just… be careful around her, Karl.

You know how things were.”

I look at her squarely. “Abby never cheated on me. The gardener manipulated the situation. Let’s not

forget that.”

Gianna’s expression shifts, a hint of guilt flashing across her eyes, but before I can question it further,

a hushed silence, signaling the meeting’s

concerns aside, focusing on the

I say, scanning the

Various

the last item

stomach tighten.

My brother’s condition.

local renowned physician and member of the council, Dr.

from his coma soon. How does that affect your

Alpha?”

eyes are on me, probing, scrutinizing. I maintain

friendly competition for the role of Alpha wouldn’t be a

in a hint of humor. But at the same time, I can’t entirely deny the fact that there’s a

truth behind my words.

much I love my

say that he’ll even be physically able to

at my

vocal about his

a restaurant in the city, haven’t you, Karl?” he

correct,” I say.

apprehensive look.

air, and I can feel the atmosphere shift, the tension

him straight

there are not up for discussion,” I say, letting my words cut through the

knife.

a collective rustling as the council members gather their

as they leave the room. I stay seated for a moment longer, letting

the meeting sink

says once they’re gone, snapping me out of my

need to discuss

up at her. There’s something off about her tone, something I can’t quite place. Maybe

snap decision. “You

dinner at

a moment, a peculiar expression crosses her face. It’s fleeting, but it’s there—a mix of

can’t identify. She quickly masks

I’ll see you

…

engine purrs to life, but

drum on the steering wheel, my mind racing through the events

for the weekend, the council’s thinly veiled criticism, Gianna’s

attention, but it’s Abby who ultimately

silence. “You know, this dinner

Abby, gaining her approval

was the goal, my friend. I’m

a new dress before dinner. Let her choose whatever

flood back: me buying Abby the latest designer