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,

into a hushed silence, signaling the meeting’s commencement. Gianna

I push my concerns aside, focusing on

scanning the room. “First

Various

last item on the

stomach tighten.

My brother’s condition.

the local renowned physician and member of the council,

from his coma soon. How does

Alpha?”

are on me, probing, scrutinizing. I maintain my composure. “I welcome

friendly competition for the role of Alpha wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

time, I can’t entirely deny the fact that

truth behind my words.

the Alpha here for years. No matter how much I love my

besides, who’s to say that he’ll even be physically

through the room at my words. Then Mark, a council member who’s

about his

at a restaurant in the city, haven’t you,

is correct,” I say. “And what of

pauses, then shoots me an apprehensive look. “Perhaps being Alpha isn’t

can feel the atmosphere

straight in the

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

knife.

a collective rustling as the council members gather their papers and stand, exchanging

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

the meeting sink

me out of my reverie. “I think you should

tonight. We need to discuss a few more

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

a snap decision. “You know what?” I say, standing. “That’s

hold a dinner at

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

else I can’t identify. She quickly masks it

I’ll see you

…

the engine purrs to life, but I don’t immediately pull out

My fingers drum on the steering wheel, my mind racing

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

competes for attention, but it’s Abby who

“You know, this dinner tonight could

date with Abby,

“That was the goal,

Let her choose whatever she wants, no price

me buying Abby the latest designer handbags, high-end jewelry, whisking