Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 100

"Excuse me, ma'am," I called out, stepping back up to the desk.

She exhaled, rolling her eyes like I was the biggest inconvenience of her day. "Yes, Kasmine," she drawled, her voice laced with exhaustion. "What now?"

I dropped the file on the desk between us. "These records aren't... sufficient." I tapped the thin folder with my fingertips, keeping my voice steady even as irritation licked at my nerves. "Some vital information seems to be missing. Is there a mix-up somewhere?"

She didn't even pretend to care. Her eyes flicked to the file, then back to me, her expression blank with careful disinterest.

"This is all there is on Kester Hamilton's records," she said flatly. "I'm sorry."

П

The apology was false, lacking any real sincerity. It only fueled the slow burn of frustration rising in my chest. I leaned in slightly. "I'd like to speak to someone else. A doctor. Someone who was actually in charge of his case."

I was also losing my patience. I didn't know what game she was playing, but I wouldn't let her win.

"You have to leave, or I'll call security on you, ma'am," Her tone turned unfriendly.

There it was. The shift.

She wasn't just annoyed anymore. She was... nervous. Her fingers twitched slightly as she glanced around, her eyes darting toward the nearest security guard stationed near the exit.

Why?

I met her gaze, watching closely. And that's when I saw it fear.

It was almost as if they had been compelled to keep Kester's records hidden from any other person who wasn't him.

Why did I feel there was more to this woman's behavior than meets the eye?

Someone didn't want these records seen.

The realization sent a sharp pulse of adrenaline through me, but I forced my expression to remain neutral. Another perfect idea slipped into my head.

I flicked a glance at the clock on the wall. 1 PM.

Perfect.

Four more hours until the close of work.

I plastered a smile on my face and met her glare, "Thanks, ma'am. Sorry for bothering you. Do have a splendid day ahead."

In the actual sense, I wished she'd have the worst day of her life today for treating me the way she just did.

KESTER.

Chapter 100

I strode into the living room and was greeted by a troubling sight.

shoulders tense, her arms wrapped around herself like she was trying to keep from unraveling. Her eyes- puffy, red-rimmed, and

Something was wrong.

sat at the mini wine bar with his fingers curled around a crystal glass of his favorite whiskey. He swirled

I ignored him.

a moment I felt absolutely nothing for this five-foot-three bastard-the man whose face, whose damn existence, was almost a mirror of my

one that even the blind could see. The same deep, green eyes. The same angular features, carved with an authority that demanded obedience. But where he wore his power like a carefully tailored suit,

from the tree, they say. But this particular apple? It rolled far, grew sharper and more dangerous edges, and turned into something far worse than the tree

was the refined, more dangerous version of my father. And the best part? He had no

Pity.

beside her. She straightened as if forcing herself to snap out of whatever

I knew better.

wrong?" I asked, placing my arm around her

less. Each time I am

almost

the one I can call my

quickly, her fingers tightening around

nothing, Kester. Really. You should go upstairs and take a

But I

in slightly. "That doesn't

this one even weaker than the last.

She wasn't.

one thing I had learned over the years, it was that

we're talking later. In your room. Don't think I'm

her eyes flickered briefly toward my father before she looked

My irritation spiked.

Chapter 100

turned toward the staircase, deciding that I'd

I could take

scheduled a meeting

way he said it like it

mattered at

of lee down my

back to face him, my lips curling into

concerned about?" 1 tilted my head slightly, mockery dripping from every syllable. "Not

but

Typical.

really learned to handle your women better, old mani

barely containing the force behind his knuckles, clenched, and for a second, I almost hoped he'd throw

his jaw

His jaw

out a slow, controlled breath-the kind he always took when he was barely keeping himself together. "Kester," he called in a dangerously low voice, "watch your

smirked. "Or what?" I took a slow step closer, shoving my hands into my pockets, watching him like a predator studying a wounded prey. "You'll finally grow a spine and do something about it? Please."

expression turned sour, his eyes cold enough to burn.

deliberately invading his space, daring him to react. "And the best

my head, my

As he should