Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO by Ruby Fennimore

Chapter

182

Zeke's nostrils flared as his eyes moved from Alden to Luisa. "Oh, so you're back together with this idiot who two-timed you with another woman?" he scoffed in disbelief. "Great. Just great."

Without another word, he stepped past them and walked out of the office. Tension hang in the air seconds after his departure.

"Well, at least he didn't try to punch the hell out of me," Alden joked to lighten the mood.

No one else laughed, but the tension eased slightly.

"Hey, are you ready to go, or should I leave without you?" Alden asked Kris.

"No, I'll go with you. I'm sure Lassa has a lot of work to do," Kris responded.

It still felt surreal to call her "Lassa" without her telling him it was reserved only for her loved ones. Did that mean he was part of her loved ones now? Smiling to himself, he moved to stand in front of Thalassa. "I'll go now. See you at your house this evening?"

"Sure," she whispered.

Leaning down, Kris placed a gently kiss on her lips, and when he pulled back, he couldn't help the words that came out of his mouth, "I love you."

His breath caught as he gazed into her eyes, waiting for a response.

"I know," she said simply.

Kris felt a sharp sting in his chest, but he reminded himself that just a week ago, she had told him he meant nothing to her. The fact that he had made progress was enough for now. He didn't mind waiting until she was ready to say those words back to him. 000000000

"I can't believe it. Linda Miller is really hosting a party at her mansion like you said," Luisa remarked later that night after they had returned from work. "How did you know she would?"

Thalassa shrugged. "Because she's predictable in a lot of ways. Social status means everything to her. She used to host this party every year, inviting elites and a few reporters to capture the moment. She used to be almost worshiped by many women in social circle, but she hasn't done it in the past two years because of her company's crises."

"So, she's desperate to regain her status, even if it means wasting money she can't afford to waste on another party?"

"Yes. And she's going to invite me," Thalassa said.

Luisa stared at her. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because she's not stupid. She knows that while her company has recovered a little, I still have the power to disrupt all of that with another press statement. On the other hand, she also knows that if we're seen in the same picture together and the public thinks we're on good terms, it'll significantly boost her sales. What she doesn't realize is that's when I'm going to strike."

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Luisa went to answer it.

"Hello!" Alden greeted cheerfully, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off her feet, twirling her around.

"Alden, put me down!" Luisa protested, even as she burst into giggles.

Thalassa smiled, happy to see her friend so happy, but she couldn't help the wistful feeling that settled in her chest. Years ago, she and Kris had been just like that.

"Can you get out of my way?" Kris hissed in annoyance as he stepped through the door.

Alden finally set Luisa down, scoffing. "Jealousy isn't a good look on you, my friend."

Kris rolled his eyes as he

sidestepped them, making his way toward Thalassa. Her heart began to race, as it always did whenever he was near. When he got closer,

noticed the tension on his face.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, cupping his face between her hands.

Kris smiled slightly. "Is it that obvious?"

it is. What's bothering

mother... she's throwing a party tomorrow night even though she doesn't have the money to spare. And..."

"And?" Thalassa prompted.

invite you. Obviously, I said no

no?" Thalassa interrupted, her voice sharper

her reaction. "Because I thought you wouldn't want

her lips. "Kris, I told you I want to move past old grudges,

with your mother, but we can

want to accept her

"Yes."

response, staring at her in wonder. "Okay. I'll let my mother know you've accepted. I'll pick you up tomorrow, and we'll go together." Thalassa tensed up. If Kris was with her, it would be hard for her to slip away and get

shook her head. "No, Kris. We can't go

be seen with me? I don't understand.

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way!” Quintus‘ jaw dropped in shock. But the more he thought about it, the more

dad’s vision has always been beyond what you two could comprehend.

you know something, Aunt Laura?” Claudette asked, unable to

obvious. Emmanuel and Mackenzie, in particular, looked like

point in keeping it to myself.” Laura exhaled deeply, resigning herself to the situation. “The general… He started laying the groundwork for something big… about

overheard him on the phone many nights. Almost

that, everyone’s

help but gape at each other in shock. As their father’s children, they had no idea he had been orchestrating something this massive

more fervently, recalling every detail as she continued, “The general has always been part of the pro–war faction. Back then, he kept saying the ones in power were

election had to bring a hardliner into office. Only then could Chanaea

its lost territories…”

Emmanuel and Mackenzie exchanged glances. Does this mean Catherine Zelinsky is also part of the pro- war faction? If

for error. If there

the outcome…”

Everyone gasped in shock.

say that?” Emmanuel

some political maneuvering–this concerned the country’s stability and

call say it… So, this year’s election might come with

at each other

If they got caught off guard

suddenly called out, his tone

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14:49 Sat, 15 Feb

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instinctively straightened, snapping into a salute. He could tell from Emmanuel’s expression

I need you to lead a team to escort the West End representatives to Zovince. Nothing must

to leave again?” Quintus frowned, reluctant.

sides have suffered heavy losses. You’re one of the people Mackenzie and I trust the most, which is why you’re

Claudette exchanged knowing looks, suppressing their amusement. Emmanuel

with me?” Quintus asked immediately. “I’m the new Holy Guardian. I can’t leave her

of the room collectively thought, What an

with Quintus? Not to mention, she was a candidate for chairman of the Chamber of Commerce–going back and forth between Zovince and the

“You’re important, Quintus.”

but instead focused on calming him down

straightened his

will ensure the West End representative reaches Zovince safely. This is a crucial part of our overall strategy.” Mackenzie continued, her tone