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.

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

"And?" Thalassa prompted.

to invite you. Obviously,

you say no?" Thalassa interrupted, her

at her reaction. "Because I thought you

"Kris, I told you I want to move past old grudges, I'm

your mother, but we can at

you want to accept her

"Yes."

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 the

go together. You and I can't be seen

be seen with me?

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shock. But the more he thought about it,

Laura couldn’t hold back anymore. “Your dad’s vision has always been beyond what you two could comprehend. That’s why

Laura?”

obvious. Emmanuel and Mackenzie, in particular, looked like they wouldn’t rest until they got

Laura exhaled deeply, resigning herself to the situation. “The general… He

told me, but I overheard him on the phone many nights. Almost every

everyone’s

couldn’t help but gape at each other in shock. As their father’s children, they had no idea he had been orchestrating something this massive all

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 too weak, letting

also said that this year’s election had to bring a hardliner into office. Only then

its lost territories…”

Does this mean Catherine Zelinsky is also

this election had no room for error. If there was even the slightest chance of failure, he wouldn’t hesitate to stage

the outcome…”

Everyone gasped in shock.

he really say that?” Emmanuel asked

the country’s stability and the safety

exactly. I overheard the person on the other end of the call say it… So, this year’s election might come with an unexpected military coup.”

that, everyone stared at

such dire news, Emmanuel knew he had to discuss it with Santiago immediately. If they got caught off guard and Zovince was taken over in a sudden coup, they might not be able to

called

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into a salute. He could tell from Emmanuel’s expression that this was going to be a major

I need you to lead a team to

again?” Quintus frowned, reluctant. He had barely been in Zovince for a

patted him on the shoulder. “This is the final stretch. Both sides have suffered heavy losses. You’re

their amusement. Emmanuel clearly knew exactly how to

problem. But… is Mackenzie coming with me?” Quintus asked immediately. “I’m

the room collectively thought, What an

with Emmanuel in Zovince after so long. Why on earth would she run off to the West End with Quintus? Not to mention, she was a candidate for chairman of the Chamber of Commerce–going back and forth between Zovince and the West End would only create an opportunity for

“You’re important, Quintus.”

didn’t immediately answer Quintus but instead focused on

he instinctively straightened his back,

is a crucial part of our