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?"

is. What's bothering

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

"And?" Thalassa prompted.

to invite you. Obviously, I said no

no?" Thalassa interrupted,

raised a brow at her reaction. "Because

lips. "Kris, I told you I want to move past old grudges, I'm not looking

can at least be civil

to accept her

"Yes."

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

"No, Kris. We can't go together. You and I

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jaw dropped in shock. But the more he thought about it, the more something clicked in his

not? You just don’t understand your father.” Laura couldn’t hold back anymore. “Your dad’s vision has always been beyond what you two could comprehend. That’s why he was always so quiet at home–because the things weighing on his mind

you know something, Aunt Laura?” Claudette

their eyes to Laura, their anticipation obvious. Emmanuel and Mackenzie, in particular, looked like they wouldn’t rest

deeply, resigning herself to

never outright told me, but I overheard him on the phone many nights. Almost every conversation revolved around the presidential

everyone’s

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

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 foreign forces walk all

also said that this year’s election had to bring a hardliner

its lost territories…”

Zelinsky is also part of the pro- war

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

the outcome…”

Everyone gasped in shock.

really say that?” Emmanuel asked

stability and the safety of

the call say it… So, this year’s election might come with an unexpected military coup.” Laura’s expression turned

that, everyone stared at

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 recover from

called out,

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

issuing orders. “To ensure the stability of the election, I need you

Quintus frowned, reluctant.

on you.” Emmanuel patted him on the shoulder. “This is the final stretch. Both sides have suffered heavy losses. You’re one of the people Mackenzie and I trust the most,

and Claudette exchanged knowing looks, suppressing their amusement.

with me?” Quintus asked immediately. “I’m the new Holy Guardian.

of the room collectively thought,

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 Teddy to swoop

“You’re important, Quintus.”

answer Quintus but instead focused on calming

he instinctively straightened his back, standing

and I both trust that you will ensure the West End representative reaches Zovince safely. This is a crucial part of our overall strategy.” Mackenzie continued, her tone firm yet reassuring. “Meanwhile,