Chapter 320 The Dinner Invitation
<b>Leslie’s </b>POV
+8 Pearls
Standing before the tall ss windows of Apex Industries, I cradled my phone, sunlight spilling across me in a warmth that almost made menguid.
I discussed business with the caller, eyes drifting over the city below. My lips curved into the faintest smile–quiet, but touched with pride.
Upstairs in that conference room, Kirby had been forced to swallow his temper. His mint pheromones had filled the air, heavy and storm–like. He was probably still pacing the floor, grinding his teeth.
Asphodel snorted inside me. <i>Serves </i><i>him </i><i>right</i>. <i>Leslie</i><i>, </i><i>you </i><i>handled </i><i>it </i><i>perfectly</i>.
When I noticed Adler approaching, I ended the call, slipping my jacket over one arm. My tone was even. “Alpha, is there something else?”
Hands in his pockets, sandalwood pheromones radiating steady calm, he studied me with a smile. “Yes. The most important matter—taking Leslie to dinner.”
It was the second time he’d asked. Refusing twice would be petty.
Besides, I had only turned him down earlier to keep Kirby at bay. With Kirby absent now, I felt no need to hold back.
I hesitated briefly, then returned his smile. “All right. Though I should be the one treating you.”
We left together in the same car.
Asphodel’s growl rumbled. <i>That </i><i>mint </i><i>stench </i><i>upstairs </i><i>was </i><i>ring </i><i>down </i><i>at </i><i>you</i><i>, </i>Leslie! <i>Kirby </i><i>must </i><i>be </i><i>fuming</i><i>! </i>
I didn’t look back. I could picture his face anyway–dark, storm–choked, watching us leave.
It wasn’t my concern. His anger had nothing to do with me.
The restaurant was a private vi on the outskirts of the city, refined and tasteful. I’d been there before with Astrid and the others, but tonight it was unusually lively, familiar faces everywhere.
To my irritation, Kirby’s friends Leiss and Ruben were among them.
I nced their way but skipped the pleasantries, choosing a quiet corner instead.
Adler slid me a napkin to dry my hands, his smile soft as spring air. “I can’t shake the feeling
<b>11:03 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>
Chapter 320 The Dinner Invitation
you were displeased with my wordsst time.”
I took the napkin, meeting him directly. “Yes. A little.”
<b>75 </b>
+8 Pearls
No reason to pretend. His bluntness had unsettled me; feigning indifference would’ve been the real dishonesty.
He chuckled gently, tone apologetic. “Then I was wrong–too abrupt. But at least it worked.”
My brows lifted, my voice cooling. “I don’t waste time on matters of the heart. Alpha, I appreciate your kindness, but that’s all it is.”
Rather than deter him, my dismissal only deepened his sincerity. His eyes fixed on me, unflinching, his expression open in a way that made me uneasy. “Then tell me why are you so decisive in refusing? Do you dislike me?”
–
I let out a faint curve of my lips, tone detached. “No. But if it’s about alliance, you and I would be suitable. The benefits of marriage, though—I can create those for myself.”
Asphodel approved with a growl. <i>Exactly</i><i>! </i><i>Rogue </i><i>Pack’s </i><i>princess </i><i>doesn’t </i><i>need </i><i>a </i><i>man </i><i>to </i>prop <i>her </i><i>up</i>.
I knew it too well. With Lars as Lycan King, Rogue Pack needed no marital bargaining chips.
As for love? Kirby’s betrayal had reduced that to ash long ago.
Adler fell quiet, rubbing at his temple. His voice, low yet steady, carried something more personal. “Then let me correct myself. I’m not here for politics. Not for alliance. If I told you it was selfish–if I told you I’ve admired you for a long time–would that change anything?”
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