<b>Chapter </b><b>100 </b>
Dominic’s POV
I drummed my fingers against the polished mahogany table, watching Ronald Collins shift ufortably in his own seat. The Collins Group’s main conference room was designed to impress–but as a future Alpha, I felt anything but intimidated. Floor–to–ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the
table.
What I hadn’t anticipated was Elizabeth Collins herself sitting beside her father, dressed in a burgundy dress that hugged her curves too deliberately for a business meeting. Her perfume–something floral and expensive–assaulted my heightened senses from across the table.
“Dominic,” Ronald began, his voice carrying that practiced warmth that never reached his eyes, “I believe we have some unfinished business regarding our families‘ long–standing arrangement.”
I maintained an expressionless face while my pulse quickened with irritation. “This meeting was scheduled to discuss the Weske project financing, Ronald. Nothing else.” The coldness in my voice was deliberate, a warning he chose to ignore.
“Come now,” he chuckled, leaning forward conspiratorially. “We both know our fathers have certain… understandings. The kind that transcends mere business. A generational friendship, if you will.”
“Any arrangements my father made are his concern, not mine,” I stated tly, my eyes hardening as <b>I </b>stared directly
into his. “I make my own decisions.” Each word fell from my lips with finality, carved in ice.
Ronald’s friendly facade slipped. “The Collins family has supported Sterling Group for decades. Your father
understands the value of our alliance.”
My shoulders squared, spine straightening. “And yet here you are, trying to leverage that ‘alliance‘ into something it was never meant to be.” I turned to Elizabeth, voice dropping an octave lower. “Let me be perfectly clear: there will never be a marriage between us.”
The conference room went silent. Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed red, herposure cracking.
‘Is it because of that human assistant of yours?” she hissed, eyes narrowing. “Don’t think people haven’t noticed how you look at her. How you’ve been neglecting your responsibilities to the pack.”
The mention of Reba sent a surge of protective rage through me. My fingers curled into a fist under the table, nails digging into my palm hard enough to draw blood. “My personal life is not up for discussion, especially not in a business meeting.” The words came out as a low growl, causing Elizabeth to flinch imperceptibly.
Ronald’s expression hardened. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten what’s at stake, Dominic. The Collins investment represents thirty percent of the Weske development. Without our backing, the project stalls.”
“Is that a threat?” I asked quietly, the calmness of my voice belying the storm raging inside me.
a
“Consider it a reminder of reality, Ronald replied smoothly. Family loyalty has always been the cornerstone of our rtionship.
I stood slowly, deliberately. Then allow me <b>to </b>remind you of another reality, Ronald. Sterling Group has thrived for generations because we make sound business decisions, not emotional ones. If you wish to withdraw from Weske over a personal matter, that’s your prerogative.”
As I rose to my full height<b>, </b>I let a fraction of my Alpha presence slip–just enough. The air in the room thickened with predatory energy. Ronald <b>instinctively </b>leaned back in his chair. His <b>heartbeat </b>quickened; I could hear it from across the table. A sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead, his body responding to a danger his conscious mind couldn’tprehend.
“This meeting is over,” I said, buttoning my jacket with steady hands that contrasted with the fury pulsing through my veins. I’ll see myself out.”
Elizabeth stood abruptly, tears of fury in her eyes. “You’re throwing away decades of tradition for some nobody? The Council won’t stand for this, Dominic. Your position isn’t as secure as you think.”
I merely turned toward the door, chin raised, eyes cold and unblinking. My stillness was more threatening than any movement could be. I left without another word, their stunned silence following me down the corridor.
“Sir, we have a situation.”
Marcus’s voice cut through my thoughts as we settled into the private jet an hourter. I was reviewing financial projections, trying to predict the fallout from the Collins meeting.
“Collins has already begun liquidating their Sterling Group holdings,” he continued, showing me the stock ticker on his phone. “The market’s reacting. We’re down three percent and <b>falling</b><b>.</b>”
I took the phone, scanning the numbers, my breathing controlled despite the spike of adrenaline. “Faster than expected. They must have had the sell orders ready to go before our meeting.” I handed it back to him. “Get Nakamura Industries on the line. Tell them I’m prepared to sign the partnership agreement immediately, with the additional provisions we discussedst month.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure?”
“And now it’s time to use it. My voice left no room for debate.
Marcus moved to the front of the cabin to make the calls.
I leaned back, closing my eyes briefly, muscles tense with <b>suppressed </b><b>strain</b><b>. </b><b>My </b>father’s voice echoed in <b>my </b>memory: “The Collins alliance is our future<b>, </b><b>son</b>. Their bloodline <b>and </b><b>ours</b>, <b>joined </b>after all these generations. I expect you to see it through.”
His words at ourst pack meeting, spoken with the authority of the <b>current </b><b>Alpha</b>. An expectation <b>I </b><b>had </b>no
<b>12:15 Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>
intention of fulfilling.
6:5
My fingers found their way to the inside of my sleeve, tracing the small embroidered deer Reba hadmissioned. Such a small detail, yet it represented everything that was now at risk. My chest constricted at <b>the </b>thought of her smile, the unexpected warmth she’d brought into my life, the way she challenged me without fear.
The image of her face shed in my mind. My phone buzzed with urgent messages from board members, but I allowed myself five seconds to remember the scent of her hair, the sound of herugh.
Five seconds of weakness before returning to the role I was born to y.
“Nakamura is ready for the video call,” Marcus announced. “Their legal team is standing by.”
I straightened, adjusting my tie with precise movements. “Put them through.”
After wended, Marcus briefed me on Reba’s younger brother, Jason Brown, for the first time in three days.
“Your assessment?” I asked, stepping into the waiting car while Raymond held the door.
“Three days at the Hilton,” Marcus reported. “He’s shown up, which is something, but he’s beente twice and called in sick once already. The manager hasn’tined–your name carries weight–but he’s clearly not enthusiastic about the position.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, a muscle twitching in my jaw. “Has he been to thepany these days<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“Not that we know of. We have someone keeping an eye on him, as requested.”
“Good.” The word came out sharp, edged with irritation. “Thest thing Reba needs is more family drama at her workce. Keep monitoring him. If he bes a problem, we’ll need to intervene before he disrupts Reba’s life again.”
“Sir, Marcus hesitated, “may I speak freely?”
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