<h4>Chapter 28: Chapter 28 Waking Up the Boss</h4>


    Cecilia’s pov


    Sebastian’s voice cut through my thoughts like a cold knife.


    I turned instinctively, caught in the weight of his gaze from across the aisle.


    It was sharp. Intense. Possessive.


    Heat surged to my cheeks.


    His eyes—dark, unreadable, yet far too focused—locked on mine and didn’t let go.


    As if daring me to look away.


    As if I belonged under that gaze.


    "I apologize, Alpha Sebastian," I said, lowering my head, though not fully. "It won’t happen again."


    A beat of silence.


    Then, his voice—cool and low—cut through the air.


    "I should hope not."


    But it wasn’t just a scolding in his tone.


    There was something else.


    A warning. A im.


    As if my attention, even my thoughts, were his tomand—and he didn’t appreciate sharing.


    Heat twisted low in my stomach, confusing and unwee.


    I told myself it was irritation. But part of me wasn’t so sure.


    Across from me, Beta Sawyer shifted slightly in his chair. His posture stiffened, and he cleared his throat once—quiet, but noticeable.


    He didn’t say anything, but the nce he cast between us said everything: uncertain, maybe even uneasy.


    I couldn’t tell if he was trying to silently support me or simply hoping the awkwardness would blow over quickly.


    Either way, I was painfully aware of the tension hanging in the air.


    Soon after, the flight attendant returned to clear our breakfast trays and serve coffee.


    Sebastian only allowed himself about ten minutes of rest before diving into video conferences. For the next five hours, he was constantly busy—either in meetings, on phone calls, or reviewing documents.


    Beta Sawyer stayed on his toes, immediately bringing urgent matters from their email to Sebastian’s attention, which would trigger new rounds of calls and video conferences. The pace was brutal—no different from being at corporate headquarters.


    When Beta Sawyer finally had a moment to catch his breath, I beckoned him to the back of the cabin.


    "Can you fill me in on the details of this business trip?" I asked quietly. "I need to understand everything if I’m going to keep pace with Alpha Sebastian’s schedule."


    Beta Sawyer nodded and sent me the schedule for the next few days. Our destination was Singapore, primarily to check out the branch office there. In addition, Alpha Sebastian had meetings scheduled with government officials and important business partners.


    "This is just the first stop," Beta Sawyer said, keeping his voice low. "Over the next six months, we’ll be hitting branch offices globally."


    "I understand."


    It totally made sense. Sebastian had recently returned to assume leadership of the pack’s business interests. As a newly installed Alpha CEO, he needed to establish his dominance. Even for an heir apparent, there would be those questioning his management abilities. He needed results, needed to show who’s boss, needed to make changes. A new Alpha always meant potential shake-ups in hierarchy.


    "Why Singapore as the first stop?" I whispered, genuinely curious. "Is there something special about it?"


    I’d researched Silver Peak Pack thoroughly. They were a textbook family business with capital umted over several generations. They began as currency exchangers, evolved into private banking, expanded into real estate in the 90s, andter diversified into new energy, entertainment, and inte ventures. They had six publicly tradedpanies alone.


    The Singapore branch specialized in new energy and wasn’t theirrgest or most impressive overseas operation. I couldn’t understand why Sebastian would choose it as his opening move.


    Beta Sawyer hesitated. "Uh, nothing in particr. It’s... closer?"


    I gave him a look. What kind ofme answer was that?


    A man with a Gulfstream G650 could fly anywhere except outer space! Distance was hardly a concern.


    As Beta Sawyer exined our work breakdown for the next few days, he opened up to me: "When we were at the American branch, I managed alone. But at headquarters? I’m so busy I could use a clone."


    "The Alpha is very demanding," he continued. "Poor Liam ended up pulling double duty as both butler and secretary. Now that you’re here, both of us can finally rx."


    I smiled, a small dimple forming at the corner of my mouth.


    "Sawyer, go grab some popcorn from Mia."


    Sebastian’s voice came from behind us—level, unhurried, neither warm nor cold.


    He stood with one arm crossed, the other holding a folder, his expression unreadable behind his sses.


    Beta Sawyer looked confused. "...Popcorn? You’re hungry?"


    Sebastian lowered the documents, his gaze flicking toward both of us.


    "You two seemed so... into your conversation. I figured snacks might make it a proper show."


    Sawyer: "..."


    Me: "..."


    Alpha Sebastian certainly had a sarcastic way of expressing his displeasure.


    At two in the afternoon, the nended.


    Stepping off the aircraft, I was immediately hit by a wave of heat that transported me from spring to midsummer in seconds. Then I remembered my suitcase full of sweaters and down jackets... Who could have seen thising when I’d go from freezing weather to tropical heat?


    The cars sent to meet us were waiting on the tarmac.


    Beta Sawyer took the front passenger seat while I continued to sit in the back with Sebastian.


    We arrived at our amodation, the Raffles Hotel, and checked in. Beta Sawyer and I apanied Sebastian to his suite first.


    "Any ns for tonight?" Sebastian asked, sinking into the sofa, his gaze briefly resting on me.


    I answered with practiced efficiency: "Only one engagement tonight, Alpha. Keith of Silvercrest Holdings has arranged a yacht reception—a wee gesture for your arrival."


    Sebastian nodded once.


    "I’ll take a nap," he said. "Wake me at five."


    "Of course."


    Beta Sawyer and I left his suite and returned to our own rooms. We also had suites, though smaller.


    I didn’t even unpack my suitcase before rushing out of the hotel and taking a taxi to the nearest shopping mall. I needed clothes—professional wear, casual outfits, formal attire—for different asions.


    Around 4:30, I returned to the hotel, quickly showered, and changed into professional attire.


    At 4:50, I quietly entered Sebastian’s suite. I hung up the suits from his suitcase and selected an outfit for tonight, pressing it to get the wrinkles out.


    At precisely 5:00, my phone rm vibrated. Time to wake the boss.


    I walked into the bedroom with steady, professional steps. The moment my eyesnded on the bed, I nearly stumbled in my high heels.


    On therge bedy my boss, wearing a silver silk robe that had slipped open, exposing his corbone and chest muscles. His long, perfectly toned legs were like something carved by Michngelo—the whole scene was absolutely stunning.


    I knew I shouldn’t stare, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away for a good five or six seconds.


    The longer I looked, the more...flustered I became.


    When Beta Sawyer had split up our duties and assigned "personal care" to me, was that really okay?


    This was...this was...


    I felt increasingly ufortable. But I couldn’t call Beta Sawyer now... I nced at the time: 5:05 already!


    I took a deep breath and reminded myself: just don’t think of him as a man. Think of him as...your boss. Just your boss.


    "Alpha, it’s time to wake up."


    I approached the bedside with a professional smile, using my most warm, business-appropriate tone.


    Sebastian’s brows furrowed.


    Then they rxed, and he continued sleeping peacefully.


    "..."


    I cleared my throat and tried again. "Alpha Sebastian, it’s five o’clock. You need to wake up now."


    Looking annoyed, Sebastian’s expression showed irritation. He raised his arm to cover his eyes.


    After a moment, he was still again.


    "...?"


    I never imagined that my professional career might end because I couldn’t wake my boss up!


    It was already 5:12!


    Taking a deep breath, I leaned down closer and nearly shouted directly into his ear: "WAKE UP!"