Page 104 of Hard Knot

"Harvard just wasn't the same without my fiesty rival competing for the top spot," I admit softly, the words carrying the weight of five years' worth of regret. “Even with a one year break to ‘think it out’ I couldn’t do it.”

In the silence of my mind, I acknowledge the deeper truth: Those years without her had been an exercise in emptiness.

My passion for learning — the drive that had made us such perfect academic rivals — had withered and died the moment she disappeared. My life had spiraled into a darkness I couldn't control, an inevitable descent into meaninglessness that no amount of academic achievement could fix.

What's the point of being the best when the only person worth competing with is gone?

But now isn't the time for dwelling on past regrets.

I turn back to Phillips, my voice taking on the sharp edge of authority I've cultivated since taking over the Morrison Empire.

"With my score of 390, joining this pack would put them well over the 500-rank quota," I state matter-of-factly. "That includes all standard privileges plus the additional benefits and services received in the Hard Knot Wing." My eyes narrow slightly. "And don't bother trying to adjust those terms. I'm quite familiar with the regulations."

Phillips opens his mouth, likely to spew more bureaucratic nonsense, but I cut him off with a wave of my hand.

"I dislike wasting valuable time," I say, my tone clipped. "Every second spent arguing is a second I could be rekindling my...affectionate rivalry with the woman in my arms."

"Now wait just a minute," Carter interjects, stepping forward. His hazel eyes flash with barely contained anger. "I don't have a problem with you temporarily joining the pack if it keeps us from getting kicked out, but you can forget about rekindling anything."

I study him for a moment, noting the genuine concern in his expression when he glances at Elizabeth. It matches what I observed earlier — his consistent defense of her, and his willingness to challenge authority on her behalf.

"You're actually on my good side, Giovanni," I acknowledge, surprising him. "You stood up for my Eli when I couldn't be here. I respect that." My voice hardens slightly as I continue, "But if you truly love her, you'll back off and get everyone in your pack on board with this arrangement. I won't let her be treated like some disposable option, especially when it's painfully obvious who the superior Omega is in this room."

Victoria makes a choked sound of outrage from her corner, but I ignore her, turning my attention to Felix. His tech-enhanced glasses catch the light as he meets my gaze, his expression carefully neutral.

"You're an interesting one to figure out, Reichmann," I say, studying Felix's carefully composed expression. "Hard to read, but your actions speak volumes. You've consistently opposed this little villain campaign to have my Eli dismissed and sold to the black market." My jaw tightens at the words. "Which, by the way, is a matter we'll be discussing in great detail later."

Felix adjusts his tech-enhanced glasses, the gesture seemingly casual but I notice how his fingers twitch slightly — a tell that suggests I've caught his interest.

"Speaking of your technological prowess," I continue, "I found your mention of access to the security systems particularly intriguing." A predatory smile spreads across my face as I feel Elizabeth tense slightly in my arms. "That could prove incredibly useful in documenting Advisor Phillips's...unique approach to student relations."

I turn my attention back to Phillips, whose complexion has taken on an unhealthy gray tinge.

"I wonder how the committee would feel about reviewing footage of an administrator accepting sexual favors in exchange for academic considerations? Seems rather unprofessional for someone of your... what was it? 'Profound expertise and field experience?'"

“T-There are no cameras in here,” he argues.

“And who said that?” I counter and look to Felix who decides to enlighten us.

“There are cameras in every office which are normally reviewed once a year, but I could easily tap into it in one minute and thirty seconds now if you’d like.”

Phillips is gawking while Victoria is trembling.

“Y-Y-You’re bluffing! All of you.”

“And for what?” I ask. “I get absolutely nothing with trying to screw up your life. Well, only the gratification of getting my Eli some revenge for your ludicrous behavior, but either way, the camera security in the offices is legit.”

Sweat beads on Phillips's forehead as he tugs at his collar.

"I've dedicated twenty years to reaching this position," he protests weakly.

"Twenty years?" I repeat, letting mockery color my tone. "Funny, you weren't thinking about those two decades ofdedication while receiving oral services from Miss Fake Commitment over there."

Victoria's gasp of outrage fills the room.

"How dare you insult me like that!"

My laugh is sharp and without humor as I turn to face her, letting my full Alpha presence fill the space between us. The way she shrinks back, pressed against the wall like a caught mouse in a corner is delightful to witness.

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