Page 64 of The Alpha's Crimson Vow

I close my eyes briefly, steeling myself for what’s about to come. Another round of Alex showing up, trying to get me to listen. Another exhausting episode of me telling him I’m not interested in anything he has to say.

I exhale sharply. “Come in.”

The door opens.

It’s not Alex.

It’s Lawrence.

A strange mix of emotions rolls through me. I can’t tell if it’s relief or disappointment—or both at the same time. There’s a part of me, a part I keep trying to shove down, that wants it to be Alex. That wants him to walk through that door, his presence filling the space the way it always does.

I ignore that part. Smother it.

I meet Lawrence’s gaze, my expression steady. “Uncle Lawrence. To what do I owe this visit?” My tone is crisp, professional.

He steps further into the room, his sharp eyes sweeping over the mess of flowers. He lets out a short chuckle. “I see Mr. Valkov has been making his intentions quite clear.”

I don’t react. Don’t acknowledge the statement. I just raise a brow at him, waiting.

He takes the seat across from me, resting his hands on the arms of the chair, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. “Katherine. We need to talk.”

Of course we do.

I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “Uncle Lawrence, if you step into my office, I already know it’s because we need to talk. Just get to it.”

He doesn’t waste time.

“Your announcement at the meeting,” he says, voice firm. “This plan to end the partnership with Mr. Valkov. It’s absurd.”

I tilt my head slightly, studying him.

He presses on. “That partnership is the reason this company is still standing. It’s the reason we’ve not only stabilized but are in a position for major expansion. It is, quite frankly, the smartest move this company has ever made. So tell me, Katherine—why on earth would you want to end it? And so needlessly, at that.”

“I already stated my reasons,” I reply evenly. “This company was not built on charity. We need to return to independent operations, and we need to do it now.”

His gaze doesn’t waver. “You’re making a decision that will directly impact the board’s financial interests. If they believe you’re threatening their profits, they will push back. You do realize you could be voted out?”

My lips twitch slightly, the humor in this getting to me. Is it the same Lawrence who was half a breath away from leading a vote to remove me? Now he’s suddenly giving me advice on how to keep my position?

His brows draw together. “This is… funny to you?”

“Yes, actually. It is.” I lean forward slightly, resting my arms on my desk. “Not too long ago, you were ready to lead a vote to have me replaced by your beloved Frank. And now you’re worriedabout decisions that could get me voted out? Of course it’s funny.” My voice is dry when I continue. “You’ve always hated me, Uncle Lawrence. If I’m making decisions that might cost me my job, you should be thrilled.”

His eyes stay locked onto mine, steady, unreadable. Then—

“I don’t hate you,” he says, voice low. “I don’t particularly like you. But I don’t hate you. Just as I don’t particularly love Frank.”

I arch a brow.

He moves slightly, straightening in his chair, his tone turning declarative. “I am the leader of the family elders. The elders, as I’m sure you’re aware, are responsible for ensuring that Pinnacle Group—a company built on the Lockhart name—remains strong. And that it continues to adhere to the traditions that have made it successful for generations.”

He holds my gaze, his next words slow, deliberate.

“You, Katherine, are the most rebellious person I know. You spit in the face of traditions. You are unmarried. You run this company with no husband beside you. That is not how things were done in this family. That is why I favored Frank—because he is married and aligned with the values I am sworn to uphold.”

I don’t say anything. I just listen.

“But now,” he continues, “Frank is no longer on the board. And you are flirting with a full-blown mutiny. If your actions are seen as a direct threat to the board’s profits, they will have a reason to remove you. And if that happens, for the first time in history, a Lockhart will not be the CEO of Pinnacle Group.”

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