Page 21 of Alpha-Ex Wedding Ruse
Victor strolled in. He dropped a file on my desk like it offended him.
“Monthly update from R&D,” he said. “Everything’s in there.”
Charles got up, and with a nod that said we’ll continue this conversation later, he left.
I flipped it open and skimmed. There were sloppy numbers, inflated projections, and a bunch of haphazardly done bullshit.
“You’re down four percent in logistics,” I said, not bothering to hide my displeasure.
Victor sank into the leather chair across from me, uninvited. “Supply chain delays. Nothing I could’ve done.”
I stared at him. “You could’ve forecasted better. You had the budget.”
He shrugged. “Or maybe you’re just determined to find fault in everything I do. Makes it easier to show Father that you’re the golden son and I’m what? Just an inconvenience.”
I set the folder down. “Right now, you are. With that work rate of yours, the only reason you still hold a position in this company is because of your last name.”
Victor’s nostrils flared, his jaws clenched so hard I could hear the faint grinding of teeth. “You think you’re so perfect, huh? You think you can parade yourself around like you’re some high and mighty person who’s got all his shit together?
“Well, brother, I can see the cracks in your facade. And you? You’re just one step away from blowing up everything.” Then he smirked, slow and smug. “I hear her father’s starting to wonder if you’re dragging your feet because there’s someone else in the picture.”
My jaws flexed.
Victor grinned. “Unless, of course, the rumors are true. That you’re stalling because you’re waiting—no, pining—for the mate who stole from you years ago.” He paused, then his tone shifted—cool, but laced with something bitter. “Funny how things work out. I met Leila first, remember? She was supposed to be mine. Before you showed up anddid what you always do—take.” He gave a low chuckle, sharp and humorless. “And now you’re circling back like she’s yours to have.”
Was that a shot in the dark? Or did he know something?
His tone was too easy, too smooth—like he was fishing. Waiting for a reaction. Watching to see if he’d struck a nerve.
But if Victor had really seen her—if he knew Leila was back—he wouldn’t be playing coy. He’d be sharpening knives.
Which meant he didn’t know. Not yet.
I rose from my seat.
“Careful,” I said, my voice low. “You’re confusing ambition with permission.”
He rose too, but not as steadily.
We stared each other down. Victor was my younger brother, at least on paper. But he always felt like a stranger and not like a boy I’d spent all my life with. The final wedge in our fractured bond had been Leila.
It was his own fault for thinking he stood a chance her. With the only woman I ever wanted. My Mate.
Victor finally looked away, gathering the file from the table. “Looking forward to dinner with Father,” he said smoothly. “I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to hear how the wedding preparations are coming along. At least, one of us will.”
He turned and walked out.
Victor knew I was stalling about marrying Elena. And he knew exactly why. I’d never cared for Elena, but I’d spent the last couple of months pretending to. And now, with Leila back, there was no more pretending.
Because how do you settle when the one thing you truly wanted comes walking back in?
I was royally, undeniably, fucked.
Chapter Six
Leila’s POV
“Ollie!”I shouted from the living room. “Come on now, I'm going to be late for my meeting.”
