Alphas regret: Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna

Chapter

17

Silas's eyes softened as he nodded, "I do, Lorelei. I genuinely want to work with you. I believe we'd make excellent partners."

His words stirred something in mean odd mix of pride and caution. "You're serious about this?"

"Completely," he replied, taking a step toward me, "I can take you to the office right now. We'll sign the contract tonight if you're ready."

I hesitated, feeling the weight of Branwen's gaze. He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear, "Rowena, think carefully. Are you sure you want to trust Silas again? He's dangerous."

I spet Branwen's eyes, feeling torn. But something in me wanted to give Silas one more chance, if not for him, then for the opportunity in front of me.

responded to Blevin in a voice that only the two of us could hear, 'Don't worry, Branwen, I'm not choosing to trust him, but I'm going to get co operation from him, which is vital to my subsequent plans!

Branwen's face tightened, disappointment flickering across his features. His jaw clenched, and I could tell he wasn't happy with my decision.

"Tine," he muttered, stepping back. "But take care of yourself, Rowena. Don't let him hurt you again." Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving me with an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Silas, seeing Branwen leave, stepped toward me with an air of confidence. "You made the right choice," he said, his voice gentle.

He crouched down, noticing the wound on my leg where a sharp rock had cut me underwater. "You're bleeding," he murmured, concern lacing his

tone.

Before I could protest, he was already wrapping a bandage around the cut. "Does it hurt?" he asked, his hands surprisingly gentle.

"It's fine," I muttered, trying to ignore the strange flutter in my chest. "I'm more worried about how much water I swallowed."

He looked up at me, his eyes soft. "Are you sure you're alright?"

I nodded. "I'm fine now."

Satisfied, Silas helped me to my feet and led me to his car.

The drive back to the office was quiet, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence.

My mind was racing with thoughts of what this partnership could mean-not just for me, but for the packs and the project we were about to embark

on

When we arrived at the company, Silas immediately called for his secretary.

The man arrived swiftly, and Silas ordered him to bring the healthcare contract. The secretary hesitated, a nervous glance passing between us. "But sir, hasn't that project been given to Lena?" Silas's face hardened. "I said, bring the contract. Now,"

The secretary scrambled to obey, and moments later, the documents were laid out in front of me. Silas handed me a pen, his expression earnest. "You ready?"

I hesitated for only a second before signing my name. Silas watched me, then quickly signed his own. And just like that, the contract was in effect. We were official partners.

Silas stood and offered his hand. "To our partnership," he said with a smile.

1 shook his hand, a strange thrill running through me. "To our partnership."

He filed wider, a gleam in his eye. "Now, about that dinner we talked about..."

I had almost forgotten. Silas had promised dinner to celebrate, and now he was making good on it.

He led me to a nearby restaurant, and when we arrived, I was surprised to find that he'd brought two bottles of rare red wine. "To toast our collaboration," he explained. 12:29

Alpha's Regret: Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna

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Chapter 17

We sat down, and just as the food arrived, his phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw the name: Lena,

Silas frowned, then shrugged and ignored the call. He placed the phone face down on the table, his smile never faltering. "Let's enjoy our dinner he said, pouring me a glass of wine.

But the phone rang again. I couldn't help but ask, "Don't you need to take that?"

Silas shook his head. "It's nothing important."

He muted the phone and waved it off as if Lena didn't matter at all. I wasn't sure if I should be impressed by his calm or suspicious of his motives.

As we ate, we talked about the healthcare project. The atmosphere became warm, the tension from earlier melting away.

I explained how Branwen's Silver Lake pack was rich in medicinal resources, and how, as his sister, I could facilitate the communication between our

cks.

"This partnership will be mutually beneficial," I assured him, raising my glass. "A win-win situation for everyone."

Silas grinned, clearly pleased by what he was hearing. "I knew I made the right choice. You're going to be the key to making this project a success." He raised his glass in return, and we drank.

As the evening went on, Silas drank more, his face flushed with alcohol. His usual composed demeanor was slipping, and I couldn't help but notice how much he had loosened up.

I looked at him, tipsy and relaxed, and a thought crossed my mind. This was the perfect moment to send a message to Lena.

I stood and moved to help Silas to his feet, pretending to stumble.

I let myself fall into his arms, pressing my lips to his collar, leaving a faint lipstick mark on his shirt.