Third POV :
**On the other side of the call…**
Alina’s frustration simmered as she tossed the phone aside.
Whirling around, she flung herself dramatically into Anthony’s arms, her tone both pleading and demanding.
“Honey, why does it have to be Sophia to invest? There are so many people who would jump at the chance to invest in our theater group. Let’s just find someone else. Please?”
Though her words were sweetened with affection, irritation crept into her voice.
The thought of Sophia taking her money elsewhere gnawed at her, and the pressure Anthony had placed on her made it worse.
Anthony, however, was unfazed. His cold, calculating eyes regarded her as if weighing her worth.
“What, you don’t like the lead role?” he asked, his tone devoid of emotion.
“No!” Alina exclaimed quickly, her heart racing. “I like it! I’m just… curious, that’s all.”
Anthony’s gaze remained icy.
“This investor is important. If you secure this deal, it won’t just be about money. You’ll be recognized by the Iron Claw Pack. Do you understand what that means?”
Alina’s stomach churned with unease.
She knew all too well the implications.
Iron Claw was a prestigious pack, one whose approval could solidify her status.
But her earlier tantrums with Sophia had backfired spectacularly.
Now, the investor had slipped through her fingers, and she had no idea how to fix it.
“I understand,” she mumbled, her usual confidence faltering.
Anthony sighed, clearly annoyed. *She’s beautiful, sure,* he thought, *but her inability to think ahead is infuriating.*
He had hoped to use Alina’s play to demonstrate his capabilities, not just to Sophia but to Lirian.
Anthony had spent years trying to step out of Lirian’s shadow, desperate for a single word of praise from his accomplished cousin.
Securing this deal was supposed to be his ticket to recognition.
“If you can’t handle this, we’ll have to drop it entirely,” Anthony said, his voice sharp. “This can’t drag on.”
Alina’s heart sank. “I’ll handle it,” she promised, though her voice wavered.
Anthony nodded curtly and stood to leave. “I have other business to attend to. My sister-in-law is in town for some work, so I’ll be seeing her soon.”
Alina hesitated. “Can I come along?”
Before I could respond, the doorbell rang.
Curious, I glanced through the peephole and blinked in surprise.
Standing there, looking composed and utterly out of place in the middle of my chaotic morning, was Anthony.
“I’m sure,” I said bluntly into the phone, cutting off Alina’s rant.
Without waiting for her reaction, I ended the call and opened the door.
“Anthony,” I greeted him, my tone wary but polite.
He stepped inside with a confident stride, his presence filling the room.
His sharp suit and composed demeanor made him seem like he belonged in a boardroom, not at my hotel door. His expression softened slightly as he greeted me.
“Hello, sister-in-law.”
Since I didn’t want to waste any more energy on Alina, I ended the call with a sharp press of the button and turned my attention back to Anthony. He stood a few steps away, his sharp features softened by concern.
I was about to ask him about his reason for the visit but instead was interrupted by him..
“Everything all right?” he asked, his tone laced with curiosity. “You didn’t seem too thrilled with whoever was on the line.”
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