Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Elowen

:

76

I opened my mouth to respond, mind reeling from the absurd question. What the hell should I say? Friends? Through today’s overly intimate behavior, I was realizing that ever since that kiss, Cassius had gotten serious about us. Apparently one little kiss had transformed him from helpful friend to wannabe boyfriend. How fucking wonderful.

Before I could clarify anything, Cassius’s face hardened into something predatory and calculating.

“While I fail to see what our personal relationship has to do with closing deals,” he said, each word dripping with barely restrained menace, “today belongs to Elowen. So I’ll indulge your irrelevant curiosity.”

His protective tone should have been reassuring, but the way he spoke for me sent ice through my veins.

His expression melted into something possessive as his gaze burned into mine. “What Elowen and I share transcends ordinary friendship. We’ve created intimate memories together, shared vulnerable moments that most people never experience.” His voice dropped to something almost predatory. “I can feel the connection between us. She knows we’re destined for something deeper.”

Nausea clawed up my throat. This wasn’t professional support–this was a public claiming that made my skin crawl like insects.

Mike’s eyes locked onto me with laser focus. “Is that so? Truly that… intimate?”

Christ, I can’t let this nightmare continue.

“Cassius has been incredibly helpful,” I said, steel creeping into my voice as I met his wounded stare. “I’m genuinely grateful for his

guidance. But we are friends. Nothing more.”

Cassius recoiled as if I’d struck him across the face.

“What?” The word came out strangled, his face cycling through disbelief, hurt, and something darker. “But I thought… we had… He dragged his hands through his hair, reality crashing down. “Jesus Christ. I completely misread everything. What kind of pathetic fool am

1?”

Before I could offer comfort, Mike’s demeanor shifted like a switch being flipped.

“Ah, my mistake entirely,” he purred with renewed warmth, that charming smile sliding across his features like oil. “I should have recognized quality when I saw it. This woman clearly possesses exceptional judgment and rare talent. Someone of her caliber wouldn’t waste time on mediocrity when she deserves something… extraordinary,”

What the actual fuck is happening here?

Cassius’s devastation transformed into something volcanic. His hands became fists on the table, knuckles white with barely leashed

violence.

1/2

14:38 Tue, Jan 13

Chapter 44

God, I feel terrible for him, but we need to save this deal.

I clamped my hand over his trembling fist. “Cassius, please!” I hissed urgently. “Ignore his bullshit! Don’t let him destroy what we came

here for!

He sucked in a shuddering breath, wrestling his rage back into submission.

Ryder’s confusion finally boiled over. “What the hell is wrong with you today, Mike? Since when do you interrogate clients about their love lives instead of analyzing investment proposals? And what’s with those earbuds? You’re acting like a completely different person!*

Thank God someone else sees how insane this is!

Hope flickered–maybe Ryder would shut this down. But Mike’s next words turned the CEO into putty.

“Your wife Isabella made her position crystal clear,” Mike said with surgical precision. “Your recent investment failures have been… disappointing. She’s granted me full authority over this decision. Your role is to write checks and stay quiet. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Ryder’s face went ashen. “Isabella said… fine. Fine! Just make your damn decision!”

Mike dissected my presentation with the precision of a coroner, his criticism cutting deeper with each observation.

“Laughably conservative risk assessment,” he murmured, scribbling notes like a death sentence. “Portfolio diversification so excessive it’s practically paralyzed. Projected returns that wouldn’t impress a savings account.” His frown deepened. “This entire strategy screams amateur hour. You’re hemorrhaging potential profits with this cowardly approach.”