Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 149

**TITLE: The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood**
**Chapter 149: Business Meeting in Elysian Club**

The atmosphere was thick, saturated with the unmistakable scent of high-ranking wolves, a heady mix of power and ambition that hung in the air like a fog. It was a gathering where every glance and whisper carried weight, and where the stakes were as high as the towering chandeliers overhead.

Maggie, her eyes darting through the throng, leaned in closer to me, her voice barely above a whisper. “There, look! That’s Maurice Gross, the CEO of Skyline Construction.”

I followed her gaze, my heart racing as I took in the figure of a man in his forties. He was a beta wolf, his hair slicked back with an air of arrogance, and a slight belly that hinted at indulgence. He had one arm draped possessively around a striking beauty clad in a short skirt, her laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses around us.

With a quick glance at the passing waiter, I seized a glass of wine, the cool stem feeling reassuring in my hand, and made my way toward Maurice. My heart thudded in my chest as I approached him, the noise of the club fading into a distant hum.

“Mr. Gross, good evening. I’m Deanna, the head of Bluewave Studio. May I have a moment of your time?” I introduced myself, trying to keep my voice steady.

He turned his attention away from the group he had been mingling with, his gaze locking onto me. I could feel the weight of his scrutiny as he appraised me from head to toe. With a dismissive gesture, he shoved the girl beside him aside, and a greasy smile crept across his face, making my stomach churn.

“Oh? Bluewave Studio, you say?” he replied, his tone dripping with feigned interest.

I nodded, a wave of relief washing over me that he even recognized our name. “Yes, we were supposed to compete in this round, but your project manager pulled us out at the last minute. That’s why I’m here, directly asking for a fair chance.”

His eyes glinted with mischief as he studied me, a teasing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “And what makes you think you’re worth my time?”

“Zelena, my lead designer, studied design overseas. She’s been in the industry for five years and has a wealth of experience. Adding another design firm to the competition would only enhance the quality of work for Skyline Construction,” I asserted, my confidence growing.

Just then, the woman returned to his side, her lips forming a pout. “Mr. Gross, don’t forget about me when there’s a new girl around,” she cooed, her tone laced with jealousy.

He stroked her cheek with a greasy finger, his grin widening. “Relax, darling. You’re still my favorite,” he replied, his voice dripping with insincerity.

Then, turning his attention back to me, he leaned closer. “How about you drink all this wine? Show me your courage and determination.”

“Don’t act like a beta like me is causing you trouble. Fine. If you two can finish all five bottles, then—”

He didn’t get to finish his thought.

At that very moment, the door swung open with a force that drew every eye in the room.

A rich, dominant scent of cedarwood swept through the space, commanding attention like an unseen force. The man who entered was striking, his suit casually draped over one shoulder, the collar of his crisp white shirt unbuttoned in a way that spoke of effortless confidence. His gray slacks hugged long, powerful legs that moved with a grace that was almost regal.

His amber eyes scanned the room, exuding the crushing weight of a top alpha, as if he were a king surveying his kingdom. The presence of the others who followed him faded into mere shadows, insignificant in comparison.

The crowd parted instinctively, creating a path for him, and even Maurice, who had been the center of attention, shot to his feet, offering his seat in a gesture of respect. “Greetings, Mr. Eaton,” he said, his tone suddenly deferential.