Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 169

**Chapter 169: All Eyes on Him**

In the sleek confines of the glass-walled conference room, the ticking clock seemed to count down not just moments, but the very heartbeat of anxiety that enveloped Maggie. Zelena’s absence had stretched into an uncomfortable silence, and with each passing second, Maggie’s unease swelled like a tide ready to crash.

“Deanna,” Maggie said, urgency threading through her voice, “the presentation is about to start, and Zelena is still missing. I can’t just sit here any longer. I’m going to look for her.”

Just as the words slipped from her lips, the door swung open, and there stood Zelena, her face a ghostly shade of pale, as if she had walked straight out of a nightmare.

Deanna’s brow furrowed with concern as she took in Zelena’s disheveled appearance. “Zelena, are you okay? You don’t look well at all.”

Zelena sank into her chair, her body heavy with dread, as she fought to gather her scattered thoughts. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribcage like a caged animal desperate to escape. Clenching her fists tightly, she sought to contain the dread that gnawed at her insides, as if sheer willpower could push it away.

Felix’s chilling words echoed in her mind, each syllable a reminder of the threat that loomed over her. He was a man who wielded his words like weapons, and the horrifying possibility that he might have invaded her privacy loomed large. The thought that he could have secretly installed a camera in her bedroom sent a cold wave of fear crashing over her.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, barely above a whisper, “Deanna, maybe we should… consider dropping out of the competition right now.”

Maggie, misinterpreting the depth of Zelena’s turmoil, thought her friend was merely succumbing to the anxiety of potential failure. “Zelena, the results haven’t even been announced yet! We could still win this! Don’t let fear get the better of you!”

Though Maggie’s intentions were pure, her understanding fell short of grasping the tempest swirling within Zelena. Deanna, however, felt the undercurrents of anxiety, and a thread of concern wove itself into her heart.

At that moment, Maurice, the designated spokesperson, stepped up to the podium, his presence commanding immediate attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice steady and authoritative, “I am pleased to announce that the first two design studios selected for the Skyline Construction project are Meridian Studio and Summit Design Studio.”

Maggie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, Summit Design Studio? Isn’t that the jerk’s firm?”

Maurice paused, allowing the weight of the announcement to settle over the room before continuing, “Now, there’s one more spot available. However, two studios are currently tied with identical scores: Bluewave Studio and Grandview Studio. The board has decided that representatives from both studios will present their design concepts, after which we will hold another vote.”

As he concluded, Deanna felt Felix’s predatory gaze shift toward them, his eyes gleaming with a dark intensity that sent a shiver spiraling down her spine.

Zelena’s expression was strained, her lips devoid of color. “Zelena, you really need to present,” Maggie urged, her concern etched deeply on her face. “You look like you might faint. Are you nervous?”

Deanna hesitated, a moment of contemplation washing over her. “I can present instead,” she offered, rising from her seat, eager to alleviate the pressure on her friend.

But before she could take a step forward, Zelena’s hand shot out, gripping her arm with a sudden urgency. “Deanna…”

Deanna looked down, meeting Zelena’s gaze, which was filled with a mix of fear and determination. “What is it?”

Zelena’s heart raced under the weight of that look, but she swallowed her fear, forcing out the words. “Nothing. Go ahead.”

Maurice shot him a knowing look. “You’re missing the point. This shows that Mr. Eaton values our Skyline Construction project. We have to impress him and demonstrate that our company’s capabilities are exceptional, whether we’re selecting design studios or managing any other aspect of the project.”

Deanna stood at the front, her mind racing with thoughts and concerns. Just as she was about to begin her presentation, the entrance of Luis had thrown her off balance, leaving her feeling both exhilarated and anxious.

**Chapter 170: Show Me the Scores**

Conclusion

In the wake of Luis’s unexpected entrance, the atmosphere in the conference room shifted dramatically, as if a tempest had calmed into a gentle breeze. For Zelena, the sight of her mate, radiating confidence and authority, was both a balm and a catalyst. The weight of her fears began to lift, replaced by a flicker of hope ignited by his presence. As he settled into his seat, the protective instincts of his wolf resonated within her, reminding her that she was not alone in this daunting moment. The tension that had coiled tightly around her heart loosened, allowing her to breathe a little easier, even as the stakes of the competition loomed large.

With a newfound sense of determination, Zelena realized that she had the strength to confront her fears, not just for herself but for the team that depended on her. As Deanna took a deep breath and prepared to present, Zelena’s grip on her arm was steady and reassuring. She understood now that vulnerability could coexist with courage, and that support could come from unexpected places. The conference room, filled with expectant eyes, transformed from a stage of anxiety into a platform of possibility. The road ahead might still be fraught with challenges, but with Luis by her side and the unwavering bond of friendship surrounding her, Zelena felt ready to rise to the occasion and reclaim her narrative.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the upcoming Chapter 170, titled “Show Me the Scores,” the tension in the conference room is set to reach a boiling point. With Luis’s unexpected entrance, the stakes have been raised dramatically. The atmosphere buzzes with anticipation, as both the executives and the design studios are acutely aware that their fates now hang in the balance, influenced by the presence of the powerful Alpha. Will Luis’s keen eye for talent and his formidable reputation sway the outcome of the competition? Deanna’s nerves will be tested as she stands before the audience, the weight of expectation heavy on her shoulders. As she prepares to present, the question looms: will she be able to channel her anxiety into a compelling pitch, or will the pressure prove too much?

Moreover, Zelena’s internal struggle adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. With Felix’s threats still echoing in her mind, she must grapple with the fear of exposure and the potential consequences of her past. As the presentations begin, will she find the strength to confront her demons and stand by Deanna’s side, or will her anxiety overwhelm her, jeopardizing not just their chances in the competition but also her personal safety? The chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional turmoil of the characters, with revelations and confrontations that could change everything. Expect unexpected alliances, fierce rivalries, and the haunting shadows of the past to collide in a way that will leave readers breathless and eager for more.