Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 221

**The Heart I Buried for You by Serene Lockwood 221**

Deanna’s POV:

The following day dawned, and I found myself stepping into the familiar yet daunting atmosphere of the office. The hum of activity greeted me, a constant reminder of the responsibilities that lay ahead.

Kylie, my diligent assistant, approached me with a clipboard in hand, her expression a mix of excitement and urgency. “Ms. Wiley,” she began, her voice steady, “today marks the first quarter meeting with the commissioning party for the Moonline Expansion Project. This afternoon, we’ll be heading to the investment department at Mooncrown Corporation.”

Mooncrown Corporation…

The name sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my breath hitch for a moment, my fingers clutching the documents so tightly that they threatened to crumple.

This was the monumental project that the Mooncrown Pack had poured eight billion dollars into, a staggering investment that loomed over us like a shadow.

As the contractor for this ambitious endeavor, we were tasked with reporting our progress and laying out our plans for the upcoming quarter to the commissioning party.

Just the thought of stepping foot in Mooncrown Corporation made my stomach churn with unease.

But I reminded myself, my circumstances had changed. I was no longer just a participant; I was the leader of this team. Avoiding my responsibilities was not an option.

Moreover, this project was just one of many under the vast umbrella of Mooncrown Corporation’s investments.

Previously, the project had been overseen by their investment director, Pamela, who had always been professional yet approachable.

Luis, on the other hand, was perpetually buried under his duties as Alpha. I doubted he would even make an appearance today.

With that thought in mind, I steeled myself and nodded in agreement.

Later that afternoon, I gathered the deputy general managers, our collective energy a blend of anticipation and anxiety, and we made our way to Mooncrown Corporation.

An assistant greeted us at the entrance and guided us through the sleek, modern corridors, finally leading us to the investment department on the fifty-sixth floor.

The conference room was expansive, designed to accommodate nearly fifty individuals comfortably.

The walls were adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of Sudland’s iconic skyline, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within me.

As I settled into my chair, a whirlwind of emotions swirled inside me.

I couldn’t help but reminisce about the last time I had mustered the courage to walk through these doors, desperately seeking answers about Luis’s feelings for me.

I had been so close to uncovering the truth…

And now, here I was again, not as a hopeful suitor but as a contractor, responsible for delivering a report.

The connection we once shared had faded, leaving us as mere strangers in a crowded room.

After a brief wait, the conference room door swung open.

Pamela entered first, flanked by several male betas clad in sharp suits.

I was at a loss for words, the gravity of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders.

Reluctantly, I followed Aaron down the corridor to Luis’s office, each step echoing my apprehension.

Aaron knocked respectfully on the door, and a low, casual voice from within called out, “Come in.”

With a gentle push, Aaron opened the door and gestured for me to enter.

I hesitated at the threshold, my heart pounding in my chest. I squeezed my hands together, then released them, finally stepping inside.

Behind me, Aaron closed the door softly, leaving me alone in the room.

As I entered, I quickly realized that Luis was not the only occupant in the office.

A few men in suits lounged in the seating area, engaged in their own discussions, the atmosphere charged with a sense of importance.

Luis sat in a sleek black leather armchair, his back turned to the windows, dressed in a fitted black shirt and gray trousers, two buttons undone at the collar, exuding an air of relaxed authority.

The others were seated in neat rows, their attention shifting to me as I entered.

When Luis turned his gaze toward me, I felt the intensity of his eyes pierce through me, colder and sharper than I had remembered.

His scrutiny lingered on me for a few moments, a silent assessment, before he looked away, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.