Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 285

**Chapter 285: Interviewing the New Manager**

**Deanna’s POV:**

A rush of warmth flooded my cheeks, a blush creeping up as I struggled to collect my scattered thoughts. The conversation with Luis had left me feeling disoriented, like I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

“It felt too rushed last night,” I finally managed to whisper, my voice barely audible, as if saying it aloud would make it more real. “Tomorrow… Tomorrow, we’ll have more time to talk.”

Luis’s voice came through the phone, rich and inviting, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. “Honey, should I pick you up after work?”

My fingers tightened around the phone, my heart racing at the thought. “No, that won’t work. How about next week instead?” I could hear the disappointment lacing my own words, and it stung.

His laughter, light and teasing, danced through the receiver. “How about I pick you up for a movie?”

I hesitated, caught in the weight of my own hesitation. “Then… next month,” I replied, a nervous laugh escaping my lips, betraying the turmoil within me.

Luis roared with laughter. “And after the movie, we go to bed?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the walls of my own making close in around me. I was running out of excuses!

“Just see what works for you!” I blurted out, my heart racing as I abruptly hung up the phone. A strange mix of relief and anxiety washed over me; it felt as if a weight had been lifted, yet my heart still pounded furiously in my chest. It took several deep breaths to calm the storm within.

My mother, Kathryn, watched me closely, her eyebrow arched in curiosity, piercing through my facade.

I forced a smile, determined to appear composed despite the chaos swirling inside. “Mom, I have a meeting soon. You should head home first,” I suggested, hoping to redirect her attention away from my flustered state.

She nodded, but then suddenly slapped her thigh, her expression transforming into one of realization. “Oh! Deanna, how’s the search for the group’s professional manager going?”

I froze for a moment, recalling that Malcolm had mentioned a candidate. I hadn’t even had the chance to meet them yet.

Kathryn continued, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Your aunt found us a place! It’s a great deal—25 million for a small three-story house with a little garden. Perfect for us and the baby, plus a couple of nannies.”

I remained silent, my mind racing as I tried to process her words. The whirlwind of her excitement left my thoughts in chaos, a jumble of emotions and responsibilities colliding.

Noticing my dazed expression, Kathryn waved her hand in front of my face, snapping me back to reality. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

I shook my head, trying to articulate my feelings. “No, it’s just… This is all happening so fast.”

“It’s not fast at all,” she countered, her tone firm and unwavering. “We’re leaving Nordvale by the end of next month. If we don’t move soon, your belly will start showing, and people will talk.”

I paused, considering her words carefully, the weight of her statement settling heavily on my shoulders. “I’ll transfer you the money,” I finally conceded, a reluctant acceptance washing over me.

Kathryn waved her hand dismissively. “I still have enough to buy. I just wanted to remind you we’re on a tight timeline.”

After our conversation, she grabbed her bag and headed out, casually mentioning something about meeting friends for afternoon tea.

I leaned back in my chair, staring out the window, lost in thought. The world outside felt so distant, like a scene from a movie, while my mind replayed our discussion.

Eventually, I picked up my phone and dialed Malcolm’s number, my heart racing at the thought of what we might discuss.

**One hour later…**

I grasped his hand firmly, feeling a spark of connection. “It was an honor to meet you as well, Mr. Caldwell.”

After my assistant escorted Pablo out, I found myself alone in the office with Malcolm.

A hint of awkwardness lingered in the air, a reminder of the previous night’s events at the hospital, the unspoken words hanging heavily between us.

Yet Malcolm remained composed, his demeanor as steady as always, a calm in the storm.

“Pablo possesses strong management experience. The best part is, his mate is here. He’s stable and a very suitable candidate for you,” he remarked, his voice filled with assurance.

“Thank you, Mr. Faulkner. You’ve come through for me once again,” I replied, grateful for his unwavering support.

“Deanna,” he said suddenly, his tone shifting, as if he were about to share something significant.

I took a sip of my coffee, bracing myself for whatever was to come. “Yeah?”

“Last night…” he paused, weighing his words carefully, the tension palpable.

My grip tightened around the cup, anticipation coursing through me like electricity.

**Conclusion**

In this chapter, Deanna navigates a whirlwind of emotions, grappling with both personal and professional challenges. Her conversation with Luis highlights her struggle to confront her feelings, revealing her hesitance to embrace the intimacy that seems to be just within reach. The abruptness of her responses reflects a deeper conflict within her—one that oscillates between longing for connection and the fear of vulnerability. Meanwhile, her interaction with her mother and the discussion about the new manager adds another layer of complexity, as she feels the pressure of impending changes in her life. Each moment builds on her internal turmoil, culminating in a sense of urgency that underscores her desire for clarity amidst chaos.

As the chapter concludes, Deanna finds herself at a crossroads, both in her career and her personal life. The meeting with Pablo Caldwell signifies a potential turning point, as his expertise aligns with her vision for the Mistbane Group. Yet, the lingering tension with Malcolm suggests that unresolved feelings still hover in the air, leaving her in a state of uncertainty. This duality encapsulates the emotional arc of the chapter, where Deanna must confront not only the expectations placed upon her but also the desires she has kept buried. The weight of her choices looms large, hinting that the path forward will require her to reconcile her ambitions with her heart’s true yearnings.