The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 20

Riley was silent for a long moment before sighing. "Just… be careful, Nessa. Some skeletons don't stay buried. And Jason Bradshaw? He's the kind that digs them up."

***

Thursday came faster than I wanted.

I tried to bury myself in meetings that morning, tried to pretend this was just another negotiation. But the contract sat heavy in my desk drawer, waiting. A signature line that felt more like a noose than an agreement.

At precisely two o'clock, Jacob knocked on my office door. "Ms. Harper? Alpha Bradshaw is here for your appointment."

"Send him in."

I expected Jason alone. Instead, Brittany swept in behind him like a shadow made of diamonds and venom.

Ice sluiced through my veins.

She looked exactly the same. Effortless blonde waves, designer perfection, that superior smirk that could curdle blood.

Her gaze swept my office with disdain before landing on me. Her lips curved into that familiar sneer.

Her eyes swept my office dismissively before landing on me with that familiar sneer.

"Nice office," Brittany said, glancing around dismissively. "Very... humble. I was expecting Vanessa Harper to have something more impressive."

She settled into the chair across from my desk like she was doing me a favor by gracing it with her presence.

"I'm sure she'll be here soon," Brittany continued, examining her perfectly manicured nails. "Though honestly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about. From what I hear, she's probably just another opportunistic saleswoman trying to capitalize on pack politics."

Jason's jaw tightened. "Brittany—"

"What? It's not like she's here to be offended." Brittany's voice dripped condescension. "I'm just saying, this whole mysterious act is probably just marketing. Make yourself seem exclusive so people want you more."

Heat crawled up my neck. Six years, and she could still make me feel like that scared eighteen-year-old girl.

"Wow, somehow you seemed to have topped your rudeness from the other day," I said coolly, standing slowly.

Brittany blinked, looking confused. "I'm sorry, what? Do I know you?"

"The elevator incident with the coffee. You told me you'd have Vanessa fire me," I continued, letting steel harden my voice. "Remember that?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify