The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Jason’s POV

Contract details. That’s what brought me here. Professional obligation.

Except Ava’s laughter spilled into the hallway before I reached Vanessa’s hospital room bright giggles mixing with an unfamiliar male voice.

I stopped cold.

Through the doorway, some guy sat beside Ava’s bed. He wore an expensive suit that screamed generational wealth. A white bakery box balanced on his knee while he performed the most absurd voice impression, of what I think was supposed to be Elmo, I’d ever heard.

“You sound like a frog!”

“A devastatingly attractive frog, I’ll have you know.” His hand ruffled her hair with the kind of ease you can’t fake.

That casual intimacy made something in my chest constrict. My wolf prowled beneath my skin, hackles raised at this stranger occupying territory that felt fundamentally like ours.

Vanessa stood by the window, actually smiling. Not that polite, measured thing she gave clients–this transformed her entire face. She looked younger. More open. More like La-

I shoved the thought aside before it could fully form.

This bastard strolled in and earned it without trying.

“You spoil her rotten.” Vanessa’s tone dripped warmth.

“Somebody’s gotta do it. Besides, I made a promise.”

What promise? My wolf stirred, restless.

Several minutes passed before the man stood. He murmured something too quiet for eavesdropping, squeezed Vanessa’s hand, then bent to kiss Ava’s forehead. 1

“See you tomorrow, sweetheart.”

As he turned toward the door, I retreated into the hallway. When I saw him slearly, I nearly did a double–take. William Chen- heir to Chen Automotive Group. The same William Chen whose signature had been next to mine two weeks ago on the preliminary contacts for the distribution partnership we were about to enter into together.

What the hell was he doing here? Playing ‘Papa‘ to Vanessa’s daughter?

I waited until his footsteps faded before approaching the doorway.

Vanessa noticed me immediately. That unguarded warmth vanished behind professional walls.

“Jason.” Her voice carried surprise and something sharper. “What are you doing here?”

Ava perked up immediately. “Jason!” Her enthusiasm was gratifying.

“Checking on Ava. And I wanted to discuss those contract details when you have a moment.

She crossed her arms. “This couldn’t wait until normal business hours?”

“I was in the area.”

She didn’t believe me.

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Chapter 4:1

+25 BONUS

Vanessa sighed before finally relenting “Five minutes. Then you need to go. She needs rest.”

I moved further into the rosu. Ava beamed at me from her bed, coloring book open across her lap.

“Hey, princess. How’s that heart treating you today?”

“Better! The doctors say I’m extremely brave.” She practically inflated with pride.

“You absolutely are.” I settled into the chair William had vacated, still warm from his presence. A detail that bothered me more than it should.

Vanessa grabbed her purse from the windowsill, checking her phone. Then her expression changed.

“Damn it.”

“What’s wrong?”

She held up an iPhone. “William forgot his phone. He’s got an important meeting at eight–he’ll need this.” She glanced between me and Ava, clearly torn.

“I can stay with her,” I offered. “If you need to catch him.”

“I don’t need you to –”

“Mommy, go!” Ava chimed in. “Papa needs his phone. Jason can keep me company.”

Papa… Gods, why did hearing her call William that make my chest ache?

Vanessa looked like she wanted to argue. But William’s meeting clock was ticking.

“Fine. Ten minutes. That’s it.” She pointed at me. “And don’t interrogate my daughter.”

“I wouldn’t-”

But she was already gone, practically jogging down the hallway.

The door clicked shut. Silence settled between me and Ava.

She studied me with those unnervingly familiar eyes. Too perceptive for six years old.

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