The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 75

Jason’s POV

I had planned, after discovering that Ava wasn’t my daughter and therefore that Vanessa wasn’t Laila, to forget all about Vanessa, at least in terms of any personal or romantic feelings. We would still work together. I could still be professional. But that was where I was going to draw the line.

All of this I planned in the privacy of my office or my room, in spaces far away from wherever Vanessa was.

I hadn’t thought she’d be here today. This was the kind of event that was necessary but not something I particularly wanted to attend. Seeing her here…

Seeing her in person…

The lines I had drawn were much more difficult to maintain, especially as Richard and then Sheila walked away, leaving Vanessa and I to talk to each other in the otherwise crowded room. Despite all the people around us, I felt like we were alone.

I had to be strong in the moment. Since seeing those DNA results and putting the pieces together, I knew I had to differentiate my feelings toward Vanessa and Laila. They were not the same person. Vanessa didn’t want or need my affections, and my apology toward her was only for my recent behavior, not the events of the past.

There would be no making things up to Laila. She was gone and not coming back.

That truth still hurt.

“Thank you,” Vanessa said. “You didn’t have to step in like that, but… I’m not sure if he would have believed me over Vanessa. You stepping in makes it easier…”

“I’m just sorry you are having to put up with it,” I said. “Does she always attempt to undermine you?”

“At first, we were just competitive,” Vanessa replied. “I thought having a rival would bring out the best in both us. For a while, it did. But lately, she hasn’t been able to settle for second best.”

Vanessa sighed and shook her head. I didn’t know her as well as I thought I did, but many of her gestures, she coincidentally

was putting on a strong front.

shared with Laila. So I could tell, just looking at her, that sh

What was happening at work must have been weighing down on her. That, combined with her worry for Ava, must have made her exhausted.

She was an amazing woman to stand so strong on her own, though I internally hoped that she had a comfort systein around her if she needed it. As she wasn’t Laila, I knew it wasn’t my place to intervene. Even if I really, really, really wished I could help her.

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Well, I couldn’t help with her personal life, but perhaps I could still give her some aid professionally.

“I know a few people here that I suspect you do not,” I said. “Here. There is one right there. Nick! Nick, come over here. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Her face was a mixture of hesitation and relief, going back and forth as Nick came over.

Nick owned one of the grocery store chains in my pack, He wasn’t as near the border as some of the other company owners here, so I guessed that Vanessa didn’t know him.

“Nick,” I said, and shook his hand. “May I present a contact of mine, Vanessa Harper.”

Nick did a double take, like he was surprised to see the two of us together.

“I’ve heard of Miss Harper,” Nick said. He did not offer to shake her hand, though she politely extended hers. “Rumors of her seem to be spreading around this very conference.”

Sheila’s work, no doubt. “I wouldn’t believe everything you hear,” I said. “Especially if the words are from Sheila. I’ve worked

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with Vanessa a while now, and I couldn’t recommend her higher.”

“Ah,” Nick said, then finally extended his hand and shook Vanessa’s. “Then it appears I have misjudged you, and for that I apologize, Miss Harper.

“That’s quite all right. Nick, was it? I am just relieved that you are giving me the chance to set the record straight.”

Laila’s POV

Sheila had moved fast, spreading rumors about me to seemingly everyone at the mixer. Those that knew me were relieved when I spoke to them and cleared away the misunderstandings. I was grateful they still trusted me, having had the experience of our mutual profits in the past.

Those I didn’t know might not have believed me at all if Jason hadn’t anchored himself to my side, setting straight any and all misconceptions. He seemed to have taken the role as my knight in shining armor, defending me from the vicious rumors Sheila had seemed to make it her main focus to spread.

I hated to admit it, but I did need his help. Not only did he clear away the misunderstandings, but he also helped me meet many contacts that could potentially become new business partners for my company.

It was only because of his assistance, that the first round of meetings ended successfully, with my pockets stuffed with business cards and my own supply dwindling.

I didn’t want his help. I had sworn myself that I didn’t need Jason, and would never come to depend on him ever again.

But he had saved me here today.

I felt uncomfortable, unsure what to do with all of these conflicting feelings.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I said to Jason, just as we were about to be alone again. I stepped away and walked to the bathroom.

I wasn’t going there to hide. It was more of a tactical retreat, to regain my head and put my thoughts in order before I had to face Jason again.

Unfortunately, as I stood at the sink after washing my hands,/preening my hair a little in the mirror, Sheila walked in.

There wasn’t anyone else in the bathroom, all the stall doors were open. Sheila glanced to be sure, same as I did, before smirking and walking over to me.

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