The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 83

The enemy of an Alpha was not a a good label to hold.

“Your behavior is atrocious,” he said. “You act like a spoiled brat of a child rather than a successful career woman.”

She opened her mouth but no sound came out

“Your disrespect of your co–worker is also a disrespect on me,” he said.

“And us,” said one of the entrepreneurs.

“We won’t be working with someone like you. Ever,” said another.

The rest all agreed.

“I can explain,” Sheila said.

“It’s too late for that,” said one of the board members. “Given your behavior, we are placing you on immediate suspension, Sheila. Pack up your desk and wait for our final judgement on the matter.”

“But I didn’t… I…” Sheila seemed at a total loss. For the first time since I’d known her, the fearful expression on her face was entirely genuine. Panic filled her eyes.

“Get out of our sight,” Jason said, then released her wrist. Before her hand even fully lowered, she was moving, rushing out of the room with tears in her eyes.

After she had rushed out, the rest of us were left standing there in an awkward moment, glancing around at each other.

“I’m sorry about all this,” I told the room.

“An apology is unnecessary,” he said firmly. “The only person who needed to apologize has already been dealt with.”

Some of the others nodded in agreement, so I swallowed the apology that had been on the tip of my tongue.

“However, due to the circumstances, I think it might be wise to reschedule our meeting…” Jason suggested.

“That is also unnecessary,” I told him. “I am capable of continuing the meeting.”

Jason gave me a long look, as if wordlessly asking if I was sure. When I nodded, he did as well.

“Very well. Let’s get back to our meeting,” he said,

Without Sheila there, this attempt at a meeting went well with no further issues. I hated the smell of alcohol on me, but everyone politely ignored it. Otherwise, the meeting went well, with us reaching quick and mutually beneficial agreement.

I watched Jason throughout, feeling somewhat proud despite myself as he nodded along, seemingly impressed.

After the meeting, as the others were filing out of the room, Jason approached me.

“You’ve done well. I’m sure you’ll get many offers of collaboration from this display. When you do, we should have a meal together in celebration,” he said. “After all, we’ve been partners throughout all this ordeal. It’s only fair we have some fun now and then as well.”

I felt myself smiling. “I could do that.”

“Good,” he said, returning my smile, though softer. It faded as he spoke again, “I did have one other matter I wished to talk to you about ”

“What is it?” I asked, allowing my smile to fade as well, recognizing and matching the seriousness he was bringing to this conversation.

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“Well, I was hoping you would allow me to visit Ava…”

The request struck a lance through my heart.

“No,” I said, perhaps too quickly amended with an explanation, hoping to soften the blow I had just struck. “Ava has her Papa beside her now. You don’t need to worry about her having strong positive male role models.”

“I understand,” he said, frowning a little. “Though I hope you will consider a visit. I will, of course, respect your boundaries and wait for your approval before visiting.”

“Thank you,” I told him, but sadness swelled up inside of me.

How did things end up like this? Jason was Ava’s biological father and yet he had to remain so distant.

If only things in the past had gone differently…

Jason’s POV

I walked with Vanessa to the front of the building, hoping to escort her to her car. Instead, William was parked out front waiting for her.

“Goodbye, Jason,” she said to me, and then hurried forward without waiting for my reply.

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