Unmatched Wife: Not His To Claim Anymore novel Chapter 19

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Chapter 19

MATTHEW

I paced around the office, feeling like I was caged within the walls, anger and fury burning through my veins, increasing with each movement that I took. The papers that I had seen in Marcus office, on his table, the contents were burned into my memory like a tattoo that I couldn’t get rid of.

Bianca was selling her shares in the hospital.

Not just any shares. The twenty–five percent stake she’d acquired through her work there, the ownership that she had earned through fair share, acquired by years of dedicated service to my pack and city. These shares were something that validated her as someone with her independence, her value aside being my wife and Theo’s mother.

And she hadn’t told me.

Two months. She’d been planning this for two months and hadn’t said a single word.

“Explain this to me again.” I turned to Marcus, who stood near the door looking distinctly uncomfortable. “She requested this sale two months ago? Before Mia’s birthday? Before any of our recent… difficulties?”

“Yes, Alpha.” Marcus’s voice was neutral, focusing on the papers rather than looking at me. “The paperwork takes time to process. There has to be hospital board approvals, legal reviews, buyer negotiations. But the initial request was filed in early October.”

Two months ago. This was before the time I told Bianca about the treatment of Dr. Hartwick had proposed. Right around the time I’d explained that she would need to use her healing abilities to cure Mia.

“Why would she do this?” I demanded, though part of me already knew deep down but was unwilling to accept that explanation. “What does selling her hospital shares accomplish except to spite”

I stopped, the realization hitting me like cold water.

My own investment in the hospital was tied to Bianca’s. Through our mate bond and pack finances, I held fifty–one percent combined ownership–enough for majority control. But if Bianca sold her twenty–five percent stake to outside buyers, my personal shares would drop to twenty–six percent.

Still substantial. Still significant. But I wouldn’t have the majority of the shares anymore, the power that I had concerning this investment would be cut short.

Which meant I couldn’t give Mia shares in the hospital like I’d been planning. Couldn’t set her up with the financial security she’d need for her remaining years.

“She’s doing this to spite Mia,” I said flatly. “She knows I was planning to help Mia get established with these shares, and she’s sabotaging it.”

Marcus shifted his weight, his expression unreadable. “Perhaps the Lama has other reasons for her decision.”

“What other reasons could there possibly be?”

“Maybe…” Marcus paused, clearly choosing his words carefully. “Maybe she’s not happy, Alpha ”

The words hung in the air between us like an accusation. Silently accusing me of making her miserable, like I was the bad guy here.

“Not happy?” I laughed, but it came out bitter. “Of course she’s not happy. I asked her to help save someone’s life, and instead of being compassionate, she’s been acting out like a jealous child.”

“Alpha-” Marcus started, but I was on a roll now.

“She pushed Mia. She refused to help cure a dying woman. She’s been cold and distant with Theo, making him feel guilty for caring about someone who’s been nothing but kind to him. And now this?” I gestured at the papers. “This is just another manipulation. Another way to punish me for having the audacity to care about my first love while she’s dying.”

“Alpha,” Marcus said carefully, and something in his tone made me look at him directly. “Permission to speak freely?”

I nodded curtly, bracing myself. Marcus was never one to mince words after all.

“Maybe you should actually look at the evidence the Luna compiled. About Ms. Mia’s illness.” He pulled a folder from his briefcase. “She asked me to review these medical records. I’m not a doctor, but even I can see some concerning inconsistencies in-”