Fake Mating To My Ex's Powerful Enemy

Chapter 200: Chapter 200 Team Night Out

Christina’s POV

I’d been glued to my laptop for so long my lower back had started complaining.

Akira kept nudging at my consciousness, reminding me that wolves weren’t meant to sit hunched over technology for hours.

"We should go for a run tonight," she suggested for the fifth time that day.

"No way," I refused mentally.

Finally giving in to both Akira and my stiff muscles, I dragged myself downstairs for water.

I stretched my neck, feeling several satisfying pops, and nearly collided with Daniel as he rushed in.

"You didn’t share those photos I sent you, did you?" he asked, his voice tight with urgency.

I raised an eyebrow. "No. Why? Something wrong?"

He exhaled, shoulders visibly dropping with relief.

Leaning closer, his voice dropped to almost a whisper despite us being alone in the kitchen. "Rowan’s PR team contacted her fan communities. Told them not to repost anything. She’s claiming the guy in the photo is just a friend. Dinner and nothing more. Says it’s all about the camera angle." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

I set my glass on the counter, studying his expression. "Maybe she wasn’t lying then."

Daniel completely missed my tone, continuing like a gossip columnist on a hot story. "Apparently, she sent out warnings yesterday, but I only heard this morning. Good thing you kept it to yourself."

"I didn’t leak anything," I said, rolling my eyes. "Relax, Daniel."

He nodded, then sighed like he’d personally invested in Rowan’s love life. "I really thought she’d found someone good. Judging by that guy’s clothes and the way he carried himself, he looked like serious money. Could’ve been great for her career. Too bad it’s just friendship."

As he went on trying to piece together the whole story, I felt my attention drifting. His version matched what she’d told Hudson, which meant she was actively trying to shut down the story.

So she hadn’t staged the photo for publicity after all.

"What was that?" I looked up sharply.

"What?" Daniel stopped, following my gaze toward the window.

"Nothing. I thought I saw something." My wolf senses were tingling, but the feeling faded quickly.

"What was it?"

"Can’t be sure." I squinted but couldn’t make anything out beyond the glass. "Thought I saw a camera flash."

"Are you sure? Could just be sunlight bouncing off something."

"Probably." I shrugged, though Akira remained on edge. "Anyway, back to work."

"Wait!" Daniel followed me toward the stairs. "Have you heard Rowan’s latest single? The lyrics are amazing..."

At three in the afternoon, Daniel appeared in my office doorway, looking strangely hesitant.

"What is it?" I asked, picking up on his awkward energy.

"Christina, I’ve been working at the studio for over a month now."

"Yes." Was he asking for a raise?

"Shouldn’t we have some kind of team get-together? Even small studios have bonding activities."

"You want a team outing?" I couldn’t hide my surprise.

Back at Nyx Collective, I’d been forced into several of those corporate "bonding" events. Awkward small talk, bad appetizers, and fake interactions.

I’d spent most of them planning my escape and mentally designing jewelry to stay sane.

Daniel shrugged. "Nothing formal. There’s only three of us. But we’ve never eaten together outside work. Seems weird, considering how well we work as a team."

"Sure," I gave in. "Ask Priya when she’s free, and I’ll treat you both."

His face lit up. "I’m on it."

He ran down the stairs.

I leaned back in my chair and stared at the ceiling, listening to Akira’s happy purr.

Business had been crazy lately. The money from that affordable luxury collection had finally started coming in steady.

Daniel’s timing wasn’t bad. I could treat them to a nice meal and talk about bonuses while I was at it.

Two minutes later, he came bounding back upstairs.

"Priya says she’s free whenever. What about tonight?"

I raised an eyebrow. "You’re that excited?"

He scratched his head, still grinning. "If we wait, we’ll probably get swamped with deadlines again. Plus, with you offering to pay? You’ll totally forget by next week."

"Flattering," I said dryly. "Fine. Tonight it is."

I texted Hudson to let him know my plans, closed the studio early, and took my two favorite employees out for dinner.

We went to an upscale seafood buffet. It was expensive, but after Hudson’s takedown of Franklin, money worries felt far away. We attacked plates piled high with crab legs and buttery lobster.

Daniel kept telling stories that got more ridiculous with each plate.

Priya laughed so hard she had to dab under her eyes with a napkin.

By the time we were trying the dessert selection, Daniel spoke up again.

"It’s still early. If I go home now, I’ll just end up scrolling my phone until two. Let’s hit a bar. Few drinks, maybe live music. Good for digestion, right?"

I glanced at Priya, who nodded eagerly.

Daniel clapped once, practically glowing with excitement. "Great! I know a place. Just opened, already buzzing online. Some influencer performs there. Not far from here either."

"Fine," I agreed. "Lead the way."

He led us to a quiet spot tucked between a yoga studio and a frozen yogurt shop.

No flashy signs, no lines, no bouncer at the door.

A musician on stage strummed an acoustic guitar, barely amplified, his voice soft and melodic.

We grabbed a table near the back wall. Dim lighting, comfy seats, good temperature.

I hadn’t even sat down before Daniel was halfway up again.

"I’ll get drinks. Christina, can I order the good stuff?"

I leaned back in my chair. "Order whatever you want. Just keep mine and Priya’s light."

"Got it." He gave a mock salute. "Sweet and overpriced. My specialty."

He jogged toward the bar.

Right after he left, the music suddenly stopped.

Complete silence for a moment.

Then the crowd burst into loud applause.

I looked up, Akira’s curiosity mixing with mine.

The acoustic guitarist had left the stage.

A new performer was already setting up a matte black electric guitar.

Skinny jeans, black jacket, studded boots, silver hair slicked back.

The first chord sliced through the room, sharp and electric.

The whole vibe changed instantly.

More people stood. More drinks spilled.

He jumped and moved with the music, grinning at the front row, his voice rough but perfectly tuned.

I leaned forward, recognition hitting me.

I knew that face.

Cade Lawson. Ysolde’s latest crush.

Right, she’d mentioned he played at some local place.

I just hadn’t expected this kind of performance.

He looked exactly like the photos she’d shown me—same lean build, same sharp features.

The lighting made his natural charisma even more obvious.

"Good-looking," Akira noted. "But nothing compared to Hudson."

I smiled at my wolf’s words and pulled out my phone to snap a photo, then sent it to Ysolde.

[Your BF can actually sing.]

Daniel came back to the table and dropped into the seat across from me and Priya.

"All set," he announced cheerfully. "They’ll bring everything over in a minute."

I studied his slightly flushed face. "Why are you out of breath? You look like you’ve been running patrol."