Fake Mating To My Ex's Powerful Enemy

Chapter 258: Chapter 258 A Possessive Alpha Appears

Christina’s POV

I didn’t know what else to say. "Wow. That’s... a lot to process. Thanks, Fabrizio."

"I should be thanking you." His eyes lit up. "Since you’ll be leading the entire line, I think it’s only fair you profit beyond a simple salary. Have you considered my partnership proposal?"

"I have, but I’m still undecided. My studio in Highrise City needs attention too."

"Of course. But designers can manage multiple ventures. If workload concerns you, I’ll handle administration, payroll, HR, all the boring stuff. You focus purely on design." He leaned closer. "We can start small. Ten million startup capital. Five million euros for a fifty percent stake. With your current studio’s revenue, it’s not much of a gamble."

Before I could respond, Jean-Baptiste scoffed loudly.

"They’re really betting everything on some nobody? That’s desperation."

He wasn’t even pretending to whisper. Everyone heard him.

The presenter continued regardless, switching to slides showcasing my past collections. Each design filled the screen with sketches, color palettes, gemstone specifications.

The chatter in the room gradually quieted. I noticed several designers nodding.

Fabrizio leaned toward me. "Want to say a few words?"

His scent suddenly hit me. Expensive cologne mixed with coffee, and he was way too close. I shifted away.

"I’d rather let the work speak for itself."

The next slide displayed an older piece with Jean-Baptiste’s signature scrawled across the corner.

"This piece is from a former designer," the presenter noted flatly. "Compare it with Ms. Vance’s work. The difference is clear. We’ve chosen the right lead for this year’s collection, and we’re excited about where we’re heading."

Jean-Baptiste’s face reddened.

Before the next brand took the stage, the host returned with an announcement.

"Great news: we have a special guest joining us shortly."

"Who?" someone called from the back row.

"Alpha Hudson Laurent of The Sabreridge pack. A major investor from Highrise City with stakes in several French businesses. He confirmed minutes ago he’ll be attending."

Everyone straightened. Even the half-asleep attendees suddenly looked alert.

As the presentation resumed, Fabrizio caught my eye, mouthing, "Alpha Hudson is coming?"

"Apparently," I shrugged casually. "News to me."

I picked up my phone and typed quickly:

Me: [Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to Paris?]

Hudson: [Last-minute decision. Wanted to surprise you.]

Me: [Where are you now?]

Hudson: [Outside the building.]

I glanced toward the doors, which remained firmly closed.

Jean-Baptiste cleared his throat loudly. "Aren’t phones banned during presentations?"

Before I could respond, Fabrizio answered, "There’s no such rule."

"Maybe not officially," Jean-Baptiste snorted, "but it’s understood. Phones mean photos. Photos mean leaked designs."

His accusatory gaze landed on me, my phone still in hand. Everyone caught what he was implying.

I locked the screen and placed it face-down on the table. "I didn’t take any photos. My phone’s on silent, I wasn’t disturbing anyone. You, however, just interrupted the entire presentation."

"You say you took no photos," he sneered, "and we’re simply supposed to believe that?"

"Check my phone," I challenged calmly. "If there’s a single photo from today’s event, I’ll apologize publicly. If not, you apologize and prepare for a defamation lawsuit." fгeewebnovёl.com

Jean-Baptiste opened his mouth to retort.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the host interrupted, staring past the rear doors. "Our distinguished guest has arrived."

Every head turned.

Hudson walked in wearing his signature tailored suit, his expression unreadable. Two assistants followed a respectful step behind him.

He strode past Jean-Baptiste’s seat, then paused.

"I’m the one she was texting," he stated, his voice low but carrying throughout the silent room. "Christina Vance is my Luna and my mate."

Jean-Baptiste’s face flushed. He desperately glanced at his colleague, who suddenly looked away.

Hudson continued toward me, reached for my wrist, and pulled me to my feet easily.

The host approached, smiling nervously, hand extended in greeting.

Hudson completely ignored it, scanning the room coldly.

"I heard good things about this panel, which is why I made time to attend," he announced. "Obviously those praises were exaggerated. My Luna came here to learn and exchange ideas with what are supposed to be industry professionals. She didn’t come to face baseless accusations."

He took my hand and started walking toward the exit.

The host’s panicked voice rose behind us. "Alpha Hudson, please accept our sincere apologies!"

The heavy door swung shut, cutting off the rest.

"I might’ve wanted to stay," I muttered, half-annoyed.

Hudson didn’t slow his pace. "I know the organizer. They’ll send all presentation materials later if you want them."

The look he gave me could have melted steel. If we hadn’t been surrounded by people, I had no doubt he would have kissed me right there.

Akira purred. "Hudson is staking his claim. It’s actually kind of hot."

Fabrizio caught up with us at the elevator, slightly breathless. "Alpha Hudson, please wait."

Hudson turned. "Yes, Mr. Marchetti?"

"Why don’t I take you both to lunch? To welcome you to Paris and smooth things over?"

"Nice offer, but no thank you. I just landed, and jet lag is setting in. If possible, I’d like my Luna to have the rest of the day off."

Fabrizio hesitated briefly, then nodded. "Of course."

"Good." Hudson’s mouth twitched. "I sleep better with her beside me."

I pinched his palm in warning.

He squeezed back, completely unbothered.

Then he pulled an envelope from his jacket. "Our Mating Ceremony is on June sixth. We’d be honored if you attended."

Fabrizio accepted the invitation with a polite smile. "I’ll be there. Congratulations to you both."

Once we were out of hearing range, I turned to Hudson. "What the hell was that about?"

"What was what?"

"That whole ’I sleep better with my Luna there’ comment."

"It’s true."

"It’s also embarrassing! He’s my boss. You can’t just hint that we’re going to be having sex in front of him."

Hudson rumbled. "I don’t trust him. Something about him feels off."

"You’ve mentioned that before." I frowned. "And where did that invitation come from? I didn’t know they were printed yet."

"I had it made specifically for him before leaving Highrise," he replied smugly.

"You’re completely ridiculous."

"Ridiculously in love with you."

"And increasingly corny." I shook my head, fighting a smile. "Have you been secretly watching romantic comedies for inspiration?"

We stepped outside the Valmont & Cie building into the bright Parisian sunshine.

A cherry-red convertible waited at the curb.

My jaw dropped. "That’s yours?"