Fake Mating To My Ex's Powerful Enemy

Chapter 262: Chapter 262 A Bad Feeling

Christina’s POV

"You seem distracted," Fabrizio said, his accent slightly more pronounced with concern. "Is something wrong?"

"What? Oh, nothing." I shook my head, trying to refocus on our walk through Paris.

"Either that, or Rue des Barres has completely lost its magic. We just passed the Fontaine Stravinsky and you didn’t even glance at it."

I looked around, suddenly aware of my surroundings. Paris really was stunning. The city and romance were practically inseparable, especially in early spring when everything looked ridiculously picturesque. Chestnut trees lined the streets with fresh green leaves contrasting against cream-colored buildings. Bright awnings fluttered above bakery entrances while café tables spilled onto sidewalks. The air carried scents of flowers and freshly baked bread.

I imagined walking here with Hudson, hand in hand. The thought made me smile before quickly turning into a frown.

"He was jealous this morning, wasn’t he?" Akira whispered in my mind.

"Definitely. You saw his face when he dropped us off."

But Hudson had no reason for jealousy. I was his wife. His mate. I didn’t break promises unless someone gave me a damn good reason like Niall had when he slapped me across the face. It only happened once, but once was enough.

"There it is again," Fabrizio’s voice pulled me back to reality. "That look. I don’t mean to pry, but if there’s anything I can do, just tell me. You’re important to the company. I know I’ve piled a lot on you lately, but I don’t want you feeling lost in a foreign city without support."

"I’m not alone. Hudson’s here." The words came automatically.

"Right. I forgot about that."

Ahead of us, Louis-François and Peter Carl were having an animated debate, arms waving wildly like they were conducting an invisible orchestra. I half expected someone to get accidentally smacked.

A breeze carried the scent of lilac and fresh baguettes. Paris was gorgeous. My career was taking off, I worked with talented people, and I was married to the most incredible Alpha I’d ever known.

So why did it feel like something was about to go wrong?

"You’re being paranoid," Akira nudged me. "Enjoy Paris while we’re here."

"Thanks for worrying. I’m really fine." I smiled at Fabrizio.

He returned the smile, then gestured toward nearby tables. "Let’s sit at Café L’Oiseau Bleu. We can have lunch and go over your sketches. Later, I’ll take you to Square des Peupliers. You wanted the perfect pearl tone, right? There’s a Haussmann building with exactly the creamy-white shade you need."

That snapped me back into work mode. "Actually, I’ve changed my mind about the necklace."

"Oh?"

"I’m thinking South Sea pearls now. I know they’re expensive, but the size—10mm minimum—is incredible, and that color..." I sighed, already visualizing the design.

When I moved into Hudson’s mansion in Highrise City, he had filled my closet with designer clothes, shoes, and jewelry that would make any designer cry with joy. Including a South Sea pearl necklace I’d actually slept clutching for several nights. Without shame.

Fabrizio nodded knowingly. "That golden hue is truly unique."

"Exactly! It’s even better than actual gold. And the luster is like velvet."

"I know some pearl farms in Broome. Sourcing wouldn’t be hard, but the cost..." He hesitated. "You know our budget is tight."

I sighed. "Yeah. Maybe we stick with Akoyas then. Can’t go wrong with classics."

"Your husband’s an investor, isn’t he?"

"I think so?" I replied vaguely. With all Hudson’s businesses and Sabreridge pack holdings, it was hard to keep track.

Although... he had bought Nyx Collective for me. Did that count?

"Any chance he’d be interested in Valmont & Cie?" Fabrizio asked casually.

"I’d have to ask. Are you hoping he’ll invest?"

"At this point, I’d welcome a miracle or a big capital injection. The bankers are always on my doorstep. I’d like to get home without tripping over one."

I blinked in surprise. "I didn’t realize things were that bad."

Everyone knew Valmont had cash flow issues, but I figured it was manageable. This was a well-established house with assets and property they could use as collateral.

"We’re not shutting down tomorrow, if that’s what you’re worried about," Fabrizio said with a shrug.

Louis-François and Peter Carl had disappeared into the café. I spotted Peter leaning over the ice cream counter like an excited kid.

Fabrizio led me to a sidewalk table and ordered two glaces café liégeois.

He continued without missing a beat. "If you were part-owner of Valmont, perhaps Alpha Hudson would be more... interested in helping us succeed."

Third time in two days he’d mentioned this partnership idea. I was starting to think their financial situation was more desperate than he admitted.

I liked Fabrizio. He had great taste in design, a respected name in the industry, and his work was genuinely elegant. As a person, he was charming and unfailingly polite. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

But none of that meant I’d throw millions of euros at him just because he asked nicely.

"He’s testing how much influence you have with your mate," Akira growled softly. "Using flattery to get to our pack’s money."

"Could you send me the company’s financial reports for the past five years?" I asked. "I’d need to look them over first to understand the situation."

"Sure." Fabrizio’s eyes brightened. "I’ll email them tonight. They’re confidential, obviously."

"Of course. Though, would you mind if I get a financial analyst to look them over with me? I’m hopeless with numbers." Even back in school, I’d rather run laps than solve complex equations.

Fabrizio hesitated.