Free Web NovelChapter 304: Chapter 304 Facing The Competition
Christina’s POV
The receptionist flashed me that corporate smile—you know the one, all teeth and zero warmth.
"I’m sorry, Miss Vance, but you’re not on Alpha Hudson’s schedule today. Do you have an appointment?"
I almost blurted out, "I’m his wife." The words were right there, sitting on the tip of my tongue.
Then reality hit me like a bucket of ice water. I wasn’t his wife anymore.
While I stood there like an idiot trying to figure out what to say next, another voice cut through the lobby’s hushed atmosphere.
"It’s all right, I’ll take care of it. Miss Vance, why don’t we step this way?"
Every hair on my body stood on end. I turned and came face-to-face with Lea Lopez.
Her blonde hair cascaded perfectly around her shoulders. Her fitted dress was that exact shade of crimson that screamed power without seeming like it was trying too hard. Her makeup? Flawless. She looked like she’d stepped straight out of Forbes’ "30 Under 30" feature.
"Huddy is in a meeting," she said gently, already heading for the glass doors. "I don’t think he wants to be disturbed. Let’s take this to the café across the street, shall we?"
Huddy. The casual way she said his name made my blood boil. Like she owned it. Like she had exclusive rights to it. They were old friends, sure, but still.
"Just walk past her," Akira growled. "We didn’t come here to chat with her. We came to see our mate."
I considered it—brushing past her, marching straight to the elevators, daring the receptionist to try and stop me.
But curiosity won out.
If Lea wanted to talk, I should probably find out what game she was playing.
I followed her out of the lobby.
The café buzzed with the lunch crowd—clinking cups, hushed business talk, the hiss of espresso machines.
Lea selected a table by the window, sat down like she was settling in for a throne, and ordered a flat white as if she had all day to spare.
I ordered coffee too, though my appetite for it had suddenly vanished.
When our drinks arrived, she stirred hers, then took a sip.
Everything about her screamed calculated patience.
I leaned forward, cutting to the chase. "Why did you want to talk to me?"
Her lips curved into what might generously be called a smile. "I thought I made myself perfectly clear on the cruise ship."
"You want Hudson."
"Obviously."
"Yet when he was missing at sea, possibly dead, you tried to steal his company. Not exactly what someone who loves him would do."
Lea’s expression barely flickered. "See, that’s the difference between you and me. Hudson would understand my approach. When you want something, you go all in. You spare nothing. The only way to win is to hold all the cards. If Hudson had died at sea, I would’ve made sure LGH thrived. That’s his legacy. He trusted me with Titanova—the first company he built. That shows how much faith he has in me. And if Hudson returned safely? Wouldn’t he be glad to find his company in capable hands? Either way, I made the right call."
Her smile widened. "And Hudson said the same."
My throat tightened. I wanted to ask, "Did he really?" but swallowed the question.
Instead, I said, "Now you’re using the company to threaten him."
Lea shrugged one perfectly sculpted shoulder. "It’s just strategy. Like you said—leverage."
"Do you honestly think it’ll work? Hudson’s proud. He doesn’t cave to pressure. Even if he marries you to protect his company, do you think he’d ever truly love you after being forced into it? You can drag a wolf to water, but you can’t make him drink."
"Who cares? At least I’d have the wolf."
Her words made my stomach twist. "If you’re so confident you’ll get him, why talk to me at all?"
She took another slow sip of her coffee, setting it down with a delicate clink. "To pass time. I’ve already played my hand. It’s Hudson’s move now. All I need to do is wait. Either I get the Alpha of my dreams, or I leave Highrise City forever. I’m good with either outcome."
She leaned back, studying me. "And I wanted to see the competition. You’re the woman Hudson gave up his old life for. After meeting you again, I realize I needn’t have worried. You’re no threat."
Heat rushed to my face. My pulse hammered in my temples. I’ve never wanted to claw someone’s face off more in my entire life.
"She thinks she can intimidate us?" Akira snarled. "Let’s show her what a real she-wolf looks like."
Lea leaned closer. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"You’re no threat because you’re a coward. I’m willing to risk my company, my fortune, everything I own to get Hudson. Even my life. I would do anything for him." She tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "I’d kill for him. In fact, I once did."
My pupils contracted. Was she serious or just messing with my head? freeweɓnovel.cøm
She stood up, chair scraping against the floor.
"Anyway," she said with artificial lightness, "stick around. Maybe you’ll be invited to our wedding."
Her words really set me off. I was so angry I almost laughed.
"Really?" I said after she’d taken only a few steps away. "Why do you think Hudson would abandon you, his European company, and all his former friends for me?" ƒгeewebnovёl.com
Lea turned around, clearly irritated by my use of the word "abandon."
I calmly took a sip of my coffee, stood up, walked over to her.
I smiled and said, word by word, "I’m. His. Fated. Mate."
I watched her face go pale instantly. Honestly, it felt pretty satisfying.
I tilted my head, "Hudson didn’t tell you? You seem so shocked. Guess you two aren’t that close after all."
Lea’s composed face faded, and I continued.
"Before you leave the city, I’ll make sure to invite you to Hudson’s and my wedding. "
"We’ll be an Alpha and his destined Luna."
