Blake McAllister

~MATILDA~

I stood frozen in the conference room, Ruby beside me, her hand still gripping my arm. My mind spun, thoughts crashing like waves.

Blake McAllister? The stranger from my apartment, his eyes burning into me... now here as SCN's new consultant. And Sofia Hartmann? Her elegant smile clinging to him like a claim.

Was he a stalker? Did he plan this? Why my workplace, of all places? My heart pounded, questions piling up with no answers. I clutched my notepad, the pen trembling in my fingers, as Director Quinn's voice boomed again.

"Alright, everyone, this is the start of a great era for SCN. Let's work as a team for success!"

Applause erupted, hands clapping in a rushed rhythm.

Quinn raised a hand. "That's all for today. Get back to work... Mr. McAllister, please see me in my office; when you are done settling down."

People shuffled toward the door immediately Mr. Quinn was done talking and walked out of the conference room, but my eyes caught something that stopped my breath.

Blake, tall and commanding, walked straight to Sofia. He grabbed her hand, her fingers curling into his with ease, and they left the room together, her heels clicking softly.

My chest tightened, a sharp sting I couldn't name. Jealousy? Betrayal? Why did it hurt so much?

Ruby pinched my arm, her eyes sharp with questions.

"We need to talk now." She dragged me to a corner of the conference room, where the hum of voices faded and the faint smell of coffee lingered.

"What's going on, Tilly? Tell me everything and don't lie." Her voice was stern, curiosity mixed with agitation.

'There's practically nothing I say now that will make Ruby believe me. But I can't also lie that I know something, while I am dying to get answers myself.'

I briefly thought to myself, trying to steady my breath. I exhaled deeply, my thoughts a mess.

"Ruby, I'm lost too. I sincerely don't know what's happening as well."

She crossed her arms, unconvinced. "Don't play games, Matilda. He was in your apartment all weekend, and now he's our co-worker? You're telling me you know nothing, I mean you both didn't discuss all of this?"

My face burned knowing she wasn't wrong to doubt me.

"Yes, I was stupid to bring a stranger home because he was hurt. But I swear, Ruby, we barely talked. I know nothing about this."

My hands gestured wildly, trying to make her believe.

Ruby stared intensely at me, her gaze piercing into my soul. Thirty seconds passed, her silence throbbing, as if weighing my words.

Finally, she spoke, "What's your plan now?"

I bit my lip, my mind racing. "I need answers, but first, I need to clear my head. I'm taking a walk now, so talk to you later."

I turned, my sneakers squeaking on the polished floor.

I slipped out of the conference room, my heart still pounding with the satisfying smile on Sofia's face and Blake's icy expression.

★★★

~BLAKE~

THIRTEEN HOURS EARLIER...

Sofia's words about our wedding struck me like lightning. Anger surged, my chest tight with betrayal.

The elders, deciding my fate without a word? Unacceptable. I needed to think, to breathe. I left the mansion, my shoes crunching on the gravel path to the garden.

The night air was cool, stars faint above.

Jaxon stood there, alone, his silhouette sharp against the dim glow of the garden lamps. Surprise flickered in his eyes when he saw me.

"Alpha, I thought you'd retired for the night," he said, voice cautious.

"Jaxon, my mind's heavy. I need to clear it," I replied, my tone calm as I stepped closer to him.

He nodded, ready to leave. "Alright, Alpha. I'll give you space."

I raised a hand, stopping him. "Wait, I need a favor." My voice softened, eyes locking with his. "Not as your Alpha, Jaxon but as your friend. Fifteen years we've stood together, and I need your help."

"What's wrong?" His brows lifted, curiosity clear.

"Sofia's back as you already know, and she told me the elders approved our wedding, without my knowledge."

Jaxon's eyes widened. "That's… unexpected. Good news, though?"

I shook my head, irritation simmering. "I don't know yet because something feels off. I need you to investigate quietly. Find out what the elders discussed, and why they're rushing this."

Jaxon bowed slightly, his agreement silent but firm. He left, his footsteps fading into the night.

Alone now, I stood in the garden, the breeze brushing my face. My thoughts churned. Something's wrong... I can't grasp it yet, but I'll uncover it...

★Back TO PRESENT★

I dragged Sofia to a quiet corner of SCN's office, a small storage room with stacked files and a flickering bulb. My patience was thin.

"What are you doing here?" My voice came out sharp.

"Working, obviously. What else?" Sofia tilted her chin, arrogance in her eyes.

I stepped closer, my gaze hard. "Did you follow me? How did you know I'd be here?"

"Tsk!" She scoffed, avoiding my eyes. "Why would I follow you? I'm a journalist, a TV host. I earned this job."

"Then why not tell me last night?" I pressed, anger rising.

Her lips pursed. "You stormed out, Blake and ignored me like I was nothing. I planned to tell you, but you were too angry to listen."

I fell silent, processing her words. My fingers twitched, the memory of Matilda's touch flashing through me. Focus! I couldn't let Sofia's games distract me.

"Fine! Do your job and cause no trouble. I'm here for something bigger and important that no one can know about us."

She smiled, mischievous, eyes glinting. "I'm here to work as well, not to flaunt you. At least for now."

I forced my face to stay neutral, hiding the fury inside. The door creaked open, and my heart stopped. Matilda stood there, her eyes fierce, burning into mine.

"Mr. Blake, don't you owe me some explanations?"

Her voice was unyielding as Sofia's gaze darted between us, suspicion sparking in her eyes...