Chapter 15
Startled, Kian rushed forward, steadying Aveline before she could fall. “Luna, are you okay?”
Jaxson blinked, surprised by how hard he had pushed her. Even with one arm wrapped protectively around Lirael, a flicker of regret flashed through his eyes. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated and swallowed the words.
Aveline, having calmed herself, brushed off Kian’s supporting arm. Her eyes shifted to Jaxson, and in that quiet stare was a coldness sharper than any slap–icy, detached, and distant, just like the way her heart now felt toward him.
Jaxson winced beneath her frostbitten gaze but forced his voice steady. “Aveline, enough with the drama. I’ve already told you, this isn’t what you think. Why do you keep putting Lirael down? You even crossed the line with violence. This is a workplace–you should leave.”
Then he softened his tone as he faced Lirael. “Ms. Smith, don’t take what she said personally. She didn’t mean it. I’m sorry on her behalf.”
Lirael’s anger melted into smug satisfaction as Jaxson defended her. She slid her arms around his neck, batting her lashes. “For you, I’ll let it slide. But she better stay away from the company. Tell her to get lost.”
Jaxson’s face tightened at Lirael’s harsh words. Turning back to Aveline, concern shadowed his features. “Aveline, this is the company. Can we not
make a scene?”
But Aveline stood tall, her posture firm and unwavering. She threw the two of them a cold, scornful glance, her voice steady and cutting. “Save the fake politeness. I’ll leave as soon as I’m done. But Jaxson, you’re truly disgusting.”
Without another word, she spun on her heel and strode toward the legal department, leaving the pair locked in their own world behind her.
Jaxson watched her retreating figure, and a strange knot tightened in his chest. Maybe he had been too rough earlier.
Letting go of Lirael, he massaged his temples wearily and asked Kian, “Where did she go?”
Kian lowered his voice. “Legal department. And, um… Alpha, the Luna hit her head harder than we thought.”
Jaxson paused for a moment, pushing aside Lirael’s continued protests as he moved quickly toward the legal department.
In the quiet legal office, Aveline sank into a leather armchair. “I’m done selling that patent. Now that the contract’s expired, our partnership is over.”
The legal staff exchanged confused looks.
This patent had been a cornerstone of their collaboration–why was it suddenly being withdrawn?
One of them finally spoke up, trying to keep their tone respectful. “Luna, is there a problem with the contract?”
Aveline shook her head firmly. “No issues with the contract. I’ve simply found a new buyer.”
Jaxson walked in just in time to catch the tail end of Aveline’s words. His brows drew together, his voice firm but not unkind.
“Aveline, if you’re upset, take it out on me. Yell at me, hit me–whatever you want. But you’re the Luna of this pack. You have a responsibility to Thornpeak Pack. Don’t mess around with something as serious as the patent. Let’s talk about this at home, alright?”
So that was it? He still thought she was being emotional? That she was just throwing a fit, and all it would take was a little coaxing to get her back in line?
Did being the pack’s Luna even matter to her anymore?
The thought almost made Aveline laugh. Her expression didn’t change, but the coldness in her eyes deepened. “I’m not joking, Jaxson. The deal is off.
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Betrayed by Her Ex, Marked By the Alpha King
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Chapter 15
I’m not renewing the contract. If Thornpeak Pack continues using my patent without authorization, I’ll have my lawyer file a lawsuit for damages.”
She picked up her bag with a calm, final motion, turned, and walked out without sparing him even a glance.
“Aveline!” Jaxson called after her, stepping forward, but someone from the legal team intercepted him.
“Alpha, what’s going on?” the man asked in alarm. “If she pulls the patent, we’re in trouble. We’ve got multiple active projects riding on that technology. This could hit our bottom line hard.”
Jaxson’s face darkened. “I’ll handle it.”
And with that, he rushed after Aveline.
She had to be acting out of anger. That had to be it. Aveline wasn’t reckless–she wouldn’t destroy the company Thornpeak Pack depended on just because of a personal dispute.
If he could just talk to her, explain things properly, she’d understand. She always did.
Meanwhile, Aveline stepped into the elevator and called for a ride.
When she reached the building’s entrance, a sleek black car glided to a stop right before her.
Without a second thought, she opened the passenger door and slid inside. It wasn’t until she’d settled in her seat that she noticed someone else already inside–sitting in the back, wearing a serious, unreadable expression.
Their eyes met in the rearview mirror. The energy in the car shifted immediately.
It was Alistair!
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Betrayed by Her Fu Maulid D
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Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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