Chapter 28
Aveline had been determined to earn her spot on the project team through her skills, not by relying on her looks to take an easier path.
When Silas finished introducing everyone in the lab, Alistair said nothing, but a subtle shift in his expression hinted at a change of mind.
The next morning arrived with golden sunlight spilling across the study. Aveline stirred on the stiff bed, stretched, and checked her phone. There was a new assignment from the institute.
She quickly washed up and glanced at the dress she’d worn the night before, mentally noting to launder it before passing it along to Maren.
By the time she reached the institute, Alistair’s beta, Darius Chadwick, was already waiting. As the elevator doors slid open, he stepped forward to greet her.
“Good morning. Ms. Russell. I’m Alpha Alistair’s beta. You can call me Darius,” he said with a warm tone. “The project kicks off in five days, and we’re forming groups so the team members can get familiar with each other. There’s an opening to assist Alpha with document handling, and I think you’d be great at it.”
Document handling?
Aveline’s brow furrowed faintly. Wasn’t that usually an assistant’s job or something a secretary handled?
Why offer her a task that didn’t align with her field of study?
After pausing to consider, she asked, “Will I only be organizing documents, or are there additional responsibilities involved?”
Darius gave a reassuring smile. “You’ll also support Alpha directly, helping him with whatever tasks come up.”
That would mean spending more time around Alpha Alistair.
Given how things had gone yesterday, she wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Who knew what he might assume if she agreed?
So after a few seconds of thought, Aveline politely declined. “Thanks, but I don’t think this position suits me. I’d rather be assigned to another group
with my peers.”
Darius was caught off guard.
The role was low–pressure, and working beside Alpha Alistair came with advantages. Most people would have accepted instantly, but Aveline had
declined.
“I really think this role matches your strengths, Ms. Russell. You could try it out, and if it’s not working, we’ll make a change,” he said, hoping she’d
reconsider.
Aveline simply smiled and shook her head. “I appreciate it, but I’d prefer someone else take the role someone better suited for it.”
With that, she turned and walked off in the direction of the other workgroups.
Darius stood there, watching her retreat, completely at a loss.
As he stood there, unsure how to break the news to Alistair, a tall silhouette drew near, voice low and commanding. “Is everything settled?”
Darius’s shoulders slumped. “Alpha, Ms. Russell turned down the offer to join our group.”
He braced himself for a scolding, lowering his gaze. But the harsh response never came.
Instead, Alistair let out a quiet chuckle. “Smart girl.”
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Chapter 28
Darius blinked, uncertain he’d heard correctly. “Alpha…?”
“Forget it,” Alistair said casually, already walking away.
Darius remained baffled. But since Alpha didn’t seem bothered, he figured there was no reason to dwell on it either.
Meanwhile, Aveline was knee–deep in project tasks with the rest of her team.
Breaks were rare, and time slipped by quickly.
With the official launch fast approaching, every detail had to be finalized, which only meant more work.
“Aveline, we just wrapped up today’s data. Can you drop it off with Alpha Alistair?” one of her teammates asked.
Alistair held the final say on everything. Without his approval, nothing could move forward. Each team had to submit their data to him for review.
Though his appearance was striking, Alistair’s Alpha authority and frigid aura made everyone hesitate when dealing with him.
So, naturally, the responsibility landed on Aveline.
Glancing around and seeing her teammates still occupied, Aveline decided to go.
But when she arrived at his office, he was nowhere to be found.
“He left? Where did he head off to?” she asked, brows furrowing.
“Yeah, but I think he’s still heading to the underground parking garage. If you’re quick, you’ll catch him,” someone replied.
The files had to be reviewed today. Any delay would throw off tomorrow’s schedule.
Aveline didn’t think twice. She turned around and raced toward the elevator. Once outside, she stood at the institute’s exit, knowing every car had to pass through here.
Moments later, Alpha Alistair’s sleek black Bentley rolled into view. Aveline stepped up to the curb and waved, hoping to flag it down.
But the vehicle kept moving.
Flustered, she realized she had no choice. The review was urgent. Taking a bold step forward, Aveline planted herself right in front of the car.
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Chapter 29
Chapter 29
