Hiding the Alpha's Twins

11~ A Business Proposal

~Avery~

The moment I stepped into the boardroom, faces already seated around the table turned to me with a gravity that told me everything I needed to know. This was serious. My mind raced. What new discovery could they possibly have made about me? Duncan was the only one who truly knew me. He was the only one who knew my good, bad, and ugly. He knew my former mate and knew the pack I had run from. Duncan was the only one who knew my real name. To everyone else in the room, I was Ava Bells. Since Duncan's passing three months ago, the pack had hurled one accusation after another my way, but I stood firm, countering each claim with the strength and resilience I had cultivated over the years.

"Mrs. Bells?" My assistant's voice pulled me back to the present, offering me a chair. I took my seat, my gaze locking on Marcus.

"I wasn't expecting another meeting after my address. Why wasn't I informed beforehand?" I inquired.

Marcus met my stare. "It was impromptu, as I told Stan," Marcus replied, his voice carrying a hint of apology. "A last-minute decision."

"And who made this 'last-minute decision'?" I pressed, surveying the room. It was clear to me that most, if not all, of the individuals at that table didn't support my role as CEO of the company. But I refused to be bullied into a corner. I wouldn't go back to being the naive, frightened girl who had once worshipped a man with all my heart.

Mr. Azure, the most senior member of the panel, cleared his throat. "Honestly, Mrs. Bells, you're charting new territory here. This would be the first time a woman will lead this company," he stated, his words met with approving nods from the others. "And particularly, a woman who is seen as an outsider to our pack."

"I beg to disagree, Mr. Azure," I countered with confidence. "Through marriage, I am a bona fide member of the Blue Moon pack. I've ruled by the Alpha's side for years now, and I'm certain, my name is rightly placed in every record in this pack. I would appreciate it if you would acknowledge my rightful place here."

The man remained unmoved, pressing on. "Not only have you not been with us the longest, but you are the least qualified here—"

"My husband was well aware of my experience level, which is why he entrusted his brother Marcus with the task of guiding, mentoring, and imparting me with the necessary leadership skills. Honestly, what is the purpose of this meeting? To highlight doubts, I am already aware of?" My frustration was mounting as I felt the judgmental gaze of the panel, but deep down, I sensed there was an agenda.

"Er... that's why we've come up with a decision," Marcus chimed in, his gaze meeting mine with a seriousness that demanded attention. "Handling the main company can be a little complicated even for an experienced hand. So, for your own benefit, we decided to send you down to Silverpine Pack to become our representative there."

"I'm sorry, what?!" I was taken aback, disbelief widening my eyes. The Silverpine pack? That was out of the question. In fact, over my dead body. "I. Am. Not. Going. Anywhere!" I declared with finality, incredulous that Marcus of all people would entertain the notion of sending me away from my husband's pack— the one person I trusted above all others.

"Ava, please, see reason. This isn't a punishment or a death sentence but rather a crucial step in your leadership development," Marcus tried to soothe the rising tension, his voice a blend of assurance and calm.

Sitting at the head of the table felt more like a formality than a position of power. Despite my position, decisions seemed to be made without my consultation or input, as if my chair was merely for show. From the look on the faces of these people, I knew they had already made a decision and were just waiting to tell me. Now, I was fighting alone and stood no chance against all of them. A wave of dread and helplessness washed over me, but I straightened my spine and maintained my defiant posture.

"You could send someone else, Marcus. I've built my life here. My family, my children, they need me. How can you expect me to just uproot everything?" I argued, my voice laced with frustration and disbelief.

Marcus responded with a calm that seemed almost too serene, as if he genuinely empathized with my predicament. "I get it, Ava. But here's what we're thinking: you'll only need to be there for two months. After that, you'll return home."

My confusion only deepened. "Two months? What's the point? Why go at all?"

Marcus explained, "There's a reason. We received a business proposal last Wednesday. Stan should've mentioned it, but it might have slipped through during your busy schedule. A company in Silverpine is reaching out for a strategic partnership with us. They're on the brink of bankruptcy and believe our collaboration could save them, given our current success."

"And what's in it for us?" I pressed further.

Marcus' eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he outlined the advantages. "This isn't just any company, Ava. They're well-established and, despite financial troubles, have maintained a strong brand reputation. Partnering with them opens doors to new markets, including international ones. They're well-connected and will introduce us to a unique customer base we're currently missing. It's more than a rescue mission; it's a strategic move that enhances our visibility, credibility, and, ultimately, our profits, even as we provide the majority of the funding."

I could see the logic in Marcus' words, but the prospect of leaving everything Duncan and I had built, back to a past I had tried to leave behind was daunting. To maintain my position in my husband's company, I knew I had to tread carefully, playing the role of the fool while also employing my intelligence. Being too defiant might lead to confrontations I wasn't ready for, especially considering I was outnumbered. I glanced around at the expectant faces, feeling the weight of their anticipation for my response.

Perhaps this could be an opportunity to prove to myself that I had moved on from King. It might also serve as a chance to demonstrate to the Silverpine members that success was in my blood, regardless of where fate led me. All I needed to do was steer clear of their Alpha at all costs. Even if our paths crossed, it would strictly be on a professional level. It was a relief that he had rejected me after our one night together—a night I reluctantly admitted I still dwelled on at times. Without his mark, there was no binding tie between us. Yet, the thought of him taking my children away haunted me. Steeling myself, I turned to Marcus.

"What's the name of this company?" I inquired.

"Thornwood Enterprises," came his reply.

The words hit me like a physical blow, draining all colour from my face. The irony was too sharp, too pointed. It felt like a twisted joke, one that couldn't possibly be real.