The Alpha's Contracted Mate

Chapter 5 Conflicts and Confrontations

"Matthew doesn't get along with Isabelle," Marcus thought to himself as he observed the tense dynamics between them. The disagreement about inviting Sarah as a special guest for their annual meeting had created a rift between Matthew and Isabelle. Their differing opinions and strained relationship were evident.

Marcus, finding himself in an awkward situation, attempted to mediate between the two. He addressed Isabelle, "Ms. Morgan, I think Ms. Sarah would be a suitable special guest for this year's annual meeting, considering her image and temperament..."

However, before Marcus could finish his sentence, Isabelle cut him off with a dismissive remark, "Being disobedient means being unsuitable."

The atmosphere grew even more uncomfortable, and Marcus felt the pressure mounting. He realized that he couldn't afford to offend either of these high authorities. He wished he could disappear and escape the tension that hung in the air.

Just when Marcus thought the tension would linger, Matthew intervened, saying, "Marcus, just do as Ms. Morgan said."

Relieved, Marcus replied, "Hmm? Ah, okay."

Isabelle nodded at Matthew and said, "Mr. Matthew, if there's nothing else, I'll leave first."

Matthew adjusted his sitting position, his expression ambiguous, and replied, "Go ahead."

As Isabelle left, Marcus wiped the sweat from his forehead and gathered the courage to ask, "Mr. Matthew, what about Ms. Sarah?"

Matthew, lounging casually, picked up a cigarette box from the coffee table and put a cigarette to his lips. He responded nonchalantly, "Isn't this your planning department's business? Why are you asking me?"

Marcus felt his throat tighten, unable to respond to Matthew's dismissive comment.

Later, when Isabelle returned to her office in the public relations department, she received a call from her best friend, Rose. Glancing at the caller ID, Isabelle answered, "Hello?"

Rose, who had just returned from abroad and was still jet-lagged, spoke in a haphazard manner, ".... Where are you?"

Isabelle walked directly to her desk, sat down, and replied, "At the company. What's up?"

Rose grumbled, "I heard your mate cheated again?"

The word 'again' struck a chord with Isabelle, but she chose not to respond directly. Instead, she changed the subject, "Weren't you on a business trip? You're back?"

Rose complained, "I'm back. I'm exhausted. I've slept for a day and I'm still jet-lagged."

Isabelle suggested, "Sleep some more?"

Rose stretched her voice through the phone, "No more sleep. Even though my company is just a small workshop, I still have to strive for progress, right? In case I turn my situation around..."

Isabelle teased her friend, Don't keep talking about 'turning your situation around.' Ironically making fun of her friend.

Rose exclaimed, "Isabelle!!"

Quickly changing her tone, Isabelle chuckled and said, "Alright, I know you're an ambitious and hardworking rich second-generation."

Rose seemed satisfied with Isabelle's response and hummed, "Are you coming out tonight?"

Isabelle clicked her mouse absentmindedly and asked, "Where to?"

Rose replied excitedly, "TOP KINGS BAR. It's my treat. We drink till we drop tonight."

Isabelle chuckled, "I'll treat. If you treat, I'm afraid you'll have the waiter water down the drinks."

Rose retorted, "Huh! Little girl, who are you looking down on?!"

Isabelle laughed, "You're famously stingy. I still remember when someone in college said they would treat us to instant noodles, and to save money, you filled a bucket of noodles with enough water for three servings."

Rose fell silent, reminiscing about their shared memories.

That evening, Isabelle drove to THE TOP KINGS. Just as she parked her car and was about to unbuckle her seatbelt, a loud 'bang' resounded from the rear of her vehicle, startling her.

Before Isabelle could react, there was a knock on her car window. She turned her head to see Sarah standing outside, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, visibly angry.

Understanding the situation, Isabelle got out of the car to confront Sarah face-to-face. Despite Sarah's heels making her taller, Isabelle maintained her composure and looked down at her.

"Why do you get to replace me?" Sarah's voice dripped with anger.

Isabelle maintained her cool and replied, "Ms. Sarah, I know you have a grudge against me, but I want to make one thing clear: I never mix business with personal issues."

Sarah's anger intensified, and she retorted, "So, you mean I mix business with personal issues?"

Isabelle responded calmly, "At present, it seems that way."

Sarah fell silent, seething with anger. The tension between them continued to escalate until a familiar figure rushed over, shielding Isabelle.

Recognizing him, Isabelle whispered, "Ethan?"

Ethan, a Beta wolf, is another one of Isabelle's best friends but of the opposite gender, stood protectively in front of her. He was one of the people who had shared that bucket of instant noodles with Isabelle and Rose in their college days.

Ethan and Sarah locked eyes. Sarah sneered, "I thought it was someone else. Turns out it's Ethan! Struggling in the entertainment circle for three years and still nowhere near the eighteenth line. If I were you, I would have packed up and gone home."

Ethan, nonchalantly, lowered his sunglasses a bit and teased, "That's still better than being a mistress to the married Mr. Matthew, like our first-line star, Ms. Sarah!"

Sarah's face turned red with anger, and she demanded, "What did you say?"

Ethan continued his mocking tone, "What, you dare to do it, but you don't let others talk about it?"

Sarah, furious, challenged him, "Say that again, I dare you."

Ethan taunted, "What, you want to start a fight with me?"

As he spoke, Ethan began adjusting his jacket and dared Sarah, "Come on, touch me. As soon as you do, I'll scream harassment. Let's let everyone see whether the legendary innocent Sarah is really an innocent girl or a loose woman!"

Ethan's smug demeanor only fueled Sarah's anger. She turned red and white, pointing her finger at Isabelle behind Ethan, "You wait for me, this matter is not over!"

Emerging from behind Ethan, Isabelle faced Sarah and asserted, "Indeed, it's not over. The repair fee for my car is $1500. Remember to transfer it to me later."

Sarah, seething with frustration, muttered, "Crazy!"

With that, Sarah stomped her foot in anger and stormed off, leaving Isabelle and Ethan behind. Isabelle put her hands in the pockets of her trench coat and asked Ethan, "How did you get here before me? Where's Rose?"

Ethan, feeling a chill from the wind, shivered and buttoned up his shirt, "She'll be here soon. That rascal always arrives last."

Isabelle glanced up and teased, "And yet you, rascal, managed to get here quite early."

With a playful smile, Isabelle started walking towards TOP KINGS BAR, and Ethan followed closely behind, grumbling, "Does Matthew know about your sharp tongue?"

Isabelle responded nonchalantly, "Why would he need to know? Is he worthy?"

Little did Isabelle know, Matthew, the unworthy one, stood not far behind them, a flickering cigarette in his mouth, surrounded by his friends. Someone in the crowd couldn't help but stir the pot, teasing, "Matthew, are you worthy?"