Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by the Apex

Chapter 4 - The Corner Office

Clara’s POV

I slid the final contract across the table. Julian picked up the pen, signing his name with a dark stroke. We just merged Apex Real Estate's southern borders with the Obsidian Pack's media empire, closing a deal worth millions.

"A profitable partnership," Julian said, closing the folder. He leaned back in his chair, watching me. "You drive a hard bargain, Clara."

"I protect my investments," I replied, stacking the remaining documents. "You wanted the commercial zoning rights. I wanted your media backing. We both win."

Julian stood up. "I enjoy winning with you. I'll have my legal team send over the copies by tomorrow morning."

"Sarah will process them," I said, walking him to the door.

Julian opened the door, stepped out into the hallway, and stopped. A man leaned against the wall, flipping a silver coin between his knuckles.

Alpha Kaden.

Kaden ran the largest underground syndicate in the city, controlling the rogue factions and the black market. Julian stiffened, a low warning growl rumbling in his chest as he glared at the rogue.

"Relax, Julian," Kaden teased, catching the coin in his palm. "I'm just here to see my favorite consultant."

"Keep your business professional, Kaden," Julian warned.

"It always is," Kaden smirked.

Julian gave me a brief nod and walked down the hall toward the elevators. Kaden strolled into my office, shutting the door behind him. He walked over to the visitor chairs, slouched into one, and kicked his boots up onto the coffee table.

"Get your feet off the table," I ordered, walking back to my own chair.

Kaden chuckled, dropping his boots to the floor. He pulled a thick manila folder from his jacket and tossed it onto my desk. "I bring gifts. You're going to want to see this."

I opened the folder, scanning the top document. It was a private bank statement belonging to Silver Holdings.

"David is out of money," Kaden said, crossing his arms. "He's desperate. He's been calling every firm in the city since the gala last night. He just ordered his assistant to track down the CEO of Apex Real Estate. He's coming here today."

Before I could respond, my office phone buzzed. I pressed the speaker button.

"Clara," Sarah said, her voice tight with panic. "Alpha David is in the lobby. He's demanding a meeting. Security tried to stop him, but he bypassed them and got into the elevator."

"Let him come," I replied, ending the call.

I looked at Kaden. He didn't move to leave. He just leaned back in his chair, a dark smile spreading across his face. I didn't have time to kick him out before the heavy doors to my office swung open.

David marched into the room, holding a leather briefcase. His breathing was heavy, his suit jacket slightly wrinkled from his rush past security. He walked to the middle of the room, his eyes landing directly on me sitting behind the desk.

He stared at me, his mouth opening and closing.

"Clara?" David asked, his voice cracking. "What are you doing here?"

"I work here," I said, keeping my voice flat.

David scoffed, shaking his head as he stepped closer to the desk with a harsh laugh. "Of course. You went from managing my accounts to working as a secretary for a faceless corporation. Go get your boss. Tell him I need a meeting right now. It's urgent."

"My boss isn't available," I replied.

"I am an Alpha," David demanded, slamming his hand onto the table. "I am the CEO of Silver Holdings. My pack needs capital today, and I won't wait in line behind human investors. Call the CEO of Apex right now."

Kaden stood up from his chair, walking up behind David.

"Do you have a death wish?" Kaden asked, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "How dare you speak to the CEO of Apex Real Estate that way."

David froze. He looked over his shoulder at Kaden, then turned his gaze back to me. The color drained from his face. He stared at my desk, processing Kaden's words as his pride shattered.

"You?" David whispered, his hands trembling. "You own this firm?"

"I built this firm," I corrected. "What do you want?"

David swallowed hard, panic rushing back into his eyes. He opened his briefcase, pulling out a thick contract and shoving it toward me.

"Silver Holdings needs capital," David pleaded, his voice cracking. "We need your backing. I can offer you the Head Executive position. You can run the financial division. I'll triple your old salary. Please, Clara, you have to merge our assets. We can be a team again."

I looked at the desperate man standing in front of me. He threw me out three years ago, and now he was begging me to save the very company he banned me from.

"I don't work for failing companies," I said, picking up my office phone. "Security, send guards to my office. We have a trespasser to remove.”