The Rejected Luna: Claimed by the Cold CEO Alpha

Chapter 9: The Office Secret

By Monday, everyone in Kane Enterprises knew.

I walked in and it went silent. 50 people staring.

Whispers followed me to the elevator.

"That's her."

"The contract Luna."

"I heard she gets 5 million if she stays 6 months."

My face burned.

Victor's PA, Sarah, stopped me at his office door. "Boss wants you."

Inside, Victor was furious. Pacing.

"Who leaked it?" he snapped into the phone. "I want names. Now."

He hung up and looked at me. "Are you okay?"

"No," I admitted. "I feel like an exhibit."

Victor sighed and walked to me. "I'm sorry. I should have controlled this better."

"Clause 5," I said quietly. "No public embarrassment. You failed."

"I know," he said. He looked tired. "Damian's PR team did this. To make you look like a gold digger."

My stomach dropped. "What do we do?"

Victor's jaw tightened. "We lean into it."

"What?"

"Press conference. Today. We tell them the truth. That you're my girlfriend. That it's serious."

"But it's a contract--"

"They don't need to know that," Victor cut me off. "Do you trust me?"

I stared at him. The cold CEO who saved me. Who trained me. Who held me when I cried.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Good." He held out his hand. "Then let's go lie to the world. Together."

The press room was packed. Cameras flashing.

Victor stood at the podium. I stood next to him. His hand found mine.

"For those asking," Victor said, voice calm but deadly. "Yes, Luna and I are dating. No, it's not for business. Yes, I intend to marry her."

Gasps.

Marry?

My heart stopped. That wasn't in the contract.

He squeezed my hand. "Any other questions?"

After, in the car, I exploded. "Marry?! That wasn't the deal!"

Victor looked at me. "I know. I'm sorry. But it was the only way to shut them up. To protect you."

"From what?"

"From Damian. From the pack. From everyone who thinks you're for sale."

I was shaking. "So now I'm trapped even more?"

Victor reached out and brushed hair from my face. "No. After 6 months, you walk away with 5 million and no strings. I promise."

His eyes were sincere. Too sincere.

"Then why did it feel real in there?" I asked.

Victor didn't answer. He just stared out the window.

And I was scared of the answer.