Chasing his Human Mate

Chapter 4

The next morning, I woke up with a heaviness still lingering in my chest. For a moment, I stayed still in bed, staring at the ceiling, letting the silence settle around me. But reality did not wait. It never did.

I pushed myself up, took a quick shower, and dressed in a professional outfit, something clean, sharp, and composed. If today was the beginning of a storm, I would meet it standing.

When I stepped into the kitchen, the smell of breakfast greeted me. Maria was already there, moving efficiently as always.

“Good morning, ma’am,” she said warmly. “Would you like coffee?”

I gave her a small smile. “I’ll make it myself, Maria.”

She nodded and returned to cooking.

As I stood there, pouring hot water into the cup, I took a slow, deep breath. Fifty billion dollars. The number echoed in my mind like a warning bell.

Evan Collins.

Why now? Why Ethan’s company?

My fingers tightened slightly around the mug. I was sure Evan knew I was the designer of Ethan’s company. And he never did anything without a reason. Every move he made was calculated, precise, dangerous. So what was this? A business decision? Or something far more personal?

“Ma’am, breakfast is ready,” Maria said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I’ll just have coffee,” I replied. “You can eat first. And when Travis wakes up, make him something warm.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

I nodded and headed back to my room.

But the questions followed me. If I accepted this investment, it would change everything for Winston Watch Company. For Ethan.

Ethan wasn’t just my business partner. He was someone who stood by me when I had nothing. He was my best friend’s brother, who gave me the chance to prove myself as a designer, a chance to live my life again and step out of my comfort zone. Someone who never asked questions I wasn’t ready to answer. Someone who trusted me without conditions. That kind of loyalty wasn’t something you walked away from. Which is why this decision wasn’t simple. But neither was I the same woman I used to be.

“I’ve already moved on,” I murmured to myself, adjusting my blazer in front of the mirror.

My reflection stared back, calm “That man doesn’t have power over me anymore. This is just business.”

And maybe this was my chance to show him exactly who I had become. Not the quiet designer hiding behind sketches. Not the woman he left behind. But someone stronger. Someone untouchable. Someone he could never break again.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Ma’am,” Maria called softly. “Travis is awake.”

The tension in my chest eased instantly.

“I’m coming.”

I stepped out and walked toward my son’s room.

The moment I entered, everything else faded. Travis sat on the bed, his hair messy, his eyes still heavy with sleep.

“Mommy,” he mumbled.

And just like that, my world softened. I walked over and sat beside him, brushing his hair gently.

“Good morning, baby.”

“Are you going to work?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” I said softly. “But I’ll be back early today.”

He nodded, then reached for my hand. I pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“Eat your breakfast, okay? Be good for Maria.”

“I will, Mommy.”

I stood up, forcing a smile before turning away.

The drive to the office was quieter than usual, though the city was already alive with its usual rhythm. Cars moved in steady lines, people crossed sidewalks with purpose, and somewhere in the distance, life continued as if nothing had changed.

I kept one hand steady on the wheel while the other rested lightly against my lap, my posture relaxed, my expression composed. Anyone who saw me would think this was just another ordinary morning. And that was exactly how I intended it to be. Because panic never solved anything. Preparation did.

By the time I arrived at Winston Watch Company, my mind was no longer clouded with questions. It was organized, precise, already mapping out possibilities, outcomes, and risks.

As I stepped out of the car, the cool air brushed against my skin, grounding me further. The building stood tall in front of me, glass reflecting the early light of the morning, a symbol of everything I had built from nothing. Everything Ethan had trusted me to protect.

Inside, the familiar hum of work greeted me. Employees moved with quiet efficiency, some greeting me with respectful nods as I passed. I acknowledged them with a calm smile, neither distant nor overly warm, just enough to remind them I was present, aware, and in control.

“Good morning, Ms. Jones,” the receptionist greeted.

“Good morning,” I replied, my voice steady.

I walked straight to my office, closing the door gently behind me before placing my bag on the desk. For a moment, I stood in silence, letting the stillness settle. Then I moved and turned on my tablet, pulling up the files related to the investment and reviewing everything again—not because I hadn’t already memorized the details, but because details were where power lived.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened, and Ethan stepped inside, his presence immediately filling the room with a kind of ease I rarely allowed myself to feel.

“You’re not going to believe this,” he said, almost stumbling over his words. “Evan Collins arrived at the airport with his private plane. He’s coming to see us.”

I froze, my coffee cup halfway to my lips. “Wait… what?” My voice was sharper than I intended, a mix of shock and disbelief.

Ethan shook his head, as if trying to process it himself. “I can’t believe it either. A man like him, the multi-billionaire CEO, is the one making the effort to come to us. Normally, it’s us going to Forks, Washington. It’s the standard courtesy for a deal this big.”

I set my cup down, my mind racing. “But… he just came? That easily?”

Ethan nodded slowly, his eyes wide. “Exactly. That’s what’s blowing my mind. It’s almost too easy. I was surprised.”

I felt my stomach twist with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, I was flattered; anyone would be surprised by such a gesture. On the other, a part of me shivered at the implications. “So… he’s desperate, then?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

Ethan said carefully, “Maybe he just sees something in Winston Watch Company he can’t risk missing. Either way, it’s a big deal. We are very lucky, Billie.”

I leaned back in my chair, processing the news. I hadn’t expected to see Evan again, not this soon, and certainly not under these circumstances. My heart beat faster, a strange mix of anticipation and nerves.

“Wow,” I finally whispered. “I… I can’t believe it.”

Ethan grinned, clearly enjoying my reaction. “I know. Neither can I. But get ready, Billie.”

I gave a small, confident nod, sliding the folder of notes across my desk as I stood. “Always ready,” I said, my voice calm, even light. Inside, a million thoughts raced, but my posture and expression were flawless. Composure was necessary.

I took a deliberate moment to smooth my blazer, adjust my hair, and straighten my shoulders. My reflection in the glass of the office window showed a woman in control, poised, collected. The kind of woman who could walk into a room full of power brokers and not flinch.

Ethan stepped back slightly, giving me space. “You’ve got this,” he said quietly. I just nodded again, giving him a polite smile that said thanks, but I’m fine. He did not need to see the storm under the surface; he never did.

With measured steps, I headed toward the conference room. Each stride was deliberate, each movement precise. I reviewed the pitch silently in my mind, the numbers and figures I knew by heart. Every detail was already locked into place. I just had to deliver it with the same unshakable confidence I had projected countless times before.

--

The conference room was already quiet when I entered, the board members seated and waiting. Their attention shifted to me briefly, but I didn’t linger on it. I took my seat, placing the documents neatly in front of me as I allowed myself one slow, steady breath. I kept my posture relaxed yet composed, my gaze occasionally drifting to the presentation screen as I reviewed the final details in my mind. This was just another meeting, another negotiation that required focus, precision, and clarity. Nothing more.

Then the door opened and I saw him. Evan Collins stepped inside with the same commanding presence I remembered, his expression calm, his movements unhurried. A strong, defined jawline framed his face, giving him that unshakable, controlled look he had always carried. His cheekbones were sharp, adding a quiet intensity to his expression. His eyes scanned the room briefly before landing on me.

“Billie,” he said, his voice steady, carrying just enough to draw the room’s attention.

I met his gaze without hesitation, every trace of emotion carefully locked behind a calm exterior.

“Mr. Collins, I'm glad to see you again” I replied, my tone even and professional, “Welcome to Winston Watch Company.”