Seducing the Alpha CEO

Chapter 4 – Step Two

Rose

I sat in my favourite armchair, my gaze fixed on the fireplace’s flickering flame. Five years had passed since that fateful night, but the memories were as fresh as ever. I was young and naïve back then, eager to impress and gain their approval. I was the Bains family’s ugly duckling.

Nobody noticed the ugly, fat, bespectacled Rose Bains until I met Amber Myers. Amber Myers, my beautiful and sophisticated best friend, took me under her wing and promised to turn me into a socialite who would make her family proud.

My family came from the Lupisbane clan, revered and feared by all who have heard their name lineage steeped in ancient magic and unparalleled strength, making them the epitome of lycanthropic power.

My pack was like a closely knit family, bound by unbreakable loyalty and an unwavering sense of honour. Their alpha, my grandfather, the imposing Fenrir Bains, led them. My dad was next in line,

I had destroyed everything with a single stupid act. Dad had been so disappointed in me; his eyes were filled with rage and hurt, and I knew I had disappointed him in the worst way possible. I felt a chill run down my spine as I sat in the room’s silence. I knew well that the scandal had never truly died away, and that there were still people who remembered what I had done and would never let me forget it. I had lost friends, family, and so much in the aftermath of that terrible night. I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind. I knew I had to concentrate on the present and make things right.

I sat at my desk, staring at the laptop screen in front of me. I knew that what I was about to do was dangerous, but I had no choice. The file on the USB drive would cause things to change. I inserted the USB drive and waited for the computer to recognise it. I found the file I needed and sent it. Each tick of the clock brought me closer to the moment of vengeance as the progress bar on the screen slowly crawled towards completion. My heart pounded as I pressed the send button. There was a moment of tense silence. I let out a sigh of relief. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next as I sat there staring at the blank screen.

“Amber, I hope you enjoy my little retaliation. After all, I learned from the best,” I whispered to no one in particular. My phone rang, and it irritated me for a moment; who dared to disturb my moment of peace? I picked up the phone when I saw the flashing name.

“Yes, Grandpa?” I answered the phone.

****************

Revenge is costly, I pondered. I double-checked my banking app. My account was credited with $20,000. If Grandpa hadn’t bribed me with money, I would never have agreed to meet this old geezer named Mr. Richard. I took a sip of my freshly brewed best of Panama coffee. I deserved a little caffeine before facing Mr. Richard. When I looked up, I noticed an elderly man approaching me. Harold Richard was wealthy, as evidenced by his designer suit and Rolex on his wrist. But he was also conceited, staring down at me as if I were some kind of inferior being.

“Hello, my dear,” the elderly man said as he took a seat across from me. “My name is Harold. And you have to be Rose. I nearly didn’t recognise you. You’ve grown a lot in the last five years,” while leering at me, he said.

I nodded, attempting to conceal my amusement. “However, Mr. Richard, you remain the same.”

“Call me Harold, and we don’t need formalities between us,” he smiled. His stoic secretary was standing nearby.

Richard then regaled me with stories about his business empire, cars, and extravagant vacations. He told me about his ex-mates inability to bear his sons. Then, unexpectedly, he leaned forward and whispered in my ear.

“I really hope you’re not like them, my dear. I require an heir to carry on my name and fortune. Are you willing to be that person for me?”

It irritated me. I had no intention of marrying someone who treated me like a machine for producing children.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll have to decline,” Mr. Richard.

“Why not? he enquired,” his face fluid. “Your Grandpa assured me you had agreed for this match. Regardless of your scandal, you should be honored to be with someone like me. I can provide you with everything you’ve ever desired.”

“I’m sorry, Harold,” I said as I stood up. “I don’t think we’re a good match. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, but I don’t believe we should meet again.”

I got up and left as soon as the words fell, giving him no time to react. He wasn’t the first jerk I’d met. Jasper had treated me similarly a long time ago. He was my finances; during my darkest hour, he pretended to be my supporter and took me out of the country. But it was all a ruse. He was my worst nightmare come true. I vowed never to go through that hell again.

“You can’t go! b***h!” Harold grabbed my arm and slowed me down.

“Please excuse me, Mr. Richard.” I said it calmly.

“You must marry me. I’ve already closed the deal. You can’t break it now. I’ll drag you around and force you to marry me. If necessary. “

I raged with anger. I picked up my coffee and threw it in Mr. Richard’s face without thinking. As his wig fell off, revealing his bald head, he spluttered. I laughed at his pathetic state and exited the cafe quickly.

Killian

I was sitting at my desk, engrossed in the latest financial reports for Lightfoot Enterprises, when my secretary, Eric, entered, pale and agitated.

“Sir,” he said, holding up his phone, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s something you need to see. It’s critical.”

I c****d an eyebrow, my interest piqued. I took my phone and pressed the play button on the video that was playing on the screen. I didn’t understand what I was seeing at first; it was footage of me in what appeared to be a hotel corridor with a woman. Then it hit me: this was a scandal being broadcast around the world. It was Rose.

As I watched the video, unable to look away, I felt a familiar stirring down below. The woman had haunted my dreams.

“How did you come across it?” Without looking up, I mumbled.

“It’s on a news website, and I’ve already addressed it. However, it is also becoming popular with other platforms. I’ll get the public relations team on it right away, sir,” he stated. “They’ll start damage control and see what we can do to keep the situation under control.”

I reclined in my chair. “There is no need. Allow it to circulate.”

“Pardon me, Sir?” Eric asked, perplexed.

“Instead, you request that the photos be published in this magazine. The bigger, the better.”

Eric looked at me, puzzled, paused, and then made a sound. “Boss, aren’t you afraid of the old man’s wrath?”

“Don’t be concerned.”

I traced Rose’s face with my fingers, and my lips raised into a smile. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her.