Promised to the Alfa's Son, Fated to Another

Chapter Sixteen

“He did what?” Chloe nearly shouted, and half the café turned to stare.

“Stop shouting,” Casey hissed, sipping her strawberry milkshake, cheeks burning.

“How dare he drag you from Henry’s office for some project?” Chloe stabbed her straw into her iced tea. “Does Alfie even know about this?”

“Riley wouldn’t move a finger without his father’s approval,” Casey muttered, tucking a loose strand into her messy bun. Her eyes drifted to the window. “So at least the Satton family knows.”

“Girl, you need a break from that family,” Chloe grumbled.

Casey forced a small smile. “You know he’s your Alpha too.”

“Alpha or not, no one messes with my best friend.” Chloe winked. Both of them burst out laughing, though the tension didn’t fully leave Casey’s chest.

The waiter whisked away their empty plates, blushing as he lingered on Chloe. Casey noticed—because she noticed everything—and knew her friend’s personal life was hardly perfect either.

“Your parents still won’t reconsider?” Chloe asked, softer now, taking Casey’s hand. “I mean… Baron isn’t the worst option.”

“Please, stop pitying me. I’m fine with my engagement,” Chloe snapped, though the shadows in her eyes betrayed her words.

“When’s the last time you saw him?”

“Last… summer,” Chloe admitted.

“It’s spring now,” Casey deadpanned.

Before Chloe could retort, a high-pitched voice cut through the café.

“Casey!”

A petite girl rushed over, throwing her arms around her. Casey stiffened, then blinked. The girl’s resemblance to Ava Satton was undeniable. Olivia. The youngest Satton daughter—shy, withdrawn, almost never seen in public.

“I’m so happy I found you!” Olivia’s eyes sparkled. “I heard about your party from Ava and I was sick I missed it!”

Chloe muttered under her breath, “No wonder.”

Casey sent her a sharp glare and pasted on a smile. “It’s nice to see you, Olivia.”

“Payton told me where to find you.” Olivia beamed. “Listen, I know the big announcement is next week, but I’d love to take you out before then. I’m your biggest fan.”

“Fan?” Casey blinked, utterly lost.

“You don’t know?” Olivia gasped. “Your graduation painting—it’s in the college’s hall of fame. They call you one of the most underrated painters in the country.”

Chloe’s jaw dropped. “Hall of fame? Girl, why didn’t you tell me?”

“They never told me either,” Casey whispered.

Olivia leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Because the painting was sponsored. The sponsor ordered the school not to inform you—or your family. After ten years, the painting becomes his property.”

Casey’s head spun. My simple graduation painting? Why would anyone care so much?

Chloe crossed her arms. “And how do you know this?”

Olivia smiled slyly. “Let’s just say the sponsor is a very close relative. Anyway, I’ll be in touch.” She gave Casey’s hand a squeeze before skipping out of the café.

Casey stared after her. “I thought Olivia was still in college.”

Chloe’s eyes gleamed. “So… someone from the Satton family wanted your painting badly enough to buy it out. Maybe Riley?”

“Riley never even went to college,” Casey muttered. “That year, there were only two Sattons on campus—Alpha Elijah, the eternal sponsor, and…”

“Alfie,” Chloe finished with a wicked grin.

Casey sighed. Of course. Flowers every day. Yesterday, a giant teddy bear. Her parents thrilled. And her? Crying herself to sleep each night.

Chloe slurped the last of her tea and leaned in. “Sis, either Olivia’s lying… or your charming fiancé is more obsessed with you than you think.”