Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Gifts and Misunderstandings
Elara
Jack was even more shocked than Mark when he heard the news.
He had just complained about me to my mother yesterday. Now, less than 24 hours later, I was making him look like a complete fool.
After pacing his office for a few minutes, Jack called me in.
"Well, well, Elara," he began with a fake smile. "Mark tells me you’ve signed quite the deal for our company!"
I walked into his office and sat down without waiting for him to ask me. His fake happy act was painful to watch.
"You should have mentioned these connections of yours earlier," he added. His smile looked forced.
I leaned back in my chair and gave him my sweetest smile. "You never asked, Uncle Jack. Besides, wasn’t I supposed to listen more and interfere less? I was just following your advice."
His eye twitched.
"And Mom said I was losing clients for the company, so I figured I should try to make up for it somehow." I tilted my head like I was confused. "Though I’m curious. When exactly were you going to tell me about those lost contracts? Or were you hoping I’d hear it through office gossip?"
Jack’s fake smile was starting to fall apart.
"But Uncle," I added, my voice getting cold, "next time, maybe handle your own problems before running to my mother like a little kid. I won’t take the blame for your mistakes."
Jack’s face turned red. Getting called out by his own niece clearly bothered him.
I stood up and headed for the door. "I should get back to work. Looks like I have some departments to fix."
As I walked away, I could feel Jack getting furious behind me. But he couldn’t do anything about it. Not when I’d just brought in the biggest contract the hotel had seen in years.
--
Back in my office, I picked up my phone and opened my chat with Dominic.
To be fair, Dominic got us in the room, but I’m the one who answered all of Cairo’s questions and locked down that five-year contract. Still, I should acknowledge his part in it.
Before I could decide what to write, a message suddenly appeared:
[Dominic: Planning to confess your feelings? You’ve been staring at our chat for half an hour now.]
My face turned red.
Finally, I forced myself to reply: [Thanks for sending Cairo to negotiate with us today. I figured that was your doing, and I wanted to express my gratitude.]
[Dominic: Oh, is that all? Not a love confession after all?]
[Elara: Mr. Wolfe, I haven’t forgotten your preference for men.]
After that message, Dominic went silent.
I stared at my phone for a while, then locked the screen with a satisfied smile.
Just then, my phone buzzed with notifications from the hotel staff group chat. I scrolled through messages about Royal Cruise Line’s recent promotion with our hotel.
A luxury cruise package normally cost $2,999 per person. Now it was available for just $1,999 for couples.
A brilliant idea hit me.
[Why not buy a package for Dominic and his boyfriend? Let them have their romantic trip.]
Who else but me would be thoughtful enough to book a vacation for her husband and his lover? I was practically a saint.
When I got home that evening, I noticed men’s leather shoes by the door. That meant Dominic was already back.
I turned to the housekeeper. "Linda, is he in his study?"
Linda smiled warmly. "Luna Elara, the Alpha is in the shower."
Perfect timing. I went to Dominic’s bedroom and put the gift on his nightstand. I used the lamp to hold the envelope in place so he couldn’t miss it.
I was just adjusting the position when I heard footsteps behind me.
"What’s this? Actually writing me a love letter?" A teasing voice said right behind me.
I spun around way too fast and immediately regretted it. I was face to face with his perfectly shaped abs.
Dominic stood there with his bathrobe hanging loosely open. His amazing body was on full display. Water drops ran from his jaw to his chest, showing off every muscle before disappearing into the loose towel around his waist.
I forced myself to look up at his face instead of... other places. "No, it’s a gift for you."
Dominic ran his hand through his wet hair. He raised one eyebrow. "A gift?"
I crossed my arms, trying to look casual despite the fact that he was basically naked. "Yes, our company is running a promotion. A luxury five day cruise for couples."
His hand stopped mid motion in his hair. His breath stopped.
