Chapter 30: Chapter 30 A rejected partnership
Ethan’s POV
The next morning, I walked into Maxwell Group’s headquarters with Clara at my side, projecting confidence I didn’t entirely feel.
"I’ve reviewed your revised proposal," I told her quietly as we waited in the sleek conference room. "It’s more detailed than Aria’s original version. Well done."
Clara nodded, taking a deep breath. "I can do this. I know I can."
I wanted to believe her. God, I needed to believe her.
But as the minutes ticked by, unease prickled down my spine. My wolf was restless, pacing beneath my skin.
*Something’s wrong,* he growled.
Finally, the door opened—but instead of Alpha Maxwell, his assistant stepped in.
"Alpha Holt, I apologize." The assistant’s tone was polite but firm. "Alpha Maxwell has an urgent matter to attend to. We’ll need to reschedule."
"Reschedule?" I kept my voice level, but my hands clenched beneath the table. "The project launch is imminent. We can’t afford delays."
"I understand, but—" The assistant hesitated, his gaze flickering to Clara. "Is Ms. Smith not available today?"
I went rigid.
So that was it. They didn’t want to meet without Aria.
"Ms. Smith is currently on leave," Clara said quickly, shoving her proposal across the table. "I’m also a senior analyst at Holt Corporation. I’m more than capable of handling this project. If your company has concerns, please review my credentials—"
The assistant accepted the folder out of politeness, but I could see he had no intention of reading it.
"Our team has excellent professionals beyond Ms. Smith," I added, trying to salvage the situation. "Alpha Maxwell’s trust in our company won’t be misplaced."
The assistant nodded noncommittally. "Of course. I’ll convey your message. Please wait here."
The moment he left, Clara slumped in her chair, frustration written all over her face.
"What is this obsession with Aria?" she hissed. "Do they only care about which employee we send?"
"Aria has a track record in the industry," I said carefully. "Her projects consistently outperform projections. Clients trust her instincts."
"Company profits are a team effort," Clara shot back. "How is all the credit going to one person fair?"
"I’m not saying it’s fair. I’m saying it’s reality."
"Alpha Maxwell is a man, isn’t he?" Clara’s voice turned sharp. "All these clients who ’only work with Aria’—they’re men too, right?"
I stiffened. "Don’t go there."
"I’m just stating facts. In business, especially this industry, there’s no such thing as a woman who’s always on top. Just men who are easily... persuaded."
"Clara." My voice came out harder than I intended. "When did you become this cynical?"
She flinched at the disappointment in my eyes, seeming to realize she’d crossed a line.
Before either of us could say more, the door opened again.
The assistant returned alone, Clara’s proposal folder in hand—completely untouched.
"Ms. Voss, Alpha Maxwell appreciates your effort, but he insists that Ms. Smith handle this project personally."
Then he turned to me. "Alpha Holt, Alpha Maxwell also asked me to convey that if Ms. Smith is truly unavailable, we’ll have to pause our partnership with Silver Creek Pack for now."
"Why?" Clara’s composure finally shattered. "What exactly does she have that I don’t?"
I grabbed her arm, trying to stop her, but the damage was done.
"Please tell Alpha Maxwell why Aria is irreplaceable," I said, keeping my voice steady.
"Ms. Voss is more than qualified. She’s a Metropolitan University graduate, and she was a scholarship recipient, too."
The assistant gave an apologetic smile.
"I understand, Alpha Holt. Ms. Voss is clearly accomplished. But Alpha Maxwell says he values long-term relationships. He only works with Ms. Smith."
He bowed slightly and left before either of us could respond.
Clara looked like she might pass out, her face drained of color.
I felt the blood drain from my own face too.
We drove back to the office in complete silence. I could feel Clara’s resentment radiating off her in waves—blaming me for relying too heavily on Aria, for creating this mess.
And honestly? I was disappointed in her too. For losing her composure. For letting her emotions sabotage the meeting.
*What the hell is happening to us?*
My wolf snarled in my mind, furious and restless.
*This isn’t right. None of this is right. You broke the bond. You rejected mate. Now everything falls apart.*
I wanted to argue with him.
But deep down, I was starting to think he might be right.
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