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Kingsley’s countenance hardened at Alpha Kilian’s blatant disrespect, his features turning stony with anger before the two women.
“I’m your elder, Alpha Kilian. How dare you speak to me with such insolence?” Kingsley demanded, his voice filled with rage as he struggled to catch his breath.
A sneer twisted Alpha Kilian’s lips, casting a look of disdain upon the older man. “Elder? You delude yourself, Mr. Jackson. You are merely a shareholder of Morris Corporation. Unworthy of being anyone’s elder.”
“How dare you?” Kingsley retorted, his glare burning with intensity. “I am the same age as your father, Alpha Kilian, and a veteran of the company. Being an elder is the least you should respect me as. Are you so arrogant with everyone?”
“Arrogant?” Alpha Kilian coolly repeated, his tone dripping in condescension. “That implies you are a human being deserving of my respect.”
“Alpha Kilian!” Kingsley shouted, his fierce glare unable to mask his frustration against the younger man.
Once, Alpha Kilian had at least pretended to be courteous when dealing with Kingsley in the past. But after the attempted impeachment and subsequent loss of power, Alpha Kilian had stripped him of nearly everything. Even though he held some shares, he possessed no authority within the company anymore.
I cannot fathom how he refuses to even acknowledge me with respect.
After what felt like an eternity, Kingsley finally spoke again, his eyes fixated on Alpha Kilian. “As your elder, Alpha Kilian, I advise you to tame your ego, for it will eventually be your downfall.”
Alpha Kilian merely smirked in response. “You would be wise to heed your own advice, Mr. Jackson. You swim in treacherous waters.”
Though his words held a seemingly casual tone, there was an undeniable undercurrent of threat in Alpha Kilian’s voice. Kingsley clenched his fists as he continued to glare at the younger man.
“Hmph, just you wait!” he grunted icily, turning swiftly on his heel and departing in a dramatic gesture. Alpha Kilian smiled faintly as he watched Kingsley leave.
Lara stood her ground, her gaze shifting to Alpha Kilian once Kingsley was gone.
He may be arrogant, but there is a captivating allure to the way he puts others in their place. Her heart quickened its pace as she voiced her gratitude, “Thank you for intervening, Alpha Kilian.”
Only then did Alpha Kilian’s gaze fall upon her, though the spark that was once present had faded, as if he were looking at a stranger. “You overthink. I didn’t intervene for you. I simply addressed a problem between him and me.”
Surprised and hurt by his cold dismissal, Lara instinctively turned her gaze to Nelly. While Nelly stood beside Alpha Kilian with an inscrutable expression, Lara knew that his curt response was intended for Nelly’s benefit.
Her face flushed with embarrassment, she was about to say more when Alpha Kilian turned his attention to Nelly.
“Let’s go,” he murmured, his voice holding a warmth that no longer lingered in his eyes. “We should head inside.” Nelly cast a glance at Lara before nodding. “Mmm.”
In a practiced motion, Alpha Kilian took Nelly’s hand, leading her inside without uttering another word. He looks at me as if I were a mere acquaintance.
Lara’s eyes turned red as memories of their happier times flooded her mind. Jealousy clouded her vision while her fists clenched tightly.
His love belongs to me. I should be the one by his side. This woman’s presence has changed everything!
With that thought fueling her resolve, Lara turned to leave, her brows furrowing as she suddenly caught sight of someone standing behind her.
Donna stood not far away, accompanied by a man. Her smile mirrored Nelly’s, and she watched Lara mockingly.
“What do you think? My parents make quite the pair, don’t they?” Donna asked, her smile dripping with sarcasm.
Already seething with anger, Lara’s mood only darkened at the sight of the newcomer.
“A good match?” she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Do you not know that your mother stole someone else’s man? What is there to boast about? She is but a third wheel, and you, her daughter.”
Donna remained composed, unaffected by Lara’s palpable fury.
Her mother had taught her not to waste anger on losers, for victory over them held no meaning.
With a sigh, Donna regarded Lara with pity. “A woman consumed by unrequited love is a pitiful sight indeed.”
Lara paled with rage. “What did you say?” she snarled.
If it weren’t for the man standing behind her, Lara would have lunged forward to teach the girl a lesson.
Donna simply looked at Lara, her eyes void of fear. “My mother was with my father before you. Even Daddy has never recognized you as his girlfriend. Is that not unrequited love?”
Lara never expected to be schooled by a young girl. “What do you know?” she snapped, gritting her teeth in frustration. “If it weren’t for your mother’s interference, I would be his girlfriend now!”
Donna’s eyes held nothing but pity. “Very well. Believe what you wish if it brings you happiness.”
Without waiting for a retort, Donna turned away. “Little girl!” Lara called out suddenly.
Donna turned back. “Anything else?”
Lara smiled coldly, her words laced with venom. “Just a word of caution. Watch your words and attitude in public, or someone will teach you a lesson.”
Donna’s indifference matched her smile. “I shall extend courtesy to those who deserve it. Others, however, are not worthy.”
Without allowing Lara a chance to respond, Donna smiled once more, walking away with the confidence of a victor. The sight drove Lara to madness.
She lost all composure, her eyes narrowing with pure hatred.
If it was jealousy she felt towards Nelly before, Donna’s words had ignited her rage. Lara’s gaze shifted to the entrance where a poster displayed a photograph of the triplets.
A birthday celebration?
This time, she had no rush to leave. Instead, she walked towards the wall-to-ceiling window that provided a view of the festivities.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
Though the number of attendees was small, the decorations exuded warmth and intimacy. Laughter filled the air as the triplets chased one another.
Alpha Kilian remained faithfully by Nelly’s side throughout, his gaze fixated solely on her.
The sight felt like a dagger piercing Lara’s eyes.
Why should they revel in a happy ending while I descend into despair?
With that thought consuming her mind, hatred consumed Lara’s eyes. If that’s the case, then we shall all despair together! No one shall have a happy ending unless I do!