After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 79

As we stepped into the partner’s office, I immediately felt a wave of discomfort. The older man I had come to meet was in the middle of something inappropriate with his secretary. Their bodies were pressed too close for it to be just a business conversation, and they didn’t seem to care about maintaining any level of professionalism. Their hands lingered on each other as if we weren’t standing right there.

I hesitated in the doorway, feeling a surge of disbelief. I had expected some tension, perhaps even a difficult negotiation, but this—this was far worse than I could have imagined. Carlos, standing behind me, remained silent and calm, though I could feel his watchful presence. He wasn’t one to react outwardly, but I knew he saw everything.

The moment the man noticed me, his secretary quickly disentangled herself, awkwardly straightening her blouse before hurrying out of the room. I could see the embarrassment on her face, but her eyes didn’t meet mine. The man, however, had no such shame. He leaned back in his chair with a disgusting smirk plastered across his face, his gaze raking over me like I was another piece of property.

"Ah, Grace," he drawled, his voice thick with mockery. "I was wondering when you’d show up."

I swallowed down the revulsion rising in my throat, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism. This meeting was important. No matter how vile he was, I had to push through. "I’m here to discuss our agreement," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I understand you’re considering another offer, but I’d like to—"

Before I could finish, he reached out, his hand brushing against mine. The touch sent a jolt of disgust through me, and I immediately yanked my hand away. "Don’t touch me," I said sharply, stepping back.

His smirk widened, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Feisty, aren’t we?" His voice was thick with condescension, and he made no effort to hide the way he was looking at me, his eyes lingering far too long. "You’re wasting your time, sweetheart. I won’t be working with you."

I gritted my teeth, but before I could respond, he continued, his words dripping with malice. "In fact, you should prepare yourself for a nice little humiliation at the exhibition. Women like you—stupid, naïve—never get anywhere in this business. No one will ever invest in you."

The anger was bubbling up inside me, but I forced myself to keep calm. I could feel the heat rising in my face, my hands curling into fists at my sides. I refused to let him see how much his words were affecting me. "You’ll regret underestimating me," I spat, my voice trembling with rage. And with that, I turned on my heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind me.

I nodded, though he couldn’t see me, and hung up the phone. I let out a long breath, trying to shake off the weight of the situation. But then, as I looked out the window, I realized something. This wasn’t the way back to the hotel.

"Carlos?" I turned to him, confused. "This isn’t the way back. I don’t want to keep delaying your trip—you’ve done enough. I can get out here, really."

Carlos didn’t even glance at me, his eyes still on the road. "Don’t worry about me," he said, his voice steady. "I know someone in the same business as your former partner. It’s worth a try."

I blinked in surprise. "You do? Who?"