Betrothed To An Alpha? I Don't Think So!
Chapter 51: Amber’s Worry

Chapter 51: Amber’s Worry

"The world doesn’t revolve around you Preston. No one has to bend to your will. What is even going on in that head of yours? Why are you acting like this? You never used to be like this, you..."

Brandon’s words trailed off.

He dropped his gaze to the floor, sighing.

"Wait, what am I even saying?" He chuckled. "You’ve actually always been like this. I’m just the one who’s always kept quiet about it and pretended like I couldn’t see it. Now, take a look at yourself. You’re losing it, Preston and you don’t even know it."

Preston was deathly silent on the other side of the phone. The next thing to be heard was his soft amused laughter. And then the coldness of his tone. [Lyra was right about you]

"Meaning what?" Brandon cocked a brow.

[You can’t be trusted, Brandon. I can’t trust you. At least not anymore. You’re becoming someone who I don’t recognize. You used to be so quiet, just doing what you’re told. But now, you say all sorts of nonsense to my face, trashing me and trying to make me feel like I’m a monster. What’s next? You’ll backstab me? Join her? Do you think that makes you a saint? You’re no better than me, you know? You are just as awful as I am, and if you think otherwise, you’re doing nothing more than deluding yourself]

[Now] he continued. [I’m only going to warn you once, and only this once. Do. Not. Interfere with any of my plans. Keep quiet and stand aside. Allow me to handle my problems, because if you involve yourself any further than you already have, little brother, I’m sorry to say, but...I might just break you. You of all people should know what I’m capable of. I mean, you even called me a monster. Don’t push my hand, Brandon."

Brandon’s pupils were slightly dilated, clearly in a state of disbelief. He asked, "Are you...threatening me, Preston?"

[Call it whatever you will, Brandon. This conversation is over]

"Preston—"

The call ended.

He stood as still as a statue, staring at the white wall of his living room. All this almost felt like a fever dream. Who knew a day when Preston would threaten him would come?

He dropped back into the ottoman, chuckling in absolute amusement.

"Wow..." he murmured to himself. "This has become...quite the joke."

———

Evelyn closed the door of the public bathroom, proceeding to answer her incoming phone call.

"Lucia?"

[Boss]

"How are things over there? Is it any better now?"

[Not at all, boss. I don’t think you should come in today. There are so many reporters outside the company. Even we are having a hard time stepping out]

"Is that...so?" Her voice fell.

[I don’t think it’s safe right now. So, I suggest you take the day off today. We’ve called security to surround the company for now. Hopefully by Monday, things would’ve died down just a little bit]

Evelyn nodded, understanding. She asked, "What about...the investors? I had a meeting scheduled with them today. How are things going with them? Did you call to explain the situation? And if not, please forward their information to me so that I could—-"

[Boss...] Lucia mumbled softly on the other side of the phone, cutting her off. Something was wrong, Evelyn was sure. And for some reason, she felt afraid to even ask.

"Is...Is something wrong?" She stared at the mirror on the wall at the sink. "You can tell me. I need to have the situation under control."

[I know, but...]

"Just tell me."

[They canceled]

"Oh."

[The article, boss. They canceled because of it and withdrew their interest. I think that article is doing more damage than we thought]

"I see." Evelyn gave a nod, clearing her throat. "You don’t have to worry, Lucia. This is my fault and I’ll fix it. Forget about the investors. We’ll look for a—"

[It’s not your fault, boss]

"Lucia—"

[I mean it. You did what was right] She drew a deep breath over the phone. [Listen, boss, your father actually trained me in this corporation to assist you when the time comes. He told me directly never to doubt you even once no matter how horrid the decisions you make may seem at the moment. So, if it helps, your father has um...always had faith in you before he died. I hope you don’t let this drag you down. It’s just an article, and I’ll try to find a way to have it taken down. I’ll do my best, so boss, please...take it easy on yourself]

Evelyn stood. She was unmoving, just staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"Thank you...Lucia," she muttered. "And please call me if things let up."

[Yes boss]

The call ended.

She stood still for a long moment before approaching the sink and splashing her face with a palm full of water.

"Breathe."

She inhaled.

"Breathe Evelyn. You’ve been fighting your whole life. This is...this is nothing. Breathe."

She forced her eyes shut, throwing her head back to catch her breath that was starting to grow rapidly. "Breathe. This is nothing. This is nothing, Evelyn. This is nothing."

Her fingers flexed by her side and she randomly began to pace back and forth in the bathroom. She stopped, swallowed hard, and took a deep breath.

"It’s okay. I’m okay."

A smile curled on her lips.

Evelyn pulled the door open, stepped out, and made her way into the cafe room. At one of the chairs, Amber, whom she’d come to see, was waiting for her, gaze lowered to her phone.

She made sure that the smile she held was as genuine as possible, before approaching her. "Hi."

Amber lifted her head. "You were in there for a long while."

"Oh, I was talking to my assistant," Evelyn explained as she settled down. "The reporters aren’t relenting and it looks like going to work isn’t the best option right now."

"Are you okay?" Amber asked.

Evelyn furrowed her brows, a confused smile on her lips. "Of course I am. W-why wouldn’t I be?"

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