Mated by Contract to the Alpha
Chapter 195
“What kind of concerns?” I asked, my tone mild despite the flare of irritation I felt. I already knew the answer, could smell the evasion in
his scent
“They’re concerned about… he hesitated, searching for diplomatic phrasing, “potential Instability in leadership and direction”
I allowed one eyebrow to rise slightly. “Has Sterling Group given any indication of Instability? Our last quarterly report sheed growth across all divisions.”
“Ronald Collins has been in contact with several menshers of our board,” be admitted, “He’s suggesting that your personal decisions are affecting business judgment and that Sterling Group is facing Internal challenges that could impart partnerships.”
I let a slow smile spread across my face – not warm, but calculating. “And the board sent you to determine if these rumors have merit.”
“Yes,” Blake confirmed, looking slightly more comfortable now that we were speaking plainly. They’re particularly concerned about the sudden termination of the Collins partnership and… your changed personal circumstances.”
“My changed personal circumstances, I repeated, the words precise and cool. “You mean my broken engagement to Elizabeth Collins and my relationship with my true mate.”
Blake’s eyes widened slightly at my directness. “Yes,” he
be admitted.
I reached for my tablet, unlocking it with a swift gesture and pulling up Sterling Group’s financial display to the room’s main screen, where a series of upward–trending graphs appeared.
data.
With a few taps, I transferred the
“These are our performance metrics since I terminated the Collins partnership,” I explained, standing to approach the screen. “Revenue up 12%. Efficiency improved by 95%. New contracts Increased by 15%,”
I turned to face Blake, my posture relaxed but commanding. “My personal decisions, as you put it, have been beneficial for Sterling Group. The Collins partnership was draining resources for minimal return.”
Blake studied the numbers, his professional interest temporarily overcoming his discomfort. These figures are impressive, but the board is more concerned about potential PR risks. There have been implications of… unconventional personal entanglements.”
My patience thinned. “Let me be direct, Blake. Ronald Collins is spreading misinformation because I broke off an engagement with his daughter. It was an arrangement I never wanted, and one that became impossible when I found my true mate.” I leaned forward, making sure I had his full attention. “In werewolf terms, that’s like questioning why someone would choose their soulmate over a business arrangement.”
Blake, himself a werewolf from a respected American pack, had the grace to look embarrassed. “I understand the mate bond is sacred, Mr. Sterling. But the Nakamura board includes human members who view this more….. pragmatically,”
“And what would reassure your board?” 1 asked, already formulating several potential solutions in my mind.
Blake hesitated before answering, his discomfort returning. “They’re considering withdrawing their capital from our joint venture until things… stabilize.”
“That would be a significant mistake,” I said calmly, though my wolf was growling at this threat to territory. I walked back to my seat, movements deliberate and controlled. “Instead, what if Sterling Group offered to pay the full annual contract amount upfront? It would demonstrate our financial security and commitment to the partnership.”
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Chapter 195
Blake’s eyes widened, genuine surprise breaking through his professional mask. The proposal would mean millions transferred immediately, a show of both wealth and confidence that few companies could match. “That would certainly make an impression.”
I didn’t hesitate, projecting absolute certainty. “I’ll have the paperwork drawn up today. And I’d like to schedule a video conference with your board next week to address any lingering concerns personally.”
The transformation in Blake’s demeanor was Immediate and striking. The tension in his shoulders released, his scent shifting from anxiety to relief. He leaned back in his chair, the first gentine salle of the meeting crossing his face.
“I think that would resolve the situation effectively,” he said, his voice stronger now that he could see a clear path forward. “I have to say, Mr. Sterling, I didn’t expect such a straightforward solution.”
“I prefer efficiency, I replied simply. “Why waste time with corporate posturing when a direct approach solves the problem?”
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