Selling Myself To The Alpha
Chapter 33

Axel

POV

With irritation, I throw the document and it flies through the air and crashes against the wall. I cannot believe this.

My father has always been strict and ruthless, but I did not expect this. He got his attorney and drew up a martial contract for me and Angela. And she has already signed it!

I thought he was joking when he handed me the document when I got into the car this morning. Until I start reading it. I was so dumbstruck that I hardly registered when Liana climbed into the car.

Now I cannot help but wonder if that was the reason why she got out of the car. Was it really because she does not want other people to ask questions or was she mad at me?

I need to talk to her. I still cannot explain to her why I was upset but I can at least apologize for being so cold.

"Where's Liana?" I ask as I look at her empty desk.

"She went downstairs," Juliana replies. "I think her mother's here."

"Thanks," I nod and walk to the elevators.

If Liana's mother came all the way here to see her, there must be something wrong. And I hope it is not her father. After seeing her drawings about her dad, there is no doubt in my mind how much she loves and cares for him. I know it is none of my business, and she would most likely be angry at me for trying to help, but I care about her happiness.

I see Liana and her mother talking in a corner and I frown when I notice the tension in her shoulders. I know that body language all too well. Liana is angry. Something is definitely wrong.

I walk closer but stop dead in my tracks when I hear her mother's words.

"Can't you ask for an advance?"

Nope, I turn around and walk away. I do not mind getting involved, but Liana would not want me to hear this. I know that she helps her family financially and I also know that she does not want to discuss it with me.

If I get involved now, it will embarrass Liana. I will wait until she discusses it with me.

Liana POV

I am beyond relieved when it is lunchtime. It took everything from me to concentrate on my training. I just could not shake my anger and anxiety.

I know my mother; she does not give up easily. And years of experience have taught me that she will continue pressuring me until I give in. I might think I have won this round, but I did not win the battle. I know the only reason she went home, is because she does not want me to lose this job. She wants me to do well and exceed because it means more money for her.

And I must constantly fight my guilt for not giving more. I will have extra money because I am not paying rent at the moment. But what happens when my agreement with Axel expires? I will have to move out and replace a place of my own. Not to mention that this job is only temporary. If I give Mother more now, she will expect it every month. She will see my reasons as excuses, and I just do not have the energy left in me to argue with her about it.

My greatest fear is that she will continue coming to Silver Enterprises. Once she realizes that, she will deliberately come. She knows I will give up and pay just to keep her away from here.

I really need to grow a backbone and tell her no. Honestly, there is nothing she can do to me if I refuse to give more money. But as I think these words, my throat pulls close and my heart rate increase as anxiety builds. I pinch my eyes close and push the thoughts aside until I can breathe again.

I take my handbag and greet Juliana before I walk to the restaurant where I am meeting Nina. She is the one person I can unload on without judgement. Nina has seen my mother in action countless times. "Well, look at you," Nina smiles as I take a seat across from her. "You look great."

"Thank you," my smile is genuine for the first time today. "Carol helped me put together a corporate wardrobe."

"So, how's your first day so far?" Nina asks curiously as the waiter comes closer to take our order.

"Complicated," I sigh heavily after the waiter leaves and tell her about Mother's visit.

"You should inform security to deny her access," Nina advises me.

"I can't do this any longer, Nina," I complain. "It doesn't matter how hard I try or how much I give, it's never good enough."

"You have two choices," Nina stops talking while the waiter serves our food. "One, you keep on giving and accept the situation for what it is. Or two, stop giving them money."

"What about my father, Nina?" I ask desperately. "He's old and sick. I cannot bring him to live with me. Not until I am on my feet. I cannot do it to him. And just thinking of cutting them off, ignites a panic attack."

"I didn't say stop helping them," Nina smiles wickedly. "I said to stop giving them money. Buy groceries and let them be delivered. Pay the utility bills directly. That sort of thing."

"My mother's going to hate that," I roll my eyes. "But you're right, I must draw the line at some point."

"Pissing your mother off is a bonus," Nina snorts.

"I know, but she is still my mother," I sigh.

"And that's why you're still helping," Nina nods. "But your mother and Leon have taken advantage of you long enough. And they will continue to do so as long as you allow it." "Let's change the subject," I smile weakly. Nina's ideas make perfect sense but my stomach dives just thinking about it. "How are you doing?"

"I couldn't be better," she sighs delighted. "Wilson is planning a romantic getaway for us. I cannot wait to see where he's taking me."

"That's nice," I smile but I cannot look her in the eyes. I was going to tell her about Wilson today, but it seems unfair to do it now after I unloaded my problems on her.

"Why don't you like Wilson?" Nina's direct question catches me off guard and I quickly take a sip of my water to think of an answer.

"I never said that," I must pick my words carefully. "I saw him for what? Two hours? It's not enough time for me to have an opinion."

"Liana cut the crap," Nina huffs. "I can tell you don't like him. I know you, remember?"

"Fine," I scoff as I sit back. "He's a cheater. I didn't know when or how to tell you and ..."

"I can't believe this," Nina hisses and her eyes are blazing. "He warned me, and I took your side."

"Warned you about what?" I frown. "What are you talking about?"

"Wilson told me, okay?" She whispers as she leans forward. "I can't believe you."

"Will you just tell me what you're talking about?" I ask flabbergasted.

"Fine," she huffs. "Play dumb. He told me you made a move on him, and he rejected you."

"That's insane!" I shout before I could stop myself. People stare at us, and I lean forward. "It's a lie."

"That's what I said," Nina seems on the verge of tears. "You're my friend, you would never do such a thing, but now ..."

"No," I cut her off sharply and take out my phone. That son of a bitch! He got to her first and planted a devious seed. Now I am looking like the guilty party.

"I can prove it," I say as I send Stacey's number to Nina. "I caught Wilson talking to a woman, calling her babe and other sweet nothings. He said it's his girlfriend, Stacey, and he's leaving her for you on the sixteenth. That's her number." "Okay," Nina grimaces as she takes her phone and dials the number.

"Hello, Stacey?" Nina looks directly at me. "My apologies, wrong number."

"That, my dear friend, was Wendy's," she glares angrily at me. "Like the restaurant Wendy's. Would you like fries with that?"

"That deceitful dick," I grunt as I close my eyes for a moment.

"I can't believe this," Nina looks at me with hurt in her eyes. "Whatever is going on between you and Wilson, should come to an end. Without these preposterous stories. Because just as I know you wouldn't make a move on him, I know he wouldn't cheat on me." "Fine," I look at Nina. "I'm not going to fight about this here. I told you the truth about Wilson, my conscience is clean. Whether you believe me or not, is up to you. We have been best friends for years and I never lied to you before, and I sure as hell never made a move on any of your boyfriends. What would I possibly have to gain to start now?"

I take money from my purse and place it on the table as I stand up.

"I love you, Nina," I say sadly. "You're my best friend in this world and I wish I was lying about Wilson, but I'm not. When- and not if - Wilson shows his true colours, I'll be there for you."

I smile softly at her before I walk back to the office.

Can this day get any worse? I can kick myself for not checking the number Wilson gave me. He is a conniving prick; I will give him that much. Not only did he fool me with the number and sob story. He also got ahead of me, making me the evil one. With a heavy sigh, I put my purse away and take my seat behind the desk.