my boss wants to meet with you

Grace had expected Alpha Nelson Divine to clear the rumors. Surely, a man of his influence wouldn’t let such nonsense spiral out of control?

But life, as usual, had other plans.

Her face was everywhere. The photo was so clear that even if she tried to deny it, no one would believe her. The close-up captured every detail—her tangled hair, the blanket hastily draped around her shoulders, her bare skin peeking through. She was unmistakable.

“Wow, Grace. I never knew you were such a big shot.” Kiana’s voice carried both awe and teasing.

Grace ignored the comment, taking a steadying breath before sinking back into her chair. Her colleagues’ stares weighed heavy on her, their gazes filled with envy and curiosity.

She raised a trembling hand to her forehead, shielding her face. “Grace, are you okay? You’re shaking,” Kiana whispered, concern lacing her words.

Grace shook her head wordlessly and powered on her computer. As the screen loaded, her worst fears were confirmed. Every search engine screamed the same headlines:

“Divine Group Fiancée Revealed!”

“Who is Alpha Nelson Divine’s Mystery Woman?”

The articles were worse. Photos taken from misleading angles filled every page. Some made it look as though Alpha Nelson had been holding her, others as if they were kissing—when all she’d done was hide her face in humiliation.

Her pulse pounded in her ears as her fingers curled into fists. The media dared to do this? Did they think Alpha Nelson Divine would let it slide? But the worst part? She knew the Divine family would see this. They were bound to cause trouble, just like in those ridiculous movies.

Maybe they’d offer her hush money to disappear.

The corner of her mouth twitched bitterly as she stood. “Listen up,” she said, her voice calm but tight. “We’re all members of the media here. We know how rumors and headlines work. Most of these stories are exaggerated. Let’s not take it seriously and just focus on work.”

Before she could finish, Kiana clicked on a video link, and Victor’s voice echoed through the office.

“What would a man like Alpha Nelson Divine be doing in a four-star hotel like this? Do you take us for fools? If he’s who you say he is, he’d be dining in a world-class suite, not some dingy place like this.”

Grace froze. Her blood ran cold as Victor’s voice played on repeat. Her colleagues fawned over her, crowding closer, murmuring questions and comments:

“That’s so romantic! You couldn’t wait to see your fiancé, huh?”

“Grace, you’re really something. Why didn’t you tell us?”

Her glare shot toward Kiana, who simply shrugged, feigning innocence. Grace’s mind spun, her temples throbbing with the pressure. It was too much. The noise, the stares—the suffocating sensation of being scrutinized.

Without a word, she bolted from the office.

The cool breeze outside felt like a reprieve, washing over her like a balm. Grace closed her eyes and drew a shaky breath. For a moment, it was just her and the wind.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence.

Victor.

Her chest tightened at the sight of his name. That familiar ache clawed its way back, though she fought it down. Not today.

She let it ring out. Ten seconds later, the screen lit up again. Still him.

Her finger hovered over the “accept” button, trembling with indecision. When it rang a third time, she picked up without looking.

“What do you want, Victor?” Her voice cracked, raw and hoarse. “Haven’t you hurt me enough? Go date your precious Cindy Rodriguez and leave me alone!”

Silence.

Then a voice—calm, unfamiliar, and measured—spoke.

“Miss Valdez?”

Grace froze, eyes widening as she pulled the phone back and glanced at the caller ID. It was an unknown number. Embarrassment colored her cheeks as she quickly put the phone back to her ear.

“I’m sorry—who is this?”

“This is Alpha Nelson Divine’s personal assistant.”

Her stomach dropped. “Alpha Nelson’s… PA?”

“Yes, Miss Valdez. You heard correctly.”

Her heart thudded painfully against her ribcage as her mind raced. “I-I know I offended your boss,” she stammered. “Please tell him I’m sorry. I’ll do everything I can to stop these posts from spreading.”

“That won’t be necessary.” The PA’s tone remained professional. “I’m calling because Alpha Nelson wishes to see you.”

“See me?” Grace repeated dumbly.

“Yes. He’s requested that you meet him at La Crème Club.”

“What—”

The line went dead before she could finish.

The phone lowered slowly from her ear as she stared at it, still processing. Her heart raced as confusion and dread swirled in her mind.

Alpha Nelson Divine wanted to see her?