All Chapters of Rejected by my ex, claimed by the CEO: Chapter 31 - Chapter 36

A chill ran down my spine as I read the words. The casualness of the café around us faded into an echo, and all I could focus on was the name that had been a ghost in my life for far too long. I didn’t want Gino to see my reaction, so I took a breath and tried to manage the confusion swirling within me. “Harriet? You okay?” Gino’s voice was laced with concern again, pulling me back to reality. I could see the shadow of worry crossing his features as he sensed my shift. “Yeah, just... a message from a friend,” I stammered, turning my phone facedown on the counter. I couldn’t bring myself to explain. The last thing I wanted was for him to question me, to sense any thought of Damon’s lingering effect on my life. I desperately wanted to keep this moment between us—a fresh beginning unmarred by the past. Gino frowned slightly but ultimately shrugged it off. “Alright, if you say so. But you know I’m here if you need to talk about anything.” I nodded by instinct, thankful for his g

Harriet The air was crisp outside the café, a sharp contrast to the cozy warmth we had just left behind. Gino and I strolled down the bustling street, and I watched as people rushed by, lost in their own lives, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing within me. Gino’s laughter was infectious, echoing in my ears as he recounted a funny mishap from the office. I wanted to engage fully, to soak in the joy of this moment with him, yet the shadow of Damon loomed larger with every step we took. My mind raced, an endless loop of worst-case scenarios taunting me. "What’s next on the agenda?" Gino asked, pulling me back to earth as we stopped at a crosswalk. The flashing red hand signaled for us to wait, and I could feel my heart pounding, not from excitement but from a sense of impending dread. “Um, maybe we should schedule a brainstorming session with the rest of the team?” I suggested, forcing myself to focus. “We could really benefit from some diverse perspectives.” Gino nodded

Damon piv Lucas shifted awkwardly beside me as I turned to face the newcomer. The man stood with a commanding presence, his arms crossed and a glint of authority in his eyes. A wave of tension surged through the air, thick enough to slice. “I'm Gino,” he said, his tone calm and condescending. “And I suggest you let her go. You have no business making claims on something you so casually tossed aside.” “What would you know?” I growled as Lucas stood between me and this guy with whom Harriet seemed to be smitten. Harriet snuggled into the man and smiled up at him, she looked so happy. I saw the way that her eyes twinkled when she looked at him but at me she looked empty. “I am happy with my life now. There is nothing for you here.” Her words stung me. I hated to see her so at ease with someone else that should be me. I felt my Wolf become restless but knew this was not the place to let him take over. Beta Lucas was determined to prevent anything from happening. He