THE CURSED LUNA
Chapter 26

Author pov..

"Mrs. Emily, we have been informed that your company has withdrawn the proposal for expanding its operations to other firms. Could you please explain the reasoning behind this decision?" An elderly gentleman in his early sixties interjected, rising from his seat during the board meeting. Amira's eyes widened as she maintained her intense gaze on the floor.

"Mrs. Emily, are you with us?" Sheelah's sharp voice cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention to her.

Emily was jolted from her thoughts, finally registering Sheelah's loud tone. Meanwhile, Alpha Christian's mind raced with questions about her prolonged silence.

As she lifted her gaze to address the attendees, a chill ran down her spine. Forcing a smile, she furrowed her brows in concentration. "Alright, let's return to the matter at hand. I apologize for any confusion. Now, could you remind me of the last point you mentioned?"

The elderly gentleman cleared his throat, his eyes narrowing slightly as he repeated his question. "Yes, Mrs. Emily, you were about to explain the reasoning behind withdrawing the proposal for expanding operations to other firms. We were all quite surprised by this sudden change in strategy."

Emily's forced smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Ah, yes, of course. Well, you see... we've been reevaluating our priorities and resources, and we've come to realize that our current focus should be on consolidating our existing assets rather than expanding into new ventures."

Sheelah raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. "And this decision was made when, exactly? I don't recall seeing any discussion of this in the meeting notes or emails."

Emily hesitated, her eyes darting around the room before settling on Alpha Christian, who was watching her with an intense gaze. "It was... a recent development. A strategic decision made by the executive team."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Emily, awaiting further explanation. But she simply nodded, her expression unyielding, leaving the attendees to wonder what was really behind the sudden change in plans. Sheelah inquired with concern, "Emily, are you certain you are alright? You have been silently gesturing at the screen for quite some time now," as she noted the increasingly troubling nature of Emily's actions. Tris interjected, "Please, she requires some rest; however, as the company's owner, she feels compelled to ensure everything is organized before she leaves."

Emily's eyes fluttered, her gaze still fixed on the screen as if mesmerized by the data streaming across it. Sheelah's words barely registered, but Tris's gentle intervention seemed to stir her back to reality. With a faint nod, Emily leaned back in her chair, her shoulders sagging slightly.

"Y-yes, I'm fine," Emily stammered, her voice laced with a hint of uncertainty. "Just... a lot on my mind. You're right, Tris. I should take a break." She pushed her chair back, her movements slow and mechanical.

Alpha Christian stood up, his eyes never leaving Emily's face. "I'll walk you out, Mrs. Emily. Make sure you're okay." His tone was gentle, but his gaze betrayed a deeper concern.

As Emily rose from her seat, the room fell silent once more. The attendees exchanged worried glances, sensing that something was amiss. Sheelah's voice broke the silence, her words laced with empathy. "We can reconvene tomorrow, everyone. Let's give Mrs. Emily some time to... collect herself."

With Alpha Christian by her side, Emily shuffled towards the door, her eyes fixed on some unseen point ahead. The room erupted into a flurry of hushed conversations, speculation, and concern, as the true extent of Emily's struggles began to surface.

As soon as she exited the conference room, Sheelah hurried over to Arian, exclaiming, "Did you notice that? Alpha Christian is now expressing concern for that woman." She growled in frustration, pacing back and forth in the room.

At that moment, Tris approached them and said, "Hello, I share your anger regarding your alpha placing his hands on my woman's shoulder; that behavior is quite presumptuous."

Sheelah's eyes widened in surprise, her pacing halted as she turned to face Tris. "Your woman? You mean Emily? What's going on, Tris? I thought she was just your boss."

Tris's expression turned stern, his jaw clenched. "She's more than that, Sheelah. And I won't stand for Alpha Christian's overtures towards her. He's always been too smooth, too charming... it's unsettling."

Arian's eyes narrowed, his voice low and even. "I agree with Tris. Alpha Christian's behavior is suspicious. We need to keep an eye on him, and on Emily. Something's not right here."

Sheelah's gaze darted between the two men, her mind racing with the implications. "You think Alpha christian is into your stupid Emily?

Tris nodded, his eyes flashing with protectiveness. "I know he is. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

As the Tris continued their hushed conversation, the conference room door opened, and Alpha Christian stepped out, his eyes scanning the room with an unnerving intensity. His gaze locked onto the group, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Tris promptly inquired about Emily, not permitting Alpha Christian to approach any closer.

"Why can't you just leave him alone? What is it about your feelings for Emily that prevents you from allowing Alpha Christian to enter?" Sheelah exclaimed, her frustration evident as she shot a fierce look at Tris, who was already making his exit. "I'm not going to let him near her, Sheelah," Tris said over his shoulder, his voice firm and resolute. "You don't understand what's at play here. Alpha Christian has been disturbing Emily. Sheelah's eyes widened in exasperation. "What are you insinuating, Tris? That Alpha Christian has ulterior motives?

Tris halted in his tracks, turning to face Sheelah and Arian. "I'm saying that Alpha Christian's intentions are accepted. He has been calling Emily, Amira, which she is not comfortable with.

It is not your concern. Furthermore, I suspect that your so-called Emily is connected to Amira; she is merely putting on an act. What a pitiable girl. However, should I uncover the truth, she will not replace any peace. Sheelah issued a threat as she abruptly turned and exited.