LURGARD.

I was finally happy, because for the first time since Theresa returned into our lives, things between us had actually felt...smooth and natural.

She had spoken to me without glaring daggers at me every second, and even though she still acted stubborn, there was something different earlier in my office.

And the fact that we had almost kissed...I clicked my tongue instantly at the memory.

Damn that phone call.

If not for it, I would have definitely claimed those lips again.

A faint smile spread across my face unconsciously as I leaned back against my chair.

Wasn’t this a sign already?

The Moon Goddess herself must clearly be on my side, because Theresa responded to me, her body responded to me.

The way she trembled when I touched her earlier wasn’t fake, and I knew it, I had felt it.

I chuckled lightly under my breath, running my fingers through my hair slowly.

Maybe it was finally time. Maybe I should stop hiding things from her and just tell her the truth already.

Tell her we were mates, and I am sure she would instantly be delighted. There was no need to fear rejection anymore.

The thought alone sent satisfaction coursing through my veins.

I could openly claim her, and I would keep her beside me every single second and make everyone understand that Theresa belonged to me. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Especially my brothers.

My smile widened instantly as I imagined the look that would appear on their faces, especially Leonard’s face—he would definitely lose his mind from anger.

And Lawrence?

That fool would probably start another fight immediately.

But honestly, could they even blame me?

Not at all.

The Moon Goddess probably looked at the three of us and realized I was the best option for Theresa.

The only one capable of handling her properly.

The thought made me laugh softly again.

"I can share anything with my brothers..." I muttered quietly to myself before my expression darkened possessively. "...but not Theresa."

I inhaled deeply and finally pushed those thoughts aside before returning to the inner office.

The moment I sat down, I buried myself completely in work. There were too many things demanding my attention lately.

Company projects.

Pending meetings.

Bernard’s sudden appearance and most importantly—Theresa’s divorce.

That bastard Alex still refusing to let her go irritated me beyond words, but it didn’t matter, soon enough, everything would be settled.

I practically zoned out of my surroundings as I worked through document after document, signing papers and reviewing reports without pause.

Time blurred quickly.

Minutes became hours before I finally leaned back slightly and rubbed my temples tiredly.

Only then did I lift my gaze.

My brows furrowed instantly.

Theresa wasn’t in the office anymore, her desk was empty and even her bag was gone.

I blinked once, momentarily confused.

When exactly did she leave?

I clicked my tongue softly.

"She probably went back to Lawrence’s office," I muttered under my breath, irritation flickering briefly through me.

Honestly, I wished she could just remain with me permanently—no rotation, no switching offices, just mine alone.

’Soon she will.’ Lu’s deep voice echoed through the mind link instantly.

And immediately, my lips curved upward into a satisfied smile.

"Exactly," I said out loud, my mood brightening again almost instantly. "Soon."

I grabbed my bag from the table and stood up from the chair happily because soon enough, everything would fall into place.

I headed straight to Lawrence’s office immediately after leaving mine.

Theresa had to leave with us.

No matter how much she acted annoyed around us, I still wanted her close, especially after what happened earlier in my office.

The thought of her going home alone irritated me for some reason.

The moment I pushed the office door open, I realized Theresa wasn’t there.

Instead, Leonard was already inside with Lawrence, both of them packing up their things like they were preparing to leave for the day.

My brows furrowed instantly.

"Where is Theresa?" I asked curiously, glancing around the office again as though she might suddenly appear.

Lawrence looked up immediately.

"Isn’t she with you?" he replied, but I didn’t miss the edge hidden beneath his voice.

I almost clicked my tongue in irritation.

The jealousy radiating off him was painfully obvious.

And honestly, wasn’t he being ridiculous?

He was the one who had pinned Theresa inside the elevator and kissed her like a madman earlier.

I still hadn’t dealt with him properly for that stunt.

Yet here he was acting territorial again.

"She isn’t," I answered shortly before exhaling softly. "Let’s just wait a little longer. She would come back so we can all leave together."

Neither of them replied immediately.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Leonard remained unusually quiet, though the cold expression on his face said enough already.

Meanwhile, Lawrence looked restless, like he wanted to storm out and search the entire building for her.

I leaned against the desk slightly, trying to remain calm.

"She’s probably still arranging something," I muttered more to myself than to them.

Minutes dragged by slowly.

Five minutes.

Ten minutes.

Still no sign of Theresa.

My irritation slowly turned into unease.

Why wasn’t she back yet?

I finally brought out my Phone from my pocket and dialed her number.

The call rang.

And rang.

But she wasn’t answering.

I frowned deeply.

’Probably it’s on vibration,’ I thought to myself, trying not to overthink things.

But then Lawrence suddenly spoke.

"What if she’s already waiting at the parking lot?"

I blinked instantly.

Oh.

I hadn’t even thought about that possibility.

Without wasting another second, all three of us headed downstairs immediately. The moment we stepped into the parking lot, my footsteps slowed.

Then stopped completely.

My entire expression darkened instantly.

Theresa was standing there, but with him. That same irritating man from earlier.

Micheal.

The sight of them standing together again made anger surge violently inside me. I clenched my fists tightly by my side, trying hard to suppress the possessiveness clawing through my chest.

Leonard, who had barely spoken since we left the office, suddenly asked coldly,

"Who is that guy?"

But honestly, I was too distracted to answer him. Too distracted by the sight of Theresa standing comfortably beside another man. Too distracted by the way Micheal seemed relaxed around her.

My jaw tightened painfully.

Without thinking further, my fingers moved quickly across my phone screen as I dialed Theresa’s number again.

Her phone started ringing instantly, and then she ignored the call, not only that...she turned off her phone completely.

My chest tightened instantly.

Pain mixed with anger so quickly it almost left me breathless.

Wasn’t she finally becoming comfortable with me?

Hadn’t we gotten closer today?

Then why was she ignoring me?

Why was she choosing another man’s company over mine?

The emotions boiling inside me snapped violently and before I could stop myself, my voice rang loudly across the parking lot.

"Why aren’t you picking my calls?"