Page 33 of Her Alien Owner

"Valen, are you out of your goddamn mind?" The investor’s voice crackles through the holo-screen, his image flickering slightly. "You let a competing operation snatch up land right next to your mine?"

I lean back in my chair, the muscles in my jaw tightening. "This is news to me, Mason. That land is legally protected, or else it would've been mine ages ago. Some rare bird species nests there. Details?"

Mason’s face reddens with anger. "Details? The whole market's buzzing with it! You’ve got investors doubting your abilities, questioning your leadership. You think you can afford that kind of hit?"

A cold fire burns in my chest. "Who bought the land?"

"Some shadow corporation linked to Axton Mining. They’re setting up shop right under your nose." Mason's eyes narrow, frustration clear.

I cut the call short, severing the connection with a swipe of my hand. The room falls silent, the hum of distant machinery barely noticeable through the thick walls of my estate.

Turning to my console, I punch in a series of commands. The name "Axton Mining" flashes on the screen alongside datastreams and reports. My eyes scan the information, piecing together how this happened.

My secretary enters quietly, sensing my mood. "Sir, there’s more," she says, holding out a tablet. "It appears Councilor Thornhill signed off on the sale using some sort of legal loophole."

I grab the tablet, eyes narrowing at Thornhill’s name. Of course it’s him—a man with a personal vendetta against me ever since I refused his bribery attempts years ago.

"A loophole," I mutter under my breath. "Bastard knew exactly what he was doing."

She nods, her expression tense. "Yes, sir. The land was previously protected under mining restrictions due to environmental concerns, but Thornhill bypassed that. He used a wartime-granted power that was never phased out."

My grip tightens on the tablet until my knuckles whiten. "Contact legal immediately. I want every inch of that transaction scrutinized."

"Already on it," she says before leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I pace the room, each step measured and deliberate. The consequences of this dirty deal ripple through my mind—a direct threat to my business and everything I’ve built.

"Thornhill," I growl to myself, fists clenching at my sides. This isn’t just about business anymore; it's personal.

Leaving my office, I feel Thornhill’s betrayal settling heavily on my shoulders. The corridors of the estate seem longer today, the usual elegance of the decor doing little to soothe my anger. My footsteps echo off the polished floors as I make my way to the dining hall for lunch, each step a reminder of the brewing storm in my mind.

"Good afternoon, Valen," Ariana’s voice is warm, like sunlight cutting through a dark cloud.

I glance at her briefly, offering only a curt nod. "Afternoon." My voice is clipped, barely masking my frustration. I don’t stop walking.

Her face falls slightly, but she quickly masks it with a smile. "I was just about to?—"

"Not now," I cut her off, eyes fixed ahead. "Later."

Her footsteps falter as she watches me pass by. There’s a fleeting look of hurt in her eyes, one that I catch out of the corner of mine but choose to ignore.

Entering the dining hall, I head straight for the far end where lunch has been laid out by the staff. The aroma of freshly baked bread and spiced meats fills the air, but it does little to alleviate my mood.

Grabbing a plate, I pile on some food mechanically. My mind races with thoughts of legal battles and strategic moves against Axton Mining. The meal before me might as well be sawdust for all the attention I pay it.

"Valen," Ariana's voice reaches me again, softer this time.

I turn to find her standing a few feet away, a tentative look on her face. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to check if you’re alright," she says, taking a small step forward.

"I’m fine," I reply brusquely. "Just... busy."

She bites her lip, nodding slowly. "Okay. If you need anything..."

I give her a stiff nod before turning back to my food. Her presence lingers for a moment before she quietly leaves the room.

Sitting down at the long dining table, I dig into my meal with little enthusiasm. The flavors are lost on me as I replay Mason’s words in my head. Doubting your abilities... questioning your leadership...