Chapter 123 Kieran Frost
Sophia's POV
I stared at him wide-eyed, his gaze so serious it made my heart skip a beat.
Today was Fabian's succession ceremony. He'd orchestrated everything to make me willingly wear that brooch, and now he was deliberately keeping me by his side.
What was he trying to do?!
My heart pounded wildly, adrenaline surging through my veins.
"Fabian, don't be childish. After today, you'll be the chairman of Ellis Corporation."
I reminded him to consider the occasion and remember his position.
But he raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes: "You're right. As the leader of the corporation, I can do pretty much anything I want."
He paused, his fingers gently lifting my chin. "So don't resist any of my arrangements, Sophia."
He was threatening me, yet his words carried an undertone of possessiveness that was so intimate it made me blush.
I pulled away from his hand, lowering my head and rubbing my sweaty palms together. The clammy sensation reminded me how nervous I was.
Fabian seemed satisfied with my reaction. He unhurriedly adjusted his tie and walked into the hall.
I bit my lip and reluctantly followed him.
The succession ceremony was held in the executive conference room. Present were not only Ellis Corporation's senior management but also representatives from various wolf packs.
Fabian first summarized the corporation's achievements over the past year, then announced Ellis Corporation's plans for the coming year.
His voice was steady and powerful, every word carefully measured, displaying perfect control.
Throughout, he insisted I stand beside him.
Many eyes from the audience drifted toward me, two gazes particularly intense: those of Mrs. Ellis and Jessica.
I could feel Jessica's jealousy almost burning through my skin, while Mrs. Ellis's gaze was cold as ice.
I finally realized what Fabian was doing today—he was asserting sovereignty.
After the ceremony, Fabian had to go to the lounge for an exclusive interview with reporters.
I complained quietly: "Fabian, I'd like to rest alone for a bit."
"Your performance today was very satisfactory," Fabian said, looking down at me with an intimate smile.
I knew that after today, my photo would appear in headlines across major domestic media outlets.
Fabian had achieved his goal.
He hadn't yielded to Mrs. Ellis. The person standing beside him was me, not Jessica.
Fabian instructed me: "Wait here for me. I'll be back soon. Theo's arranged a party for tonight, you're coming with me."
I breathed a sigh of relief and sat down in a chair. After the crowd dispersed, I was the only one left in the massive conference room.
A few minutes later, someone knocked twice on the conference room door.
"Miss?"
I stood up and turned around to see a tall, handsome alpha walking toward me.
His pace was unhurried, and he exuded the distinctive aura of a mature alpha that commanded attention.
"Sir? Are you looking for Fabian? He left for something." I explained politely.
"Oh no, I'm just looking for a laptop I left in the conference room." His voice was deep and warm.
I instinctively looked around, but the conference tables were clean—no laptop in sight.
"I'm sorry, sir, your laptop doesn't seem to be in the conference room. Perhaps I could call security for you?"
I frowned slightly, showing a hint of concern. Maybe in the earlier chaos with so many people, someone had taken the wrong laptop.
Today was Fabian's succession ceremony, I didn't want any problems to arise.
But the alpha in front of me didn't seem to be annoyed.
Since entering the conference room, he'd been very gentlemanly, his manner impeccable.
"Would you? That would be most helpful." He inclined his head slightly, his attitude humble.
I called security and briefly explained the situation.
He waited quietly beside me, maintaining an appropriate distance.
I could feel his gaze resting on me, but it wasn't invasive like some alphas.
After I hung up, he asked earnestly: "Perhaps you could tell me your name, lovely miss?"
"Of course." Under his gaze, my face flushed slightly.
I extended my hand: "Sophia Blake."
He clasped my hand, his palm warm and firm but with carefully controlled strength: "I'm Kieran Frost."
My eyes widened slightly, and my fingers trembled involuntarily.
Kieran Frost. I'd seen that name on the guest list, he was actually the alpha of the Frost Pack.
Noticing my surprise, Kieran's face showed a hint of amusement: "What's wrong, Miss Sophia?"
"Oh, nothing. I just didn't expect the alpha of the Frost Pack to be so young." I quickly explained, withdrawing my hand.
Kieran looked slightly more mature than Fabian, his every gesture exuding composure, but I'd bet he wasn't over twenty-five.
"So you previously thought I should be an old man?"
Kieran raised an eyebrow, his teasing tone carrying a lazy magnetism.
My face grew even hotter. I wished I could take back those words.
"No, Mr. Frost, I didn't mean that."
He looked at me, his eyes holding a hint of playfulness and ambiguity that made me even more flustered.
Just then, the security guard searching for the laptop knocked and entered.
My nervous emotions eased somewhat.
"Sir, is this your laptop?"
The guard respectfully handed a black laptop to Kieran for confirmation. Kieran opened it, his fingers tapping lightly on the keyboard as he checked.
"Yes, that's right." He closed the laptop and nodded to the guard.
I breathed a sigh of relief. At least nothing had gone wrong.
"Thank you for your help."
Kieran turned to me, his gaze lingering on my face. "Of course, I should also thank you, Miss Sophia. Perhaps you'd be free to have dinner with me tonight?"
Oh my god, was Kieran asking me on a date?
No, maybe I was misunderstanding. He might just be expressing his gratitude.
But his gaze was so intense it made me feel breathless. My heartbeat accelerated again, my cheeks burning.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Frost," I said awkwardly, unconsciously twisting my fingers. "Tonight is Fabian's celebration party. I have to attend."a
"Is that so? That's rather pity." He frowned slightly, disappointment flashing in his eyes, but he quickly recovered.
"Miss Sophia."
"Yes?" I looked up.
"Forgive me, I can't help but ask you a presumptuous question."
"Are you and Mr. Fabian in a romantic relationship?"
He looked at me earnestly, his eyes hiding some complex emotion.
My mouth fell open, my brain freezing for a moment. I couldn't speak at all.