chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

SHANE

Shane was in her office, organizing the last visit of a client when Rocco, her boss, entered. With a smile that revealed his intentions, he approached her desk. He had a folder in hand, and his expression was one of contained excitement.

-"Shane! I have great news," -Rocco said, leaning against the door frame.

-"What's up?" -she asked, unable to avoid feeling a slight nervousness in her stomach. She knew that any news from her boss could lead to an increased workload, and she hadn't had an easy day.

-"Mr. Liam Thomas has requested a renovation in one of his offices, and he wants you to be in charge of the project."

Shane was left paralyzed, mouth agape in shock. Did Liam want her to handle the renovation of his office? The idea that he requested her help filled her mind with confusing thoughts. This was just one of his many excuses to keep her close. Rocco didn't know about her relationship with Liam; no one in the office knew she was living with one of her clients.

Still reeling from the revelation, Shane debated whether to call him, insult him, or simply go directly to Liam's company. Her mind raced in a thousand directions as she tried to find the words to refuse Rocco, but none came to her mind.

-"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" -Rocco asked, seeing that she wasn't responding.

-"No, it's fine..." -she finally answered, although she felt completely disoriented inside.

Rocco bid her farewell, leaving her alone with her thoughts. A feeling of determination began to grow within her. She knew that Liam was playing with her job, using this situation to keep her closer to him. The night before, after their passionate encounter in the jacuzzi, Shane could sense that Liam continued to hide something from her, and that something had to do with the pack. It frustrated her that he was keeping her out, as if she didn't belong to the pack.

She decided that she would not let that continue to happen. Resolute to take control of the situation, she gathered her things and left the office, greeting Vicky as she passed through reception.

As she walked toward the exit, she thought about how she would act. When she arrived at Liam's company, the security personnel let her pass without requiring her to register. She took the elevator to the top floor of the tower, nodded to the receptionists, and headed straight to Liam's office.

-"Hi!" -one of the receptionists tried to say, but Shane ignored her. She wasn't in the mood for small talk.

One of them tried to stop her, claiming that Liam was in a meeting, but Shane didn't stop. She was more than determined to go in there.

If Liam was messing with her job, she would do the same with his. As much as she loved him, Liam couldn't keep making excuses to have her close. So, without further ado, she burst into the office.

The scene that presented itself before her left her paralyzed: next to Liam was Ana, Liam's ex, leaning over the table, pointing at some plans on the desk. They both looked up, and Liam appeared surprised to see her. But the satisfied expression on the blonde's face made Shane's insides churn.

Not allowing herself to be intimidated, she took a deep breath and stepped further into the office, spotting Gigit sitting on a corner sofa. Still, the sight of Ana provoked a torrent of jealousy that she could barely contain.

-"Hello, Liam." -she said, trying to sound firm and professional despite the confusion swirling in her mind.

Liam smiled, but she didn't notice it, consumed by the awkwardness of the situation.

-"Hello, Shane. We were just..."

-"Talking about the office renovation, right?" -she interrupted, the irritation in her tone sharper than she intended. Why was he calling her by the full name of "Shanelle"? That was even worse than being there with Ana, but annoyed, she cut him off.

Ana looked at her with a sly smile, and that only heightened her annoyance.

-"Yes, dear, about 'my' new office." -Ana said, emphasizing 'my' to make it clear that the office Shane was going to renovate belonged to Ana. Was Liam serious? A snap came from behind her, and she knew it was Gigit.

-"I can take care of the project," -Shane added, turning to Liam, while the air thickened between them.

No, she wouldn't let this woman take Liam away from her. If she were going to be in that office, it would be as the interior designer he hired, not as a rival.

The tense atmosphere in the office weighed heavily on her, but she decided not to back down. Her heart raced with determination to defend what was hers.

Shane stood firm, looking directly at Liam. Despite her initial surprise and the jealousy that Ana's presence stirred in her, she was resolved not to be intimidated. Liam was hers, and no one was going to take him away from her. Even if he was being an idiot.

-"Rocco told me that you requested for me to be in charge of the renovation for Ana's office," -she said bluntly.

Liam looked uncomfortable, as if he didn't know how to handle the situation. Shane knew he didn't want her to learn about the issues he was facing with the pack and having Ana there might jeopardize that, but at that moment, she didn't care.

-"I love hearing that." -Liam smiled at her, but she was so upset that she didn't return the smile, and he frowned.

-"However, my colleague Sara is much better than me in this area, as it is her specialty."

Ana observed the scene with a mocking smile, clearly enjoying the tension between them. Shane clenched her fists, holding back the urge to lash out at her.

-"Ana, we're done here. I'll call you when everything is ready."

-"Bu-but?" -Liam didn't take his piercing blue eyes off Shane.

-"Leave. Now." -Annoyed, Ana grabbed her purse and stormed out of the office.