99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 79

“Perfect. Since Ms. Reese is so devoted to her craft, Moonves just landed its first order from me-a full furniture overhaul!” Liam announced with a theatrical flourish, “But I set the terms!”

Merlin’s cheek spasmed like he’d been electrocuted.

“Of course! Alpha Sterling, you honour Moonves beyond measure. Name your terms.”

Liam’s finger stabbed toward me, “Simple. I want Claire to handle every detail personally. She is also expected to be at my beck and call, fulfilling every single demand I make.”

“You are disgusting!” Fury exploded behind my eyes, “I’m a designer, not your damn call girl! Take your filthy mind out of the gutter!”

“Name your price, Claire. As you know, money is irrelevant to the Sterlings. Sign now, and I’ll transfer the deposit immediately.” Liam tilted his chin up.

My fingers twitched toward my teacup.

One good throw would wipe that smirk off his smug face.

Then, inspiration struck.

I had arrived at Moonves empty-handed, desperate for a win on my own terms. And what just landed in my lap, practically begging for my attention? This naive cash cow has willfully wandered straight into my slaughterhouse.

This kind of opportunity wouldn’t knock twice.

“Interesting. Which property needs redecorating, Alpha Sterling? Send the address-I’ll inspect it personally before quoting.” A quote I planned to gouge him on.

“I think you may be familiar with the address. It is a newly acquired property of mine. The luxury complex is called Pinecrest Villas. Building 8. Unit 1314.” His eyes gleamed like a fox spotting prey.

“Are you f*****g kidding me-!” I launched upright, finger quivering at him, “Liam! You are truly disgusting- buy the unit directly above mine?!”

Pincrest Villas were two-story condos, only two units per building. I was in unit A of Building Eight, while Lucien was in unit A of Building Nine. Each unit had a large balcony on the second level, accessible from the master bedroom in the three-bedroom units. For the mainfloor units, there was also a small, individually fenced-in section of the backyard, where Lucien had his bathing rituals. I took the normal route and planted flowers, and a patio set to enjoy the nightly relaxation.

Now, Liam has managed to muscle his way into taking over Unit B of my building. He would now be able to keep closer tabs on my comings and goings. This was next-level stalker s**t!

Right on cue, he purred the line he’d practiced in the mirror. “Naturally, Claire. An Alpha is always watching his mate from above. And from now on, I own the very air you breathe when you’re home.”

My knuckles whitened around the teacup, trembling with the effort not to redecorate his forehead with porcelain shards.

But the moment I recalled his words, I forced myself to cool off.

You need power to beat power, and I needed money for that.

“To be honest, Alpha Sterling, I doubt you can afford my rates.” Suppressing my fury, I forced a frosty smile.

“There is no price I can’t pay, so long as you’re willing to work with me.”

A smirk playing on my lips, I slapped the contract template on the table.

“Fine! Since you’re so eager, let’s make it official with a signed agreement and deposit.”

“You haven’t even surveyed the site or set a final price. How can I sign without details?” His eyes flashed with wariness.

“No survey needed,” I said smoothly. “Being directly above my unit, the floor plan’s identical. The only difference is that I have a yard and one balcony, whereas you have no yard and two balconies. That doesn’t affect the layout for the design. Sign today if you trust me, or lose your slot.”

Merlin, who’d initially squirmed awkwardly, now observed our clash of wills with detached amusement, an onlooker enjoying our sparring while reaping the financial benefits.

“Alpha Sterling, Ms. Reese’s schedule is packed. Delay today, and the earliest opening might be next month…” Seizing the moment, he fanned the flames.

I could see Liam’s mind racing. “The design doesn’t matter to me, just as long as it is Claire taking the job.”

Of course, it didn’t matter to him. What he craved was access back into my life, an official reason to stay close to me at all times. Once contracted, he would naturally exploit the proximity. I also knew that he thought I would forgive him if we spent enough time together.

As for money? This was merely a means to an end for Liam. He would willingly pay if he thought it meant he could cheat a win.

“Deal!” Liam snapped.

My eyebrows arched triumphantly as I pointed to the signature line. The pleasure is mine, Liam Sterling, I thought with a wicked smile.

Liam quickly scribbled his signature without glancing at the fine print.

Seeing “Liam Sterling” inked on the dotted line and the deposit alert popping up on my phone, I grinned from ear to ear.

Merlin eagerly clasped Liam’s hand. “Moonves’ doors are always open, Alpha Sterling! You must join me tonight, my treat at that new private kitchen. The food’s incredible!”

This was exactly what Liam wanted.

Skipping formalities, he nodded. “I could eat. But-” He fixed his eyes on me. “Claire comes too.”

“Liam, I’m not your personal escort service-” I bristled.

“Now, Claire,” Merlin cut in with practiced ease, “Everyone’s got to eat! Come try this new place with us. Do me this favour? We will even get you a change of clothing delivered before we go.”

With my boss’s prompting, I swallowed my retort and nodded.

The ink was barely dry on our contract, and Merlin’s personal assistant was bringing me clothing to change into, when we set off for Merlin’s raved-about “hidden gem” of a private restaurant.

Merlin had reserved a private room.

Seizing the moment, Liam flipped open the menu, oozing fake consideration. “Claire, I remember you loved steamed river delicacies. Shall we order it for you?”

I didn’t look up. Impressive memory.

“Liam Sterling. Too bad that was several years ago. I’m now allergic to river fish; even a bite gives me hives. Severe cases cause breathing difficulties. I imagine that would be something a devoted mate would have taken notice of, don’t you?”

Liam’s smile froze, his ordering hand suspended mid-gesture.

Merlin hastily threw Liam a lifeline and pointed things out on the menu for Liam to try again. “Ladies usually prefer light fare. How about this one?”

Liam grabbed the olive branch. “Mushrooms are excellent, healthy, and wholesome. Let’s add ‘Salade Niçoise’ too! Claire will love it.”

I finally lifted my gaze, my lips curling in a sardonic smile. “How… considerate. Except for the fact that I don’t eat peas either. I would always push them to the side whenever they were on my plates during our meals together, Liam.”

Liam was speechless.

His carefully constructed “devoted mate” persona was being flayed layer by layer.

To make matters worse, Merlin kept “mediating” with verbal daggers. “Alpha Sterling, seems you’re not quite familiar with your mate’s tastes. No need to go out of your way, let’s just allow Claire to order whichever dish she prefers on her own.”

“You choose then. You always knew my preferences best-what I liked, what I didn’t.” After repeated rejections, Liam’s patience wore thin. He pushed the menu across to me with strained magnanimity, “Need I remind you, Claire? I am now your company’s biggest client. It should be you trying to please me now.”

“Truthfully, Liam, I wouldn’t presume to know your tastes now. I once thought you preferred milder flavours.”

I set my phone down, my fingers tracing the menu items. Yet my gaze clouded with feigned confusion.

“But clearly, your palate favours… bolder experiences these days. One might even suggest that it is chaotic and messy. Should I call Breanne to know what you would prefer instead?”