Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 169

**Chapter 169: All Eyes on Him**

In the sleek confines of the glass-walled conference room, the ticking clock seemed to count down not just moments, but the very heartbeat of anxiety that enveloped Maggie. Zelena’s absence had stretched into an uncomfortable silence, and with each passing second, Maggie’s unease swelled like a tide ready to crash.

“Deanna,” Maggie said, urgency threading through her voice, “the presentation is about to start, and Zelena is still missing. I can’t just sit here any longer. I’m going to look for her.”

Just as the words slipped from her lips, the door swung open, and there stood Zelena, her face a ghostly shade of pale, as if she had walked straight out of a nightmare.

Deanna’s brow furrowed with concern as she took in Zelena’s disheveled appearance. “Zelena, are you okay? You don’t look well at all.”

Zelena sank into her chair, her body heavy with dread, as she fought to gather her scattered thoughts. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribcage like a caged animal desperate to escape. Clenching her fists tightly, she sought to contain the dread that gnawed at her insides, as if sheer willpower could push it away.

Felix’s chilling words echoed in her mind, each syllable a reminder of the threat that loomed over her. He was a man who wielded his words like weapons, and the horrifying possibility that he might have invaded her privacy loomed large. The thought that he could have secretly installed a camera in her bedroom sent a cold wave of fear crashing over her.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, barely above a whisper, “Deanna, maybe we should… consider dropping out of the competition right now.”

Maggie, misinterpreting the depth of Zelena’s turmoil, thought her friend was merely succumbing to the anxiety of potential failure. “Zelena, the results haven’t even been announced yet! We could still win this! Don’t let fear get the better of you!”

Though Maggie’s intentions were pure, her understanding fell short of grasping the tempest swirling within Zelena. Deanna, however, felt the undercurrents of anxiety, and a thread of concern wove itself into her heart.

At that moment, Maurice, the designated spokesperson, stepped up to the podium, his presence commanding immediate attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice steady and authoritative, “I am pleased to announce that the first two design studios selected for the Skyline Construction project are Meridian Studio and Summit Design Studio.”

Maggie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, Summit Design Studio? Isn’t that the jerk’s firm?”

Maurice paused, allowing the weight of the announcement to settle over the room before continuing, “Now, there’s one more spot available. However, two studios are currently tied with identical scores: Bluewave Studio and Grandview Studio. The board has decided that representatives from both studios will present their design concepts, after which we will hold another vote.”

As he concluded, Deanna felt Felix’s predatory gaze shift toward them, his eyes gleaming with a dark intensity that sent a shiver spiraling down her spine.

Zelena’s expression was strained, her lips devoid of color. “Zelena, you really need to present,” Maggie urged, her concern etched deeply on her face. “You look like you might faint. Are you nervous?”

Deanna hesitated, a moment of contemplation washing over her. “I can present instead,” she offered, rising from her seat, eager to alleviate the pressure on her friend.

But before she could take a step forward, Zelena’s hand shot out, gripping her arm with a sudden urgency. “Deanna…”

Deanna looked down, meeting Zelena’s gaze, which was filled with a mix of fear and determination. “What is it?”

Zelena’s heart raced under the weight of that look, but she swallowed her fear, forcing out the words. “Nothing. Go ahead.”

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