Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 174

**Chapter 174: Seeking Luis’s Assistance**

**Deanna’s POV:**

The moment the words left Zelena’s lips, declaring her intention to quit, a wave of disbelief washed over me. I barely had the chance to process her statement when Maggie erupted like a volcano.

“Zelena, what did you just say?” she exclaimed, her voice echoing with incredulity.

“Do you even realize how much effort Deanna has poured into this project? We finally secured the bid, and now you want to just walk away? How can you even think of giving up so easily?” Maggie’s words were sharp, laced with a mix of anger and concern.

I turned my gaze toward Zelena, observing her closely. Something felt off ever since she returned from the restroom, her demeanor shifted like a shadow passing over the sun.

“Zelena, why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice steady yet laced with worry.

Zelena pressed her lips together, a thin line of determination masking her turmoil.

“Deanna, I’m truly sorry. I know how hard you’ve worked for this project, but I have my own reasons for stepping back,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maggie’s frustration boiled over. “Zelena, this is so unfair to Deanna! You’re completely out of line!” Her voice cracked with the weight of her emotions.

In that moment, Zelena pulled away from me, her expression clouded with distress, and fled down the corridor.

A knot of concern tightened in my chest. There had to be a deeper reason for her sudden desire to abandon the Skyline Construction project. Without a second thought, I dashed after her, reaching out to grasp her arm gently yet firmly, ensuring she couldn’t slip away.

“Zelena, do you see me as a friend?” I implored, my heart racing.

Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “Of course, Deanna. You’re one of my closest friends.”

I frowned, my resolve hardening. “Then please, just tell me the truth. Why are you turning down this project? If there’s a valid reason behind your decision, I will stand by you, no matter what.”

“But if you’re simply walking away without a solid reason, then I’m sorry, but you can’t make this decision alone,” I insisted, my voice firm yet compassionate.

Zelena turned her back to me, her shoulders trembling with suppressed emotion. “Please, just stop asking,” she pleaded, her voice breaking.

“Is it because of Felix? Did he threaten you?” The words slipped out before I could hold them back, my intuition screaming that he was involved.

I noticed the flicker of panic in her eyes, how quickly she averted her gaze. My heart sank. “So it really is him,” I murmured, the realization hitting me hard.

“Deanna, I—” she stammered, desperation lacing her tone.

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