**Chapter 311: Get Rid of Her First**
Deanna felt the weight of Malcolm’s gaze upon her, a steady pressure that urged her to regain her composure. The remnants of her earlier turmoil lingered in her voice, lending it a slightly raspy quality as she replied, “Mr. Faulkner, I have pressing matters to attend to at the moment. I promise to express my gratitude for your support at the press conference in a few days.”
Malcolm, with a determined stride, closed the distance between them, his intense eyes locking onto hers. In that moment, he noticed the subtle redness that framed her eyes, a sign of the emotional storm she was trying to weather.
Without conscious thought, his fists tightened at his sides, the urge to protect her swelling within him. “Deanna,” he said, his voice low but firm, “he doesn’t deserve your love.”
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself, as if summoning every ounce of courage within him. “I can’t keep this to myself any longer. I’m going to say it again: I want to take care of you and the baby. Please, just give me a chance.”
His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. “Whenever you need me, I’ll be here for you. And if you’re willing, we can solidify our mate bond right now.”
Deanna’s heart raced, caught off guard by his sudden declaration of love amidst the chaos. She froze, her mind racing, uncertain of how to respond to such an unexpected confession.
In an impulsive moment, Malcolm reached out, yearning to pull her into his embrace, to offer her the comfort he so desperately wished to provide. But just as his hands were about to envelop her, Deanna instinctively stepped back, creating a chasm of space between them.
Malcolm’s hand hovered awkwardly in the air, a symbol of his thwarted intentions. Frustration bubbled within him, and he couldn’t help but voice his thoughts, “When you needed him the most, he still didn’t show up. Why can’t you let him go?”
Deanna met his gaze, her expression resolute yet filled with an underlying sadness. “Mr. Faulkner, even if Luis and I were no longer together, I wouldn’t choose a mate lightly. That wouldn’t be fair to you.”
“I don’t mind,” Malcolm insisted, his eyes unwavering, focused solely on the fragile Omega before him. He could see the strength she was mustering, the way she forced herself to maintain her composure despite the turmoil swirling within her. It pierced his heart, igniting a fierce instinct to protect her, to shield her from the world that had already inflicted so much pain.
“I don’t care if you’re harsh with me, Deanna. I just want a chance,” he pleaded, reaching out once more, this time to place a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Deanna frowned, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. Recognizing his misstep, Malcolm quickly withdrew his hand, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I let my emotions get the better of me today.”

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