Lahat ng Kabanata ng Hooking Up With Her Ex's Alpha Dad: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Claire's POVI stood on the sidewalk outside my apartment building, dragging my suitcase behind me as I checked my phone for the cab's arrival time. The morning air was crisp, and I pulled my blazer tighter around myself, trying to calm the nervous energy that had been building since I'd woken up at five AM.Three days in New York. Three days of pretending Theo meant nothing to me while being constantly in his presence. I'd packed my most professional outfits, practiced my neutral expressions in the mirror, and given myself countless pep talks about maintaining boundaries.A sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb, its tinted windows reflecting the morning sunlight. My heart sank as I recognized the vehicle—and more importantly, who was likely behind the wheel.The passenger window rolled down, revealing Theo in the driver's seat. He wore a white business suit that fit him perfectly, his silver-streaked hair immaculately styled. Even in my determined state of professional detachment,

Claire's POVI forced myself to take a deep breath, reminding myself that Adrian probably wouldn't even notice me in this crowd. As long as I stayed cautious and kept close to Theo, I should be fine. The ballroom was massive, filled with hundreds of guests—surely I could blend in among them."Is everything alright?" Theo asked quietly, noticing my sudden tension."Fine," I managed, pasting on what I hoped was a convincing smile. "Just taking it all in."Nervously, I followed Theo toward our assigned table, hyperaware of every face in the crowd, scanning for any sign of Adrian. Theo must have sensed my unease because his hand tightened slightly on my waist, the gesture both protective and reassuring.Our table was positioned prominently near the stage, clearly reserved for major donors and VIPs. As we approached, I could see it was already occupied by several elegantly dressed couples, all of whom turned to greet Theo with the kind of deference reserved for someone of his stature."Alp

Theo's POVThe gala was in full swing around me—laughter, animated chatter, and the constant clinking of crystal glasses creating a symphony of high society at its finest. Conversations flowed between tables as guests networked, reminisced, and celebrated the evening's honorees. The charitable cause that had brought us all together seemed secondary to the social maneuvering happening in every corner of the ballroom.But my mind wasn't on the party, the awards, or even the potential business connections surrounding me.It was on Claire.She'd been gone far too long. What should have been a quick trip to the restroom had stretched into twenty minutes, then thirty. Each passing minute amplified the worry gnawing at me, dark possibilities flashing through my mind like unwelcome film reels.Especially tonight—she looked so breathtaking in that emerald gown, transformed into the kind of woman who could stop traffic and start wars. I wouldn't be surprised if someone had noticed her, followed

Theo's POVThe sound of the splash cut through the ballroom chatter like a blade through silk. I turned toward the commotion by the pool area, and my heart stopped completely when I saw Claire's emerald dress disappearing beneath the dark water.Time seemed to fracture. One moment I was standing beside Rebecca, nodding politely at her endless chatter about garden parties, and the next I was watching the woman who had consumed my thoughts for weeks struggling helplessly in the deep end of the pool.I didn't think. I couldn't think. Every rational thought vanished, replaced by a single, overwhelming imperative: get to her. Now.My jacket hit the marble floor before I was fully conscious of removing it. My shoes followed, kicked off as I ran toward the pool's edge. The voices around me became a distant roar—gasps of shock, excited whispers, someone calling for help—but none of it registered. Only one thought consumed me completely: if anything happened to her, I would lose my mind.The w

Theo's POVI looked at her flushed face, the fever making her cheeks a soft pink that somehow made her look both fragile and beautiful. The direct question hung between us, demanding an answer I wasn't sure I could give without revealing far more than I intended.She was right, of course. I had said we needed boundaries. I had insisted on maintaining professional distance. Yet here I was, unable to leave her side, my every instinct screaming that it was right to protect her, to care for her, to ensure she was safe.My wolf growled restlessly inside me, demanding that I stop this charade, stop lying to myself and admit what we both knew—that my feelings for Claire went far beyond those of an employer for his secretary. The beast within me was tired of the pretense, tired of the careful distance I maintained during daylight hours only to lose myself in thoughts of her when darkness fell.But tonight had proven something else entirely. Getting close to her, allowing my feelings to show,