Selene.
Of course.
My dear wife and my mother were practically best friends—they ran that godforsaken Beta Wives Association together like it was their personal kingdom. So, Selene must have gone ahead and yapped about my run-in with Isabella at the gala.
“I know Isabella’s back,” Maia said, confirming my suspicions.
My jaw clenched. “So? You going to make good on that threat you made five years ago?”
“Dimitri—”
“Because if you even think about touching her, I swear to God, Mother, I wouldn’t care that you gave birth to me.”
I heard her breath hitch over the line.
“Dimitri, you have a wife,” she said, her voice hardening. “Selene loves you very much. She’s devoted to you, to this pack…”
I almost laughed. Selene, devoted? The same woman who’d been conspiring with Ethan Thorpe for five years to undermine everything I’d built?
“Look, Mother, I’m in the middle of something.” My tone left no room for argument. “Don’t bother with dinner. I won’t be showing up.”
I ended the call before she could respond and shoved the phone in my pocket.
Taking a breath, I stepped out of the car and walked into the building. It had only been two weeks since Isabella started this subsidiary, and already the place looked alive. People were moving purposefully through the glass-walled lobby, phones were ringing, the hum of productivity was filling the air.
That’s what she did. She brought things to life.
My eyes swept over the lobby until they landed on the receptionist behind a sleek white desk, typing away.
I approached, schooling my expression into something charming. “Good afternoon.”
She looked up, eyes widening slightly as she took me in. “Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you?”
“Dimitri Ravencrest, CEO of Ravencrest Global.” I flashed her a polite smile. “I’m here to see Isa—Ms. Crawford.” Damn that name.
She smiled back, a flush creeping into her cheeks. “Ms. Crawford is currently in a meeting with investors. If you’d like to wait, I can let her know you’re here once she’s available.” She gestured toward the waiting area with sleek leather chairs. “Please, have a seat in the lobby, Mr. Ravencrest.” She let my name roll off her tongue, her braces glinting as she smiled.
I glanced at the chairs, then back at her. “Actually, Iwas hoping to wait in her office. You see…it’s been so long since I’ve seen my stepsister—she just flew in from Zurich, as you know, so I wanted to surprise her. Now, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if you alerted her, would it?”
The woman blinked. “Your…stepsister?”
I nodded slowly, propping my hands into the pockets of my black slacks as I leaned against her desk. “Isabella and I grew up together. We sort of lost touch over the years, but I heard she was heading up this new division, and I couldn’t resist stopping by.” I tilted my head, letting my teeth flash in a smile. “You understand me, right? You strike me as a family person.”
She chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You can tell?”
“I have a sixth sense for that kind of thing.” I smirked. “Look, I know it’s against policy,” I continued, “but between you and me? Isabella works herself too hard. Always has. She could do with a little surprise—a reminder of her childhood.” I paused. “What’s your name?”
“Victoria.” Her entire face was turning red at this point.
“Victoria.” I held her gaze. “I’d really appreciate it if you did me this solid.”
She bit her lip, then nodded. “Okay, but just this once. Ms. Crawford’s office is on the tenth floor. Take the elevator to your right.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Victoria.” I straightened, flashing another smile. “I owe you one.”
As I walked toward the elevator, I felt her eyes on me. I stepped in and turned to wave as the doors slid shut—there was disappointment in her eyes, like she’d been expecting more. Perhaps she had wanted me to ask for her number to continue this conversation over dinner or something.
The elevator doors opened onto a hallway lined with offices. A placard pointed toward Executive Offices, and I followed it until I reached a door with a nameplate: Estelle Crawford, Vice President.
