Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 219

Karl

Before I know it, several days have passed since my brother suggested an election.

The outcome of this election will determine who will be the Alpha. It’s not what I expected, but in a strange way, it’s invigorating. The past few days have been filled with early preparations: setting dates, interviewing campaign managers, and coming up with campaign slogans and posters.

I wish I could be there for Abby, but I haven’t heard for her. The news hasn’t let up, though, and it seems as though the health department is waiting on tests to come back before they reach a verdict.

It’s a sunny afternoon when I’m sitting in my office, in the midst of a pile of paperwork. The news is playing on the TV—a segment on the Alpha party disaster.

“Unfortunately, the owner of the restaurant La Belle Vie Bistro and the caterer of the Alpha gathering, Abby, has yet to comment on the situation,” the reporter, a blonde woman in a tight dress, is saying.

“I have to say,” one of the other reporters, a balding man in a suit, chimes in, “it’s a bit fishy that she’s refusing to comment.”

The first reporter laughs. “I agree, Stan,” she says. “If she’s innocent, why not comment on it? Why not try to exonerate herself? She’s been radio silent, although reports indicate that she’s been spotted running around the city like a madwoman.”

The footage then cuts to a paparazzi photo of Abby. She’s got that blue surgical mask on to cover her face, and she’s storming down the street. It looks like there’s something in her hand, and there’s a determined look in her eyes.

“Now this,” the male reporter says, “was taken right before she walked into a police station. Interesting, isn’t it?”

The female reporter grins. “Interesting indeed, Stan. I think—”

I can’t take it anymore, and before the female reporter finishes her sentence, I quickly shut the TV off and throw the remote down on my desk with a sigh.

For a moment, I stare at my phone, my fingers itching to call Abby. I want to be there for her; hell, I’ll drop everything to go back to the city if she needs me right now.

But at the same time, I can’t do that. She told me to stay out of it, and besides, I’ve got the campaign to deal with here.

And if I want to keep my status as Alpha, now is definitely not the time to be rushing to the city, especially not in the midst of all this bad press.

Before I can ponder on it more, there’s a knock on my door.

“Come in.”

The door swings open, and in comes Ethan. He’s no longer in his wheelchair, and is instead leaning on a cane.

“Hey, Ethan,” I say, looking at him over the pile of papers on my desk. “You look good.”

Ethan grins. “I feel like an old man.”

I shrug. “Doesn’t matter. You’ll be back to normal in no time. And besides, the cane suits you; it’s… distinguished.”

My brother chuckles as he hobbles over to the chair opposite my desk and sits down. It’s moments like this that I realize that, despite the fact that we’re supposed to be adversaries in this political campaign, he’s still my brother. And I still love him.

“So, what brings you here?” I ask, leaning back in my chair.

Ethan sighs and runs his hand through his hair. “Campaign managers,” he says. “Do you have one yet?”

I shake my head. “I held some interviews yesterday but haven’t made a decision yet. Why?”

“Well, I found mine,” he explains. “I was thinking we could introduce them for the sake of diplomacy, but since you don’t have one yet, I’ll tell her to leave.”

I furrow my brow, curious about Ethan’s choice. “She’s here? Who is it?”

“Now, don’t be mad,” Ethan says, looking a little bashful, “but it’s Gianna.”

I can’t hide my shock. “Gianna? Seriously, Ethan?”

Ethan looks at me, puzzled by my reaction. “What’s the issue, Karl? Gianna is skilled and experienced. She’s the right person for the job.”

I shake my head, incredulous. “You don’t understand, Ethan. Gianna can’t be trusted. She has a history of manipulation and deceit. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you’re dating her, let alone hiring her to handle your campaign.”

Ethan’s expression tightens, and he shoots back, “Karl, that’s just your personal bias talking. Gianna didn’t do anything wrong, and I won’t let you hold grudges against her. Her emails were tampered with, and we've cleared that up.”

His words make me groan. I’ve already tried to make him realize the truth multiple times, but he’s just not seeing it. In his eyes, Gianna did nothing wrong, andI’mthe one who’s causing trouble.

“Ethan, you know how I feel about her,” I say with a sigh. “I thought I could look past the fact that you two are together because I just want my brother to be happy, but… Ethan, she’s a cheat and a liar. You don’t want her managing your campaign. And frankly, I don’t want her involved.”

Ethan’s eyes narrow, and he leans in closer. “Karl, I won’t tolerate hate speech against Gianna. She’s going to be a part of this campaign whether you like it or not, and I expect you to treat her with respect.”

I lean back in my chair, frustrated beyond belief. It’s clear that Ethan won’t budge on this issue, and arguing further will only strain our relationship.

“Fine,” I mutter under my breath. “Call her in, then.”

A moment later, Gianna is standing in front of my desk, and I feel as though I’ll scream. But I manage to keep my cool for the sake of not only my campaign but also my brother, and instead focus my frayed nerves on the election.

“Hello, Gianna,” I say, leaning back in my chair. “So you’re going to be Ethan’s campaign manager.”

She nods, her snakelike eyes fixed on me as she stands beside my brother’s chair. She’s got her hand on his shoulder, and I want nothing more than to swat it away and tell her to get the hell away from him.

I know what she did, too; she lied to Ethan the whole time he was in that coma. She took advantage of his situation and whispered deceit into his ear. And by the time he woke up, he was already head over heels. There’s no possible way to make him see logic now.

When someone is in love, making them see the truth is like teaching a fish how to fly.

But for a moment, I think to myself that this could be a good thing; this could give me the edge I need in this election. My brother just woke up from a coma, and he’s already dating the woman who essentially committed an act of treason against my wife.

I have the proof, and no matter how much it hurts, I think I might just use it if need be.

“So, Gianna,” I say, “I didn’t know you had experience running campaigns.”

She looks at Ethan, then back at me. “I believe my cumulative experience in other fields will allow me to be the best campaign manager your brother deserves,” she says, her thin lips stretching into an even thinner smile.

I’m about to say something when Gianna’s phone suddenly rings, breaking the silence. She pulls it out of her pocket and furrows her brow, then quickly excuses herself. Ethan and I watch her go before he turns back to me.

“Look, Karl,” he says, lowering his voice. “I know you two have a rocky history. But you have to trust my judgment, too. And I not only chose Gianna as my campaign manager, but also my girlfriend, for a good reason.”

My eyes narrow. I want to tell him that he’s a fool, and that it’s hurtful that he refuses to trustmyjudgment, but what’s the point?

And before I can say anything anyway, Gianna returns. Only now, her face has shifted from a mask of coldness to pure fire.

“Are you serious, Karl?!” she practically screeches, waving her phone in the air. “Abby thinks I sabotaged her restaurant?!”