Mated by Contract to the Alpha Chapter 62

Rebecca's POV

"Sir, I was just explaining how my sister—" Jason began, his voice losing some of its theatrical outrage.

"I heard what you said." Dominic's tone was conversational, almost pleasant, which somehow made it more menacing. "You've made quite a scene in my building."

The words "my building" seemed to hang in the air. I watched as Jason took in Dominic's imposing presence—the immaculate suit (the one I had given him, I realized with a flutter low in my abdomen), the confident stance, the aura of absolute authority.

My brother's eyes widened slightly. "Your building? You're—"

"Dominic Sterling," he confirmed with a slight nod. "CEO of Sterling Group. And your sister's employer."

I could almost see the calculations running through Jason's mind as he processed this new information.

Dominic took a step forward, and I noticed how everyone in the vicinity instinctively stepped back, creating space around him. Even Jason's voice had notably diminished in volume.

"I understand family matters can be urgent," Dominic continued, his voice reasonable but with an undercurrent of steel. "I'm sorry to hear about your father's condition. Perhaps I can offer a solution."

He turned to me, his expression softening just slightly. "Rebecca, why don't we discuss this in my office?"

Before I could respond, Jason jumped in, his eyes suddenly alight with opportunity. "Actually, sir, that would be very helpful. Our father needs—"

"I was speaking to Ms. Brown," Dominic cut him off, his gaze never leaving my face.

Heat rushed through me at the intensity of his stare. Despite the humiliation of the situation, I felt a surge of strength from his silent support.

My mother looked between us, clearly confused by the dynamics she was witnessing. "Rebecca, you didn't tell us your boss was so... understanding."

The situation was spiraling out of control. The last thing I wanted was for my family to see Dominic as a potential source of money. I took a deep breath, standing straighter as I gathered my courage.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Sterling," I said formally, conscious of our audience. "But this is a personal matter that I can handle."

Dominic's eyes flickered with something—surprise, perhaps, or approval—before he nodded. "As you wish."

Jason, however, wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. "Actually, sir, we really could use your help. Rebecca mentioned you might be able to—"

"I said no," I interrupted firmly. I turned to face my brother and mother directly. "I'm not going to let you do this here, at my workplace."

I pulled out my phone and quickly navigated to my banking app. With steady fingers, I made a transfer while they watched.

"There," I said, holding up the screen so they could see the completed transaction. "I've just transferred enough for three months of living expenses and all of Dad's medication. I've sent it directly to Dad's account, not yours, Jason."

My brother's face clouded. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means exactly what I said." I met his gaze unflinchingly, my voice stronger than I felt inside. "The money is for Dad's care and your living expenses. If you gamble it away or get scammed again, that's it. I won't send more."

Jason's face reddened with anger. "You don't know what it's like! Not everyone can get lucky and land a cushy job like—"

"Lucky?" I felt my voice rising despite my efforts to remain calm. My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fists. "I work hard for everything I have. And this 'cushy job' is my first day, Jason. First. Day. And you've already managed to embarrass me in front of everyone."

I turned to my mother, softening my tone slightly. "Mom, I love you and Dad. I always will. But I can't keep being your ATM while Jason refuses to grow up."

Jason took a step toward me, his face contorted with rage. "You ungrateful—"

"I believe Ms. Brown has made her position clear," Dominic interjected smoothly, moving slightly closer to me. His body heat radiated against my side, making me acutely aware of his proximity.

He turned slightly and nodded to the security desk. Immediately, two security guards approached.

"Please escort these visitors to the exit," Dominic instructed, his tone polite but firm.

"You can't just throw us out!" Jason protested, looking around wildly as if seeking support from the onlookers.

Dominic's expression didn't change. "I'm not throwing you out. I'm ensuring my employee can return to her work without further disruption." He turned to address the gathering of employees who had stopped to watch the drama unfold. "The show is over, everyone. Please return to your duties."

The effect was immediate. People scattered, returning to their tasks with remarkable speed. No one wanted to risk the CEO's displeasure.

The security guards approached my mother and brother with professional courtesy. "This way, please."

I became acutely aware of Dominic standing beside me, his presence both reassuring and intimidating. Without looking at me, he spoke quietly.

"Come to my office."

It wasn't a request. I nodded mutely and followed him toward the executive elevator.

---

The moment the elevator doors closed, enclosing us in private silence, I felt my composure begin to crumble. My eyes burned, vision blurring as I took a deep, shuddering breath.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "That was... not how I wanted my first day to go." I pressed my back against the cool elevator wall, needing its solidity to ground me.

Dominic stood quietly beside me, his eyes fixed on the elevator display as we ascended. Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pristine handkerchief, offering it to me.

I took it gratefully, our fingers brushing. That brief contact sent a current through my body, momentarily distracting me from my humiliation. I pressed the handkerchief briefly against my eyes to absorb the moisture gathering there. "Thank you."

"You handled yourself well," he said after a moment, his voice calm and measured. "Setting boundaries with family is often the hardest thing to do."

I looked up at him, surprised by his understanding. "I've never stood up to them like that before. I've always just... given in." My voice cracked slightly on the last words.

A faint smile touched his lips. "Perhaps it's time they learned you have strength they never acknowledged."

Despite everything, I found myself responding to his words. The elevator pinged softly as we reached the top floor, and the doors slid open to reveal a hushed, elegant reception area that led to Dominic's executive suite.

As we walked through, I took in my surroundings with wide eyes. This was my first time seeing Dominic's office, and the space was impressive—grand without being ostentatious, powerful without trying too hard. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city below, and the furnishings were all dark wood and rich leather. On one wall hung a silver emblem that I recognized as the Sterling family crest—a wolf with a crown, surrounded by intricate knotwork.

Dominic led me to a seating area with a plush leather sofa and gestured for me to sit. "Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee?"

I shook my head, sinking into the soft leather. "No, thank you. I... I just want to say thank you for intervening down there. But really, I can handle my family on my own." I twisted the handkerchief between my fingers, the fine fabric growing damp with my nervous perspiration.

Dominic took a seat across from me, his eyes studying my face carefully. I felt naked under his scrutiny, as though he could see past my carefully constructed defenses.

"I have no doubt you can. But you shouldn't have to face such confrontations alone, especially not at work."

I fidgeted with the handkerchief still clutched in my hand. "My father's medical bills are my responsibility, not yours. I don't want you to think I'm looking for financial help or special treatment."

"Is that what concerns you?" Dominic leaned forward slightly.

When he put it so bluntly, it sounded ridiculous, but that was exactly what worried me. "I just... I don't want anyone to think that's why I'm with you. Especially not you." My voice softened to almost a whisper on the last words.