Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 281

Ryan slowly opened his eyes, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of his luxurious hotel room.

His head felt heavy from the drinks of last night’s ball, and as he shifted, he felt the warmth of a body pressed against him.

He glanced down to see Juliette draped across his chest, her dark hair cascading over his shoulder.

A sigh escaped his lips as he carefully rolled her off and sat up on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair.

Just as he was about to get up, the buzzing of his phone on the bedside table caught his attention.

He picked it up and saw Kate’s name flashing on the screen. A groan left his lips.

Reluctantly, he answered the call. “Yeah?”

Kate’s sharp voice pierced through the phone.

“Ryan! Are you serious? You left without even telling me you arrived safely, and when I called you all night, you ignored my calls!”

Ryan rubbed his temple.

“Kate, I’ve been busy. Meetings, arrangements, everything’s been hectic.”

Kate huffed in frustration.

“Too busy to send a simple text? Or pick up the damn phone? Don’t lie to me, Ryan. I know you.”

Ryan sighed. “I’m not lying. I got caught up in work. You know how important this deal is for the company.”

Kate’s voice lowered, but it was filled with suspicion.

“It’s not just work, is it? There’s something else. I can feel it.”

Ryan rolled his eyes. “You’re overthinking things, Kate. I’m focused on business, nothing else.”

Kate’s voice cracked slightly. “You always say that. But I’m tired of being left in the dark, Ryan. If you don’t want me in your life, just say it.”

Ryan remained silent for a moment, his eyes flickering to Juliette still asleep on the bed.

He rubbed his jaw. “Kate, don’t start. I told you, I’ll be back soon. Stop stressing over nothing.”

Kate scoffed. “Right. Nothing.”

She hung up abruptly before he could say another word.

Ryan sighed and placed the phone back on the table, staring at it for a moment before a soft voice startled him.

“Girlfriend problems?”

He turned to see Juliette sitting up, the sheets loosely wrapped around her body.

She was watching him with a lazy smile.

Ryan shook his head. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

Juliette raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. “Oh? Wife then?”

Ryan let out a dry chuckle. “Not married. But I have a daughter.”

Juliette’s smile softened. “A daughter? That’s sweet. How old is she?”

“She’s five,” Ryan replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. “She’s… everything to me.”

Juliette studied him for a moment before speaking.

“So, if she’s not your girlfriend, who is that? An ex?”

Ryan sighed, leaning back against the headboard.

“Kate… she’s someone I’ve been involved with for a while, but things are complicated.”

Juliette smirked. “Complicated. That’s a favorite word for men who don’t want to commit.”

Ryan shot her a look. “It’s not like that.”

Juliette shrugged playfully. “If you say so. But… is she the jealous type?”

Ryan let out a small laugh. “You have no idea.”

Juliette chuckled. “I can imagine. A man like you… well, you probably have a long line of women waiting for your attention.”

Ryan shook his head. “I wouldn’t say that.”

Juliette leaned closer, resting her chin on her hand. “So, what do you think of me?”

Ryan gave her a sideways glance. “You’re interesting, I’ll give you that.”

Juliette pouted. “Just interesting? I think I deserve more credit than that.”

Ryan smirked. “Alright. You’re fun to be around. Happy?”

Juliette grinned. “Very.”

Before they could continue, a knock at the door interrupted them.

“Mr. Winters?” Jefferson’s voice came through the door. “Mr. Laurent is expecting you for breakfast.”

Ryan sighed, running a hand over his face. “Alright, I’ll be down in a few.”

Juliette smiled. “I’ll be here waiting.”

Ryan freshened up quickly, dressed in a crisp suit, and headed downstairs.

Breakfast was arranged in a luxurious private hall this time, with elegant chandeliers hanging above and fine china set perfectly on the long table.

Mr. Laurent sat at the head, sipping a cup of coffee when Ryan entered.

“Ah, Mr. Winters,” Laurent greeted with a wide smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Ryan smirked. “I can’t complain. The accommodations have been… more than satisfying.”

Laurent chuckled knowingly.

“Good to hear.” He gestured for Ryan to sit.

“Juliette treating you well, I hope? If not, I can always arrange for someone more to your liking.”

Ryan quickly shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. “No need. She’s perfect.”

Laurent laughed. “I thought so. She has a certain charm, doesn’t she?”

Ryan nodded, sipping his coffee. “She does.”

Laurent leaned back in his chair. “Business and pleasure, Mr. Winters, they should always go hand in hand.”

Ryan chuckled. “I’ll take your word for it.”

They moved on to business discussions, going over documents and finalizing details.

Laurent tapped his fingers against the table.

“I must say, your proposal is impressive. I have no doubt this partnership will be beneficial for both of us.”

Ryan smiles. “I believe so too. It’s a solid investment.”

After a few more negotiations, they finally shook hands, sealing the deal.

Laurent raised his glass. “To success!”

Ryan clinked his glass against Laurent’s. “To success.”

They drank and chatted for a while, until Laurent leaned forward with an eager grin.

“Before you leave, I insist we take you to the best swimming spot in Paris. It’s a must-see.”

Ryan, feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks, nodded. “Sounds good.”

Later that afternoon, they arrived at a beautiful private pool surrounded by greenery and luxury lounges.

Ryan and Juliette clung together in the water, laughing and talking.

Juliette swirled her fingers in the water. “You know, I almost drowned once when I was younger.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

She nodded.

“Yeah. My dad took me to a lake, and I thought I could swim, but I went too deep. He saved me just in time.”

Ryan looked at her thoughtfully. “That’s scary.”

Juliette smiled softly.

“Since then, I’ve always been cautious around water. But I think it’s important to face your fears.”

Ryan nodded. “I get that.”

They floated in comfortable silence for a while before Ryan spoke again.

“After this, I need to pick up something for my daughter. You should come with me.”

Juliette smiled. “I’d love to.”