The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 171

Aveline

By the time I arrived at Orion's company building, it was already nine o'clock, but the place was buzzing with activity like it was the middle of a regular workday. The usually pristine lobby felt chaotic—people hurried through with tense expressions, clutching tablets and thick folders, phones constantly ringing at every desk, and there was an almost electric sense of urgency in the air.

I couldn't help but wonder if this was just normal for a major corporation, or if something specific was happening here.

The moment I approached the reception desk, several staff members looked up and their expressions shifted dramatically—from stress to something that looked distinctly like envy.

"Oh my goodness, it's you! Miss Aveline!" one of them exclaimed with obvious recognition. "We absolutely know who you are!"

I sighed internally, realizing that the auction incident had officially made me some kind of public figure.

Another receptionist noticed the insulated bags I was carrying and smiled warmly. "How thoughtful of you, Miss Reeves! Our CEO probably hasn't eaten all day with everything that's been going on. Things have been absolutely crazy around here lately—people staying until midnight all week!"

A third woman leaned forward conspiratorially. "Yesterday he had three board meetings back-to-back, international conference calls, and was still here when I left at eleven PM. The poor man is running on pure caffeine."

I smoothed my hair and returned their greeting politely before asking, "What's happening? Everyone seems so tense. Is there some kind of crisis?"

The staff members immediately exchanged guilty looks, realizing they'd said too much. They started to mumble explanations when a tall, thin figure approached and they quickly scattered.

It was Marcus, Orion's personal assistant, looking more frazzled than I'd ever seen him. His usually immaculate appearance was disheveled—tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, dark circles under his eyes. He was clearly heading out but stopped when he saw me.

"Marcus!" I called, catching his arm. "What's going on around here? Are you guys fighting some kind of corporate war?"

Marcus managed a tired smile and straightened up respectfully. "Not with another company," he said quietly. "It's internal. The whole company is in upheaval right now—departments choosing sides, nobody knows what the future holds. Mr. Blackwell is rallying everyone around this 'Artery of the Future' project, trying to boost morale."

"What kind of project is so important that—"

"Well, well," came a smooth, condescending voice from behind us. "If it isn't the lucky recipient of that ten-million-dollar painting. How touching—bringing dinner as a thank-you gift?"

I didn't bother turning around to acknowledge Charles. Instead, I faced him head-on with cool confidence. "Charles. Still here this late? I assume you're helping with this major company project, or are you here to siphon more resources to fund your own operations?"

Charles adjusted his suit jacket with obvious smugness. "This government bid is doomed to fail, my dear. Orion's just grasping at straws to keep spirits up. When it inevitably crashes and burns, he'll have no choice but to step down from his CEO position. And without his protection, you'll always be nothing but Cinderella."

He stood there with a self-satisfied expression, clearly waiting for my response. But I had no mood to engage with his games.

A wave of pressure and unease washed over me as I processed what he'd just said, but I forced myself to maintain a sweet smile and walked past him without another word, heading straight for Orion's office.

The moment I knocked and entered his office, Orion immediately stood up from where he'd been hunched over documents covering his entire desk, his face breaking into a genuine smile.

"What are you doing here?" Then his expression shifted to concern as he noticed my slightly troubled look. "What's wrong? Did the atmosphere downstairs get to you?"

I set down the food containers and settled myself on his couch, crossing my arms with mock indignation. "I thought we were supposed to be allies. How come you didn't tell me about this major project you're dealing with?" I gestured toward his desk covered with blueprints and contracts. "Even though I have no idea what this 'thing' actually is."

Orion moved to pour me a glass of water, his movements betraying how tired he really was. "It's the government's latest initiative—a comprehensive project that will determine the direction of artificial intelligence development for the next decade. That's why it's called the 'Artery of the Future.' I'm mobilizing every department to prepare for this bid."

I took a sip of water, processing this information. "No wonder everyone's on edge. But I'm guessing Charles and your uncle are doing everything they can to sabotage you. They'd rather see the company lose money than let you succeed."

Orion sank back into his chair, looking impressed. "When did you become so perceptive?" He leaned forward with a strategic gleam in his eyes. "You're absolutely right. Winning this bid would stabilize the company and solidify my position as CEO beyond any board member's ability to challenge me. Once we have this contract, they won't be able to touch me. In fact, I'd be in a position to strike back at those two old foxes."

My eyes widened with sudden understanding. "And if you don't win?"

Orion rubbed his forehead wearily. "Well, that would be a significant problem. I'd be facing criticism not just in public opinion, but actual performance metrics. The board would have concrete ammunition to use against me."

I stood up and moved closer to him, studying his expression carefully. "You're gambling everything on this."

Orion placed his hands flat on the desk, his voice taking on a cold, determined edge. "High stakes, high rewards. Besides, I'm accustomed to being on the winning side."

For a moment, I was struck silent by the sheer force of his presence.  

The transformation was both intimidating and undeniably attractive.

A subtle smile curved my lips. "Good. That's exactly the kind of confidence I expect from my ally."

He looked up at me, one eyebrow raised with obvious curiosity. "So you're here tonight in your capacity as an ally? Not to satisfy any... other needs?"