Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Bothered Chapter 144: Bothered ************** CHAPTER 144 ~Jenna’s POV~ Sitting in the lounge of Jay Enterprises, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of satisfaction.

The upcoming business trip was a perfect opportunity to get closer to Snow.

“This is my chance,” I muttered to myself, a sly smile creeping onto my lips.

I pulled out my phone, scrolling through the gallery of photos from past events.

Images of Snow-confident, powerful, and undeniably attractive-filled the screen.

“Soon,” I whispered, as my eyes glinted.

“You’ll see, Snow.

Zara doesn’t belong in your world.

But I do.” Lifting my head from my phone, I glanced around and caught sight of my father’s secretary.

“Cory, kindly do me a favour and inform that old man, his precious jewel is waiting to see him, or I’ll interrupt his meeting,” I informed her.  She tensed when she heard the last bit and nodded, immediately changing direction from her initial course.

************** ~Snow’s POV~ The rest of the day passed in a blur.

Meetings, phone calls, and endless files kept me busy, but my thoughts remained scattered.

As I wrapped up for the evening, I found myself staring out the office window, the city lights twinkling below.

Zara’s laugh echoed in my mind, uninvited but welcome.

For the first time in a long time, I felt uncertain.

And that terrified me.

The office was quiet now, the hum of activity replaced by a stillness that pressed against my thoughts.

I stood by the window, gazing at the city lights stretching across the horizon.

The faint reflection of my face stared back, a mask of control that I didn’t entirely feel.

Jupiter’s words lingered in my mind, uncomfortably accurate.

Zara was becoming a bigger part of my thoughts than I’d ever intended.  My focus had always been on building this empire, ensuring the pack’s survival, and securing my place as Alpha.

Yet, she slipped through the cracks of that resolve with every smile, every unguarded laugh.

The sound of heels clicking in the hallway caught my attention.

Moments later, Taylor appeared in the doorway.

“Mr.

Zephyr, the staff is wrapping up for the day.

Anything else you need before I head out?” I turned to her, shaking my head.

“No, that’ll be all, Taylor.

Thank you.” She nodded but hesitated.

“You seem…

preoccupied, sir.” “I’m fine,” I replied, perhaps too quickly.

Her knowing smile said otherwise, but she didn’t press.

“Goodnight, Mr.

Zephyr.” As she left, I returned to my desk and checked my phone.

Zara hadn’t texted since she left for her afternoon errands.

I considered calling her, but my pride stopped me.

Instead, I busied myself reviewing the business trip agenda.

Jenna’s presence was an unavoidable irritation, but my focus had to remain on the partnership.

Yet, every time I thought about her involvement, my mind drifted to how Zara would handle such a situation.

The thought made me chuckle softly.

She’d probably make her stance clear without breaking a sweat, putting Jenna in her place with that calm confidence I admired more than I cared to admit.

The clock struck eight, and I decided to head home.

The mansion was silent when I arrived, the faint hum of the security system the only sound.

As I stepped inside, Glacier stirred in my mind, his presence more restless than usual.

“She’s not here,” he growled.

“She’s probably out,” I replied, though unease crept into my chest.

I ascended the stairs to check her room, only to find it empty.

Her scent lingered faintly, calming me enough to realize she’d likely stepped out for something trivial.

Still, I found myself pacing the length of the living room, waiting.

I thought of asking Scott and checking on Aira, but I got a text from Aira stating she and little Storm were visiting Tempest for the rest of the week, leaving me alone.  Where was Zara?

When the sound of the front door opening reached me, I turned sharply, relief and frustration warring within me.

Zara stepped inside, her hair slightly dishevelled from the wind, and a soft smile on her lips.

She carried a small bag that jingled faintly as she set it down by the door.

“You’re late,” I said, unable to keep the edge out of my voice.

She raised an eyebrow, unbothered.

“I didn’t realize there was a curfew, Snow.” I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm.

“I was just…

concerned.” Her expression softened slightly.

“I’m fine.

I grabbed dinner with Taylor and ran a few errands.

Nothing exciting.” I nodded, my jaw tightening.

“Next time, let someone know.

It’s not safe out there.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said, her tone light but evasive.

She brushed past me, heading toward the stairs.

I watched her go, my frustration mingling with something I couldn’t quite name.

“You’re falling harder than you realize,” Glacier taunted.

“Just tell her.

It’s as easy as A, B, C.

March upstairs and kiss her.” “Shut up,” I muttered, heading to my office to drown myself in work instead.

*************** ~Zara’s POV~ The next morning, I was up early, enjoying a rare moment of peace with a cup of tea on the balcony.

The cool breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and I let my thoughts wander.

Snow had been distant last night, his tension almost intense.

I wasn’t sure what had triggered it, but I could sense something weighing heavily on him.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

“Come in.” Taylor peeked in, her ever-efficient demeanour intact.

“Good morning.

Ready for another exciting day?” I chuckled, setting my cup down.

I was surprised she visited the mansion, but I guess my open invitation to her yesterday was deeply appreciated.  “If by exciting, you mean chaotic, then yes.” She smiled knowingly.

“Snow’s already at the office.

He left early to prep for the trip.

I didn’t meet him.

Mr.

Scott informed me.” The remainder of the business trip made my stomach twist slightly.

He never mentioned it to me; I had to find out from his schedule and Taylor.  I was his wife; though a contract wife, I thought he’d tell me.  But since he didn’t, I focused on cleaning my head yesterday, driving into the night before I returned home, hoping to spark a form of reaction from him but got none.  I still wasn’t sure how I felt about Jenna accompanying him, but I reminded myself that it was purely professional.

“Let’s go,” I said, grabbing my bag.