Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 403

Chapter 403: Giving Her Freedom
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CHAPTER 403

~Snow’s POV~

The Regal Hotel stood tall and imposing, its gold-trimmed exterior glowing under the midday sun. The entrance was a parade of luxury cars, well-dressed businessmen, and high-profile figures who carried themselves like royalty.

But none of them mattered to me.

Only one person, one royalty did—Zara.

I pulled into the parking lot, my grip tightening on the wheel as I spotted Kaid’s car already parked near the entrance.

They were already inside together.

Glacier was restless, growling low in my head. “We should be the ones by her side. Not him.”

“Well, traitor, you should have thought of that before you yearned after another woman.”

“She’s our mate.”

“And Zara is my wife.”

“Our.”

“No, Glacier, you are not acting like you want her. I want her; I need Zara and I mean it.”

“Standing here arguing with me, doesn’t help. Go and get her away from that bloody Lycan.”

I rolled my eyes at Glacier before exhaling sharply, shoving the door open. The moment I entered the hotel, I scanned the lobby, ignoring the polite greetings from staff members who recognised me.

I had just one goal in mind.

I spotted a young concierge standing by the reception desk and strode over. “The business meeting Alpha Kaid is attending. Where is it?”

The man blinked, his posture straightening immediately at the sound of Kaid’s name. “Uh…” he took a good look at me and gasped before composing himself, probably recognising who I am. “He is at the Grand Lounge, sir. Second floor.”

“Thank you.” Without another word, I turned on my heel and headed for the elevators.

As the doors slid shut, I tried to steady my breathing. I wasn’t even sure what I was doing here. Confronting her in the middle of a professional meeting? Dragging her out and demanding she talk to me?

Yes.

That was exactly what I was going to do.

The elevator doors chimed open, and I stepped onto the second floor. My sharp gaze swept the hallway until I saw a set of large double doors slightly ajar.

Laughter and murmured conversations drifted through the crack.

I pushed the doors open.

The Grand Lounge was a masterpiece of sophistication—high ceilings with crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city, and round tables set with crisp white linens and gleaming silverware.

At the center of it all sat her.

Zara.

She was across the room, seated beside him.

Kaid was leaning slightly toward her, whispering something in her ear that made her smirk. She tilted her head, the soft curls of her hair falling over her shoulder, exposing the smooth skin of her neck.

My mark should be there. Not his eyes but it was fading away and it made my blood boil even more.

Rage pulsed through my veins.

I didn’t think.

I didn’t hesitate.

I walked straight toward them, ignoring the confused looks from guests and investors. The moment I reached their table, I grabbed a chair, spun it around, and sat down with a smirk of my own.

“Hope I’m not late,” I said smoothly.

Zara stiffened, her blue eyes widening in surprise. “Snow?”

Kaid arched a brow, a slow smirk playing on his lips. “Well, well, if it isn’t the ex-husband crashing the meeting.”

I ignored him, my gaze locked onto her.

“I heard this meeting was important,” I said, tilting my head. “And since I have investments in the werewolf and Lycan business world, I figured I’d sit in.”

Zara’s jaw clenched. “This isn’t your business.”

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table, voice dropping into something only she could hear. “You are my business.”

Zara’s breath hitched, but she quickly masked it, sitting back in her chair.

Kaid exhaled dramatically, swirling his wine glass. “This is adorable. Really, it is. But unless you’ve suddenly decided to support Zara’s new company, I’m afraid you’re in the wrong room, Zephyr.”

I clenched my jaw. “Who says I won’t? She is my wife. I’ll do”

Zara’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Oh, please.” She turned fully toward me. “You expect me to believe that after everything, you suddenly want to invest in my business?”

I smirked. “I don’t expect you to believe anything. But let’s make one thing clear.” My gaze flickered to Kaid before settling back on her.

“I’m not letting you walk away that easily.”

For the first time, Zara looked uncertain. And Kaid? Well, he just smirked.

Like he was enjoying the game.

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~Zara’s POV~

For a few moments, I just stared at Snow, processing what had just happened.

Snow had crashed my meeting.

He had walked in here, ignored every unspoken rule of professionalism, and sat himself down like he belonged.

And worst of all?

He looked damn pleased with himself. And based on his position in the city, I knew all too well that nobody would complain. Snow had businesses everywhere and he partnered with the majority of CEOs present.

I clenched my jaw, forcing my expression to remain calm even as my blood simmered beneath the surface. The investors seated at the table glanced at one another, exchanging awkward looks, while Kaid—of course—leaned back in his chair, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Well, this has certainly become more interesting,” Kaid mused, swirling his wine glass as if watching a stage play. “What’s next, Zephyr? A public declaration of love?”

Snow ignored him, his eyes locked onto mine. “I just wanted to support my wife’s business.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Ex-wife,” I corrected sharply.

Snow’s smirk didn’t falter. “We’ll see about that.”

I could feel the tension in the room thickening. The investors were growing restless, shifting in their seats, and Kaid, while still amused, was now watching Snow with more interest than before.

I exhaled sharply and forced myself to focus. “This meeting was not about my personal life,” I said, turning back to the investors. “As we were discussing, the brand I’m launching—”

But even as I spoke, I could feel Snow watching and studying me like some damn book while waiting for the perfect opportunity to srike.

And that irritated me more than anything.

The meeting carried on for another half an hour, though I barely remembered half of what was said. I kept my words sharp and professional, avoiding Snow’s gaze even though I could feel it burning into me.

When it finally wrapped up, the investors stood, shaking hands and exchanging final remarks before slowly filtering out of the room.

I moved to stand, but before I could take a single step, Snow’s voice stopped me.

“Zara, wait.”

I hesitated, then straightened, my back. “I have nothing to say to you.”

“I know,” he said simply, sliding his hands into his pockets. “But I do.”

I clenched my fists at my sides. “Then say it and be done with it.”

Snow stepped closer, his gaze searching mine. “Just… come with me for a minute.”

Kaid let out a soft chuckle, standing from his chair. “Oh, this is rich.” He stretched lazily before glancing at me. “You want me to stay?”

“I can handle it,” I muttered.

Kaid smirked, giving Snow a mocking look before adjusting his suit jacket. “Try not to cause a scene, Zephyr. Again,” he added the last word in a way that made me smile inwardly.

I bet Snow was going bonkers in his mind, but surprisingly, he didn’t react. He was too focused on me.

Kaid walked off, leaving us alone in the now-empty lounge.

I crossed my arms. “Get to the point.”

Snow studied me for a long moment before exhaling slowly. “Alright.” He glanced at an envelope on the table and picked it up, holding it out to me.

I frowned. “What’s that?”

His lips curled into something unreadable. “Your freedom.”

I hesitated before taking it. The envelope was heavier than I expected.

I glanced up at him suspiciously. “What are you playing at, Snow?”

But he only smirked, turned on his heel, and walked away, hands still tucked in his pockets.

Leaving me standing there, staring at the envelope, with my heart pounding in my chest.

When Snow left, I stared at the envelope in my hands, my fingers curling tightly around the edges. My chest felt tight, my heartbeat a rapid, erratic rhythm against my ribs.

What the hell was Snow playing at?

Your freedom.

The words echoed in my mind, twisting something deep inside me. I should have felt relieved. This was what I wanted, wasn’t it? For him to finally let me go?

Then why did it feel like a part of me was unravelling?

I swallowed the lump in my throat, shaking my head. No. I wasn’t going to do this. Not here. Not now.

“Everything alright?”

I looked up to see Kaid strolling toward me, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his eyes flickering with curiosity.

I forced a tight smile. “Yeah.”

His gaze dropped to the envelope in my hands before lifting back to mine. “What did Zephyr want?”

I exhaled, gripping the envelope tighter. “Honestly? I have no idea.” I glanced toward the entrance where Snow had disappeared moments ago. “He acted… weird. Different.”

Kaid tilted his head slightly, studying me. “Weird, how?”

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “Like he was too calm. Like he had already made some grand decision and was just waiting for me to catch up.”

Kaid hummed thoughtfully, stepping closer. “And how does that make you feel?”

I shot him a flat look. “Don’t start.”

He chuckled, lifting his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright… I think he is trying to get you back by trying not to care.”

I rolled my eyes and Kaid jerked his chin toward the door. “Come on, let’s get you home.”