Little Boy Toy

Daniella POV

 Mr. Lawson's question about how to secure the contract for the firm hung in the air like a heavy fog. My mind spun, processing every possible angle. Mr. Alex Wong, an inventor, a family man, a man of influence, was exactly the kind of client we needed to ensure the future success of our firm. A chance like this wasn't something I could ignore. I knew how crucial it was to attend the event he was hosting, and I had to figure out how to navigate the awkwardness of the situation.

 There was no way I was going alone. Faking an engagement with Brandon after everything that had happened was out of the question. My pride wouldn't let me go there. I couldn't bring myself to endure that kind of humiliation. No, I had to take a risk. I had to find someone I could work with someone who would be a better fit, someone who could help me make an impression.

Alpha.

 Despite everything that had happened to him, his memory loss. Alpha had a charm that was undeniable. He was smart, quick on his feet, and had a natural charisma. Yes, he might not be the perfect business partner yet, but he was someone I could trust, someone who could help me pull this off. So, I decided to take the risk and bring him. He was my partner now.

 I took a deep breath and turned to Mr. Lawson. "I'll go with Alpha. He'll be my partner for this assignment."

 Brondon sharp laugh broke through, loud and grating "Partner? More like your little boy toy. Or a kid you're babysitting!" he sneered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Seriously, Daniella? You don't think he's a little too young for you? Sure, he's big, but he probably isn't even legal yet. Careful, Daniella, you wouldn't want to end up in jail for statutory rape."

 My blood boiled, but I refused to rise to his bait. I locked eyes with him, my expression cool and composed. "He's not underage, Brandon. Maybe it's just your old, haggard face making you think anyone youthful and attractive like Alpha must be a child."

Brandon's face twisted with fury, his mouth opening to retort, but before he could speak, Mr. Lawson's hand slammed against the bedrail with surprising force. "Enough!" His voice, though trembling with weakness, carried a commanding authority that cut through the room like a knife. His chest heaved as he fought to steady his breath.

 "You two can't be in the same room without clawing at each other like wild animals," he rasped, his tone brimming with exhaustion and thinly veiled disappointment. His gaze flicked between us, sharp despite his frailty. "This isn't about you. This is about securing Alex Wong as a client. And from where I'm sitting, I'm glad Daniella refused to go with you, Brandon."

 Brandon flinched as if struck, but Mr. Lawson pressed on, his attention shifting to me. "Daniella, you've made your stance clear, but Alpha? Are you absolutely sure taking him is your best option?"

I straightened, unwavering. "Alpha is the better choice. He's sharp, adaptable, and reliable. I'll take him as my partner. We'll prepare for the gala, and I'll ensure everything runs smoothly."

Brandon scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Partner?" he sneered, his voice laced with contempt. "Get real, Daniella. What are you going to do, teach him how to walk and talk like an adult in three days? He's just your neighbor, not your equal. This is business, not some charity project."

 I turned to him, my tone cutting like ice. "And you think you're better? Let's not forget you've had a lifetime of hand holding as Daddy's boy, and you still can't manage to seal a deal without tripping over your ego. I wouldn't trust you to sell lemonade, let alone negotiate with Alex Wong."

 Brandon's jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides. His voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "You're unbelievable," he hissed. "You just can't let anything go, can you?"

 "Not when it comes to you," I shot back, my voice steady but sharp. "You betrayed me, Brandon. Don't stand there acting like the victim when you're the one who destroyed everything."

"Stop it! Both of you!" Mr. Lawson's voice rose, trembling but resolute. He closed his eyes, taking deliberate breaths as the tension thickened in the room. When he spoke again, his words were measured and firm. "This isn't about personal grudges or past mistakes. It's about what's best for the firm."

He turned back to me, his tired eyes locking onto mine. "Daniella, if you truly believe Alpha is the right choice, I'll allow it. But I need to hear it from you . Are you absolutely certain you can secure this contract?"

I met his gaze without hesitation. "Yes, I'll get him to sign with us. I'll make sure Alex Wong is a client of the firm."

 "Confident, I like that," Mr. Lawson murmured, his expression softening a little. "But remember, you're not just representing the firm. This is about securing something big for everyone. Alex Wong is worth millions. If you want him, you have to make him feel comfortable with you. You have to make sure he trusts you and knows you're the right fit."

 "I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen," I said, my voice firm with determination.

Brandon couldn't contain his resentment. He sneered, "Yeah, sure. Good luck with that."

 Mr. Lawson dismissed him with a sharp gesture. "Enough, Brandon. This is Daniella's moment now. Let her handle it."

Lucas, who had been silently observing, raised his hand to speak. "But Mr. Lawson," he began, "Alpha doesn't have a wardrobe here. All his clothes are at his beach house. Are we really going to go back to the beach house for his clothes? I mean, they're just casual clothes not suitable for the gala dinner in Las Vegas. Or…" He paused, winking at me with a mischievous glint in his eye.

 Mr. Lawson's face lit up with a hint of approval. "No need to go back there. Use the company card. Buy Alpha the best clothes you can find, and Daniella, you too. Get the finest outfits for both of you. I want everyone at that gala to know who you are . This is our firm's chance to make a lasting impression. And, as for travel…" He paused, looking at us each in turn. "You'll be flying in style, in one of our company helicopters."

Lucas grinned, clearly pleased with the decision. I lowered my head to hide the smile tugging at my lips. Lucas was always one step ahead, orchestrating the details to perfection. Mr. Lawson then turned his gaze to Alpha, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange. "So, Alpha, I understand you're Daniella's neighbor. Where are you from? Are you from San Francisco?"

My heart skipped a beat. What would Alpha say? Could he even answer that question?