Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 105: Chapter 105

(Lily’s POV)
“Fine! I’ve found my mate and she’s human!”
Tobe’s voice echoed loudly in my memory. My fingers tightened on the steering wheel as I smiled to myself. The hangout at Dev’s place had ended on a great note, despite our little dispute.
There was thick silence after Tobe’s statement. It was like no one knew what to say. Then Aria asked the first question. “When did you find her?”
“Two weeks ago,” he replied, chinning up. “But I’m not like the rest of you. I didn’t hide mine for months.”
That stung.
We were quiet again, until someone—I think Dev—snorted. And then laughter erupted, loud and ridiculous in the room. We were all guilty regardless of when or how long.
We laughed like fools till our stomach hurt and a tiny tear streak came from our eyes. Afterwards, we made a promise that day to never keep secrets from each other. We will spill it regardless.
“Yayyy!” We cheered, stacking our palms one by one over each other.
The rest of the day went into eating snacks, buffet and playing with the kids… while basking in the comfort that only family could bring.
The car hummed beneath me as I drove through the city. Marcus had wanted to drive as usual, but today I’d given him a day off. I wanted to drive, to feel the solitude, and steady rhythm of the highway to process all that has been happening in my life of late… My security team followed closely behind.
When I pulled into the company parking lot, I waved at the cheerful guard who greeted “Good morning, Ma.” I walked in, flanked by two protocol officers who collected my bag and files. More staff greeted me as I passed, and I smiled at everyone. We stepped into the elevator, the slow hum of the music in the air blending with my thoughts.
Once we arrived at my floor, I dismissed the officers and walked alone into my office. I passed my receptionist, who gave me a knowing smile before reaching my door. My PA; Alora’s office was just before mine and today she was standing in front of my door, practically bouncing.
The only time she did that was when she had good news.
“Morning,” she chirped. “There’s something you need to see. It came in through the official email early this morning and you were copied to the email. It’s a very good one.”
Her excitement was contagious. I chuckled, and stepped into my office before placing my bag on the desk. Alora followed closely behind.
“Mind opening your mail already?” she asked anxiously.
I laughed, and slowly opened my laptop. She was behind me as I scrolled and then yelled “This one,” she said at a specific message.
However, the moment I read it, my smile faltered.
“What is it?” Alora asked, surprised at my mood switch.
I didn’t speak. I couldn’t.
The email was from Virelux Conglomerate. It read:
“Dear Ms. Lily,
We’ve been following your company’s growth with great interest. After reviewing your recent projects, we’d like to explore a possible partnership.
We’ve arranged a meeting for today at 2:00 PM at Durelia’s Lounge in the Virelux Building. A private suite has been reserved for your comfort.
Please confirm your availability.
Warm regards,
Lucien Moreau (Chief Operating Officer)
Virelux Group.”
Alora frowned at my silence. “This is huge, Lily! Isn’t this what we’ve always wanted? To be able to partner with the elusive Virelux so we could learn, build our portfolio and have credible network opportunities.
I nodded slowly, a little stunned and upset. Why now?
She stepped closer, her voice softer. “You always said if Virelux ever reached out, you’d consider it a sign that we were doing something right. This is it!”
I closed the laptop and looked out the window.
It had to be Lucien’s doing.
What he and Aria had been meeting up about. Was this a peace treaty or something because of their relationship? But what if it isn’t Lucien at all??
What if it’s Zion’s doing and Lucien is just the channel he’s trying to use to get to me?
Is it about our mate bond or my kids calling him daddy?
I clenched my jaw.
Alora seemed to sense my need for space, and offered a warm smile. “Whatever it is, don’t let it steal your goals. You’ve earned every bit of this.” Then she turned and walked out.
I sat in silence.
I wasn’t sure what made me more uneasy; the surprise or the not knowing.
But I knew one thing: I couldn’t ignore the offer. This was a potential breakthrough for my company, and I wasn’t going to let my personal issues jeopardize my growth.
By noon, I had made up my mind. I was going.
Since the meeting would clash with school pickup time, I called Tobe.
“Hey,” I said. “Will you be free around one fifty pm? I need someone to pick up Lamia and Zeus from school.”
He didn’t hesitate. “That’s fine with me, but is everything okay?”
I smiled. “Yeah. Just...business.”
By 1:45 PM, I arrived at Durelia’s Lounge. The restaurant was quiet and elegant, the perfect place for a discreet meeting. I was shown to a private booth in the back corner.
I sat, glancing at the time. 1:50 PM.
My heart drummed softly as I sipped from the glass of water the waiter had brought. I kept scanning the entrance.
Please let it be Lucien. Please.
The door opened… and my breath caught when I saw who walked in through those doors.
Zion, in a navy blue tailored suit. I swallowed as his eyes scanned the area before landing on me.
He smiled, and began to walk slow, purposeful steps toward me. I trembled, holding onto my bag… when my phone rang. I answered without thinking.
A distorted male’s voice coldly filtered through.
“Walk out now. Don’t say a word to him, or you will never see your children again. You have ten minutes!”