Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 133 Not at all

Victoria’s POV

I looked at Damien when he fell silent, sensing he was waiting for a reaction.

"What?" he prompted with a smirk. "Don’t tell me I’ve actually guessed right about your horde of male admirers."

I rolled my eyes. "You’re imagining things. I don’t have ’men’ lining up at my door. I just realized it’s getting late and we should probably call it a night. You’ve had a long day running your empire—aren’t you exhausted?"

"Not at all," he replied, his voice dropping an octave lower. The rumble seemed to vibrate through the table and straight into my bones.

"The legendary stamina of Alpha Sterling, I see."

"My stamina..." he leaned slightly closer, his smoky cedar scent washing over me, "is something you’ve experienced firsthand, Victoria. Or have you forgotten?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "!!" My breath hitched. The memory, sharp and sudden, flared in my mind.

Seriously? How did we go from dinner conversation to innuendo in two seconds flat?

By the time Damien finished his meal, we’d somehow dragged out dinner for another thirty minutes with his deliberate slow eating. Finally, we headed home together—conveniently, since he lived in the penthouse above my apartment in the same luxury building.

Once home, I immediately jumped in the shower, trying to wash away thoughts of our conversation—and memories of that night.

The next morning at Lancaster Industries, I was surprised to see Patrick Wagner waiting in the lobby.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, genuinely confused. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Patrick smiled warmly. "I mentioned yesterday I was in town, but you were busy. Any chance your schedule’s cleared up today?"

"I’m afraid not," I said, adjusting the strap of my designer bag. "Just another day of back-to-back meetings and decisions that can’t wait."

"Perhaps dinner later?" he suggested, his tone hopeful. "After you’re done with work?"

I considered it briefly before shaking my head. "I don’t think that would work, Patrick. I’ve got so much on my plate right now, I doubt I’ll have time for dinner plans. I’m sorry."

Despite Patrick maintaining his pleasant smile, I could sense his disappointment. Nora, my wolf, shifted uncomfortably within me. She recognized what I was doing—avoiding him.

Many things had changed over time. If Patrick hadn’t gone abroad years ago, perhaps I never would have moved to this city. Maybe I wouldn’t have wasted five years with a man who ultimately betrayed me. Patrick seemed to be trying to reclaim those lost years between us.

I’d always been considered beautiful, but growing up had only enhanced my features. My golden hair fell in perfect waves, and my face had matured into something that turned heads everywhere. Patrick had clearly been thinking about me during his time away, which explained his sudden appearance in town.

"It’s alright, Victoria," he said, his voice still gentle. "I understand you’re busy. When you have some free time, perhaps? I shouldn’t have dropped in unannounced."

"Sure," I nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt at his understanding tone.

Patrick watched me enter Lancaster Industries headquarters.

...

After a full day of meetings and decisions, I was exhausted. Just as I was preparing to leave the office, my phone rang—Grandfather.

"Victoria?"

"Yes, Grandfather?"

"Come home for dinner tonight, sweetheart. I miss you."

I realized I hadn’t visited in several days. "Of course. I’ll be there soon."

I worked a bit longer, then checked the time. When it seemed reasonable to leave, I packed up and headed out.

When I arrived at my grandfather’s estate, the staff had already prepared dinner. What I hadn’t expected was finding Patrick Wagner sitting comfortably in the living room.

"Patrick? You’re here too?"

Patrick smiled easily. "Victoria, I just stopped by to visit your grandfather. I hope I’m not intruding."

"Not at all, not at all," Grandfather beamed. "I spend most days alone here, so having Patrick’s company has been a delight. Come now, let’s eat before everything gets cold."

My grandfather looked genuinely happy as he gestured toward the dining table. I took my usual seat beside him.

Logically, with just the three of us, Patrick should have taken the seat across from me, on Grandfather’s other side. Instead, he settled into the chair right next to mine, putting me in the middle.

The proximity made me uncomfortable enough to stand immediately.

"Why don’t you take my spot, and I’ll sit over there?" I suggested, moving to Grandfather’s other side. This arrangement, with Grandfather between us, felt more appropriate.

"Victoria, what’s wrong with where you were sitting?" Grandfather chided.

"I didn’t want to crowd our guest," I replied pointedly. "There’s plenty of space this way."

The word "guest" made Patrick’s expression tighten momentarily.

Throughout dinner, Grandfather and Patrick engaged in constant conversation. Having been raised in a prominent family, Patrick displayed impeccable manners and eloquence. My grandfather was clearly impressed.

Halfway through the meal, Grandfather asked, "How long do you plan to stay in town, Patrick?"

"Quite a while, I think," he replied.

"Where are you staying? Do you have proper accommodations?" Grandfather pressed.

Patrick shook his head with a slight grimace. "I’m not comfortable in hotels, but I haven’t found the right place yet. It’s been rather inconvenient."

"Why not stay with Victoria?" Grandfather suggested immediately. "Her place is spacious with plenty of spare rooms. Sharing one with you wouldn’t be an issue at all."

I nearly choked on my wine. Was Grandfather seriously suggesting Patrick and I live together?

Before I could object, Patrick nodded eagerly. "That would be perfect, thank you."