Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 47 I didn’t believe it

Victoria’s POV:

I clutched my laptop and rushed home, my heart still pounding wildly. The moment I locked the home door, I collapsed against it, trying to steady my breathing.

I muttered to myself as Nora stirred restlessly within me. It was precisely because of her desire for our mate that my rationality had been controlled by instinct.

I paced back and forth in the living room, trying to shake off the memory of his nearly naked body. He’d said with his mouth that he only wanted me. But he looked far too experienced. When rationality returned, I didn’t believe it.

He must have lured many she-wolves into his den? The way he handled the situation showed all the traits of an experienced player. The confident smirk, the calculated touches—he was clearly a seasoned predator in the dating game.

"Like father, like son," I whispered, thinking of Lawrence Sterling’s notorious reputation. "Ethan and his father are both manipulative wolves, and Damian probably follows the same bloodline traits."

I needed to remind myself that Damian was dangerous—perhaps more dangerous than Ethan. His handsome face was just a weapon, bait to attract prey. The more attractive a wolf, the more potential mates they attract... and the more likely they are to be unfaithful.

"I’ve already been fooled by one Sterling wolf," I reminded myself firmly. "I won’t be trapped by another, no matter how strong his scent or how powerful his Alpha energy."

After completing the proposal revisions, I sent them to Kane, instructing him to forward them to Damian. If the Alpha wanted to cooperate with us, fine. If not, I wouldn’t compromise myself for a business deal. My wolf bloodline was too precious, my status too valuable, to risk for a partnership that might make me vulnerable.

The way Damian looked at me deeply unsettled me. His amber eyes tracked me with the focus of a predator stalking prey—like the big bad wolf eyeing Little Red Riding Hood, knowing exactly what he wanted to devour first.

Sleep eluded me that night. I tossed and turned, replaying our encounter, fighting against the treacherous attraction my wolf felt toward him. By morning, dark circles had formed under my eyes, but I still dragged myself to the office.

Kane appeared at my office door mid-morning with surprising news.

"ME Group has agreed to the partnership," he reported. "They’re ready to sign the contract."

"Then you go," I immediately replied, shuffling papers on my desk to avoid eye contact. "Just tell them I’m a small secretary and you’ve assigned me other tasks."

When Kane returned hours later, his expression told me something was wrong before he spoke.

"He refused to sign," Kane said, placing the unsigned contract on my desk.

I looked up. "What? Sterling changed his mind?"

"No. He said he’ll only sign if you come personally."

I stared at the contract, feeling trapped. As if on cue, my phone vibrated with a new message. The screen showed Damian’s name, his text simple but sharp: "Avoiding me?"

My heart skipped a beat. I initially decided not to respond, but that would only confirm his suspicions. After a moment’s hesitation, I replied:

"Of course not. I’ve been assigned other duties by management."

His response came almost immediately: "You seem afraid I’ll eat you up. Weren’t you quite bold when you were embracing me at the bar? Or when you were surrounded by male models at the club? Where’s that courage now, little wolf?"

I could almost hear his deep, mocking voice through the text. My fingers hovered over the keyboard as Nora whimpered nervously within me.

"I’m not afraid. We’re just incompatible," I finally replied.

"Then who is compatible with you? Your ex? Or that young wolf who was flirting with you?"

My scalp tightened with tension. Why was he interrogating me like this? We weren’t mates or even dating. He had no claim on me, no right to question my actions or past relationships. I decided the best response was no response at all. I wasn’t afraid—I was just exercising my right to maintain boundaries.

For the next two days, I successfully avoided any encounters with Damian Sterling. Yes, I was avoiding him, but I had every right to do so. Unfortunately, Ethan seemed to have taken up permanent residence in the lobby of the Crescent Dawn building.

I’d already had security remove him twice, but he kept coming back like an unwanted stray dog. Apparently, he thought he could wear down my resistance through persistence—as if I were some prize that could be won through sheer stubbornness.

Kane told me Ethan claimed to be seeking a business partnership with Lancaster Group. He seemed to think that, like ancient human stories where leaders visited advisors three times to show determination, his repeated appearances might eventually win my consideration or at least a meeting.

But I knew better. Even if Lancaster Group would never partner with him, Ethan hoped for a chance to see me. I’d heard through pack channels that he and Scarlett fought frequently—their pairing apparently wasn’t the paradise he’d imagined when he betrayed me.

I’d caught him stalking our old photos on social media, indulging in nostalgia about our "good memories." The fool actually thought I was his lost jewel, not recognizing that I was a crown he’d never deserved.

When Kane told me Ethan was back again, I didn’t even look up from my work.

"Get rid of him," I said flatly. "His presence brings bad energy to our territory."

"Consider it done," Kane replied with a slight smile, clearly enjoying his role as my enforcer.

Just as Kane turned to leave, another knock came at my office door, followed by a familiar face chewing gum with casual confidence.

"Long time no see, Victoria," Alexander Hayes grinned, walking uninvited into my office.

I immediately felt a headache coming on. "Alexander? Who let you in?"

"What do you think?" He smirked, leaning against my desk. "My grandfather and your grandfather. The old man sent me to ’cultivate our relationship,’ and your grandfather gave me building access."

I rubbed my temples in frustration. Was my grandfather deliberately trying to complicate my life? As if dealing with one Sterling wasn’t enough!