Chapter 17 -Laila Kael's eyes have been fixed on me even before I sat , and he hasn't looked away since . 52 55 vouchers His gaze is heavy with silent fury . I can practically feel his anger brewing beneath his calm facade , even more so now that he can't fully express it , and has no choice but to force a smile . At least now he knows how it feels when I have to play the dutiful wife even when he's been nothing but cruel and controlling to me . He wants to see me squirm . That's the only explanation for why he'd send Cameron my way before a meeting with the most important members of Blackwood Pack who are also the executives . But I won't give him the satisfaction . The atmosphere in the boardroom is tight with questions no one dares ask . Not yet , at least . More than a couple of glances shift between me and Kael , Kael and Cameron and then me and Cameron . They're trying to understand how our history might impact the pack and Blackwood Co. With the media throwing speculations around about me and Cameron's abruptly ended marriage , they're probably wondering why I'm even here . Even when I'm not the one who's done anything to be ashamed of . Cameron ... seeing him so soon after our altercation is unnerving . He's still frozen and he can barely mask his surprise . His eyes find mine and he holds my gaze for longer than necessary . It's only a fraction of a second , but I see it . This is getting to him , just like Kael intends . And Kael has barely started yet . Somewhere deep down , I feel a trace of sympathy . I squash the thought almost instantly . Cameron doesn't deserve any consideration from me . " As I said , we can't begin without Mrs Blackwood . " Kael agrees with a nod . Cameron's gaze flicks between Kael and me , his jaw tightens as his eyes land on my hand resting on the table where my wedding band catches the lighting . Kael doesn't allow Cameron's stare last too long . He places a hand over mine , the contact is casual enough it can pass for nothing , if it wasn't for how he entwines our fingers . A slow but intentional gesture . He doesn't even glance my way , but his touch speaks for itself . Laila's mine now , not yours . The message is louder than the silence in the boardroom . Cameron's composure slips visibly , his expression turning ugly . He tries to bury it by shifting his attention to the papers in front of him but the tightness in his jaws gives him away . 14:15 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 17 He's on edge . Cameron's not used to losing anything to someone else . Finally , he clears his throat , his voice is tight as he says , " Shall we begin ? " ( 52 ) 55 vouchers " Yes . " Kael agrees easily , as if he didn't just subtly humiliate Cameron in the presence of executives , particularly those Blackwood pack members who know we were once married , and now watch him fume in silence . " I'll be representing the interests of Mystic Inc in this negotiation . " I say , suppressing the stutter creeping up my throat . " As we all know , my husband's ties to the Blackwood family makes it inconvenient for him to make sole decisions , hence he will make little to no contributions . " Mystic Inc was majorly populated by rogues under Kael's command . Naturally , rogues don't trust the Blackwoods and Kael has to make this agreement appear unbiased , hence why I've been involved . Cameron's eyes narrow , but he keeps them trained on the papers . One of the executives leans forward , reeking of expensive cologne and smugness . " Mrs Blackwood , we understand Mystic Inc has ... unconventional operations . How exactly do you plan to prove legitimacy in this merger ? " Before I can respond , Kael's hand under the table moves to rest on my thigh . It's just a shift at first , nothing alarming . Or so I think . As the negotiation proceeds , his hand slides further along my thigh , rubbing a slow circle in a manner that initially seems completely innocent ... but nothing is ever innocent with Kael . With each slow circle , his hand inches higher , and higher , until it lingers just below my skirt . " We can't just allow rogues into Thorneville just because Mystic Inc vouches for them , " Another executive was saying . " Business is business . But territory laws are clear , rogues trespassing on Thorneville will be closely monitored ... " Kael's hand slips beneath the fabric of my skirt . My heart rate spikes but I quickly regain composure , forcing a smile to my lips . It takes everything in me not to stiffen . Or give anything away . I don't know what he's playing at , but Kael is clearly intent on making this the longest meeting I'll ever sit through. This is his way of getting back at me for not showing up when he asked me to . " I mean , you don't think you're becoming a pack , do you ? " The executive continued , chuckling derisively . " There's no law that says it can't be done . " I reply blankly , The executive's smile drops . Cameron who'd been avoiding my eyes glances over at me , and even Kael's curious hand pauses for a moment . " The rogue reformation program has been running for decades . The law states clearly that rogues deserve to 14:15 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 17 be treated with respect , so long as they pose no threat to Thorneville . " 52 55 vouchers " Hence , we will not accept any undue harassment or unfair treatment . Particularly when their skills are imperative for the success of this partnership . " I continue firmly , " Otherwise , Mystic Inc has thrived excellently in Ridgeway and there are more than enough territories eager to offer us a chance to expand into their cities in exchange for a partnership . " " Blackwood Corporation is the first choice ... but not the only choice . " I pause , letting my words sink in . " Can you say the same for Mystic Inc ? " I leave the words hanging . Partly for the effect , but on the other hand , my breath catches inaudibly as Kael's fingers lightly brush my panties . He's testing me ... pushing me to react . It's punishment , but at the same time , it's another one of Kael's games . " Blackwood Corporation can provide Mystic Inc with publicity you won't get anywhere else ." Cameron finally says , " or all the benefits you offer , it doesn't change the fact that Mystic Inc has operated in the underground world for years , with strong ties to the Mafia . " " The reputation of Blackwood Corporation offers you a place in Thorneville and a standing with the most renowned business empires on the continent ." Cameron pauses , placing down his pen . " Without that , Mystic Inc is forever doomed to operate in the shadows with no legitimacy ... " His eyes flicker to Kael as he speaks , " And no claim . " Kael doesn't react . He doesn't even flinch . For a moment , the boardroom goes silent . Cameron smirks like he's won the upper hand . " This reputation , you mean ? " I ask , tossing my phone across the table where the news headlines light up the screen . Blackwood Corporation stocks plummeting due to circulating rumours . A picture of Cameron and I leaving Axis Loft from different directions in the same frame is the front and center of the news headline . Murmurs of displeasure are echoed by the executives . Cameron's face is as white as a sheet . Kael's hand on my thigh goes still . He looks my way , properly this time . I can read the question in his eyes , ' Did you do this ? ' I tear my gaze away from him . There's no need to give an answer to the obvious . Kael's willing to sacrifice my reputation for his purposes . If I can't fight him , I should help him . 14:16 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 18