Her Alien Owner

14. Valen

CHAPTER 14

VALEN

" V alen, are you out of your goddamn mind?" The investor’s voice crackles through the holo-screen, his image flickering slightly. "You let a competing operation snatch up land right next to your mine?"

I lean back in my chair, the muscles in my jaw tightening. "This is news to me, Mason. That land is legally protected, or else it would've been mine ages ago. Some rare bird species nests there. Details?"

Mason’s face reddens with anger. "Details? The whole market's buzzing with it! You’ve got investors doubting your abilities, questioning your leadership. You think you can afford that kind of hit?"

A cold fire burns in my chest. "Who bought the land?"

"Some shadow corporation linked to Axton Mining. They’re setting up shop right under your nose." Mason's eyes narrow, frustration clear.

I cut the call short, severing the connection with a swipe of my hand. The room falls silent, the hum of distant machinery barely noticeable through the thick walls of my estate.

Turning to my console, I punch in a series of commands. The name "Axton Mining" flashes on the screen alongside data streams and reports. My eyes scan the information, piecing together how this happened.

My secretary enters quietly, sensing my mood. "Sir, there’s more," she says, holding out a tablet. "It appears Councilor Thornhill signed off on the sale using some sort of legal loophole."

I grab the tablet, eyes narrowing at Thornhill’s name. Of course it’s him—a man with a personal vendetta against me ever since I refused his bribery attempts years ago.

"A loophole," I mutter under my breath. "Bastard knew exactly what he was doing."

She nods, her expression tense. "Yes, sir. The land was previously protected under mining restrictions due to environmental concerns, but Thornhill bypassed that. He used a wartime-granted power that was never phased out."

My grip tightens on the tablet until my knuckles whiten. "Contact legal immediately. I want every inch of that transaction scrutinized."

"Already on it," she says before leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I pace the room, each step measured and deliberate. The consequences of this dirty deal ripple through my mind—a direct threat to my business and everything I’ve built.

"Thornhill," I growl to myself, fists clenching at my sides. This isn’t just about business anymore; it's personal.

Leaving my office, I feel Thornhill’s betrayal settling heavily on my shoulders. The corridors of the estate seem longer today, the usual elegance of the decor doing little to soothe my anger. My footsteps echo off the polished floors as I make my way to the dining hall for lunch, each step a reminder of the brewing storm in my mind.

"Good afternoon, Valen," Ariana’s voice is warm, like sunlight cutting through a dark cloud.

I glance at her briefly, offering only a curt nod. "Afternoon." My voice is clipped, barely masking my frustration. I don’t stop walking.

Her face falls slightly, but she quickly masks it with a smile. "I was just about to?—"

"Not now," I cut her off, eyes fixed ahead. "Later."

Her footsteps falter as she watches me pass by. There’s a fleeting look of hurt in her eyes, one that I catch out of the corner of mine but choose to ignore.

Entering the dining hall, I head straight for the far end where lunch has been laid out by the staff. The aroma of freshly baked bread and spiced meats fills the air, but it does little to alleviate my mood.

Grabbing a plate, I pile on some food mechanically. My mind races with thoughts of legal battles and strategic moves against Axton Mining. The meal before me might as well be sawdust for all the attention I pay it.

"Valen," Ariana's voice reaches me again, softer this time.

I turn to find her standing a few feet away, a tentative look on her face. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to check if you’re alright," she says, taking a small step forward.

"I’m fine," I reply brusquely. "Just... busy."

She bites her lip, nodding slowly. "Okay. If you need anything..."

I give her a stiff nod before turning back to my food. Her presence lingers for a moment before she quietly leaves the room.

Sitting down at the long dining table, I dig into my meal with little enthusiasm. The flavors are lost on me as I replay Mason’s words in my head. Doubting your abilities... questioning your leadership...

The next day, I stride through the estate, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. Every imperfection stands out like a glaring insult. A smudge on the ornate mirror in the hallway catches my eye.

"Unacceptable," I mutter, wiping it with my sleeve. My voice is louder than intended, echoing off the walls.

A few steps later, a vase is slightly out of place on its pedestal. I adjust it with more force than necessary, causing a few staff members to glance over nervously. My eyes narrow as I spot Jameson, the head butler, approaching with a cautious look.

"Jameson!" I bark, making him flinch. "What’s going on here? This estate should be immaculate."

Jameson swallows hard. "I assure you, sir, we’ve been maintaining?—"

"Clearly not," I cut him off. "A smudge on the mirror? A vase out of place? This is sloppy work."

A few more staff members gather at a distance, their eyes wide and anxious. Among them is Ariana. She looks at me with a mix of concern and fear that twists something deep inside me. I want to comfort her, but business must be taken care of first.

"Valen," she begins softly, stepping forward.

"Not now," I snap without looking at her, my tone sharper than intended.

She recoils as if struck and turns to run down the hall. Her sudden movement pulls at something in my chest, but I shove it aside. There’s no room for softness right now.

Tragan appears from around the corner, his usual calm demeanor in place. He approaches cautiously but with purpose.

"Sir," he says quietly, "a word?"

I turn to face him, eyes blazing. "What?"

He places a firm hand on my shoulder, guiding me away from the watching eyes of the staff. "What’s going on? You’re not usually this... volatile."

I shake off his hand and glare at him. "Thornhill happened! That rat bastard found a loophole and sold land to Axton Mining right next to my operations."

Tragan nods slowly. "I see. But taking it out on your staff won’t fix that."

"I don’t need a lecture from you," I growl.

He holds up his hands in surrender but doesn’t back down. "Nor do certain…staff members need a tongue lashing from you."

I take a deep breath and look away, realizing too late that my anger has made me lash out at everyone around me—including Ariana. The image of her running away flashes in my mind again, and regret mingles with my fury.

"You’re right," I admit grudgingly after a moment of tense silence. "I’ve been... distracted."

Tragan nods again but says nothing more about it. He knows when to push and when to let things lie.

Turning back towards the estate, I take another deep breath, trying to center myself. Thornhill may have struck a blow, but this isn’t over—not by a long shot.

As Tragan walks away, his parting words linger in the air: "Remember who you’re really fighting for."

I step out of the estate, the crisp air biting against my skin. The weight of Thornhill’s betrayal still hangs heavy, but I need to clear my head. I've been through worse; I’ll get through this too.

As I walk, the distant hum of machinery from Armstrong mingles with the chirping of alien birds. The contrast is stark, a reminder of the city's struggle to rebuild amidst nature’s resilience.

Mason’s words replay in my mind. Doubting your abilities... questioning your leadership... I clench my fists. They’ll see soon enough who they're dealing with.

"Valen, you’ve faced bigger threats than a land deal," I mutter to myself, the cold air burning in my lungs. "You’ve got media contacts, environmentalists—people who can blow this deal sky-high."

My thoughts shift to Ariana, her wide eyes filled with hurt when I snapped at her. She didn't deserve that. She’s been nothing but kind and genuine, unlike the sycophants that usually surround me.

"I have to make this right," I whisper, determination hardening in my chest. "She needs to trust me."

I picture Ariana’s face as she ran from me—her hair flowing behind her like a banner of retreat. It stings more than any business setback.

I quicken my pace, the estate's gardens blurring past in shades of green and gold. Memories of harsher times flicker in my mind: battles fought and won, enemies crushed beneath my heel. Thornhill is just another adversary to be dealt with.

Reaching a secluded bench by the fish pond, I sit down heavily, elbows resting on my knees. The water ripples as colorful fish glide beneath the surface—a calming sight that does little to soothe my turbulent thoughts.

The path forward is clear: First, dismantle Thornhill’s dirty deal piece by piece using every contact and resource at my disposal. Second, win back Ariana’s trust and show her she means more to me than just another employee.

A movement catches my eye—Tragan approaches cautiously but doesn’t speak until he’s closer.

"Taking a breather?" he asks.

"More like plotting Thornhill’s downfall," I reply with a wry smile.

He chuckles softly. "Sounds like you."

I nod, appreciating his presence more than words can convey. "Also... I need to fix things with Ariana."

Tragan raises an eyebrow but says nothing, letting me continue.

"I hurt her today," I admit quietly. "And not just today—I've been so wrapped up in this mess that I haven’t been fair to her."

He studies me for a moment before speaking. "You know what you need to do then."

"I do," I say firmly. "And it starts now."

Standing up, I give Tragan a nod before heading back towards the estate with renewed purpose. Thornhill can wait; Ariana cannot.