The Billionairess's Trusted Alpha Mate

Chapter 4

Kyra's POV

The conference room was bathed in light from the wall of windows that faced the back of the board of directors. They sat like judges in a courtroom setting and me as the defendant. Sitting on a raised wooden desk, all wearing black like they were there to direct my funeral instead of my social life.

I huffed quietly as I made my way to the small table set in front of them, Damien was already seated to the left of me, laptop open and ready to take notes as soon as the meeting started. He looked very smug as I sat down, and I groaned inwardly wondering what lies he told the board that I would have to explain.

The door cracked open, and Jess slid in quietly, taking her place at the corner in the back of the room. I barely cracked a smile at her, a little relieved that she was here for moral support as one of the board members cleared their throat, and the meeting began.

"Ms. Addison, we have called this meeting today regarding the actions of yourself and your sister and how it reflects upon Windmere's reputation as a company." Mrs. Donnelly started as she stood up. She was medium height in heels, which meant she was a bit shorter than me with short brown curls tied back in a severe bun. Her skin was flawlessly creamy with dark eyes and a few wrinkles on her face. Her maroon business jacket and skirt made her coloring pop. Anita Donnelly was not one of my favorite people, but she was very trusted by my late parents, which is why she was on the board.

I sighed quietly, Jess had already warned me about this, but that didn't mean I wasn't angry. "I understand about the actions of Becca, and I have tried to explain and even ground her when she acts that way, but nothing I do will get through to her." I explained. Thomas Martin, an arrogant man who sat on the other side of Anita, scoffed at me, his green eyes flashing in a disbelieving look. He stood up, interrupting Anita as he had to get his two cents in, "You obviously aren't trying hard enough. How hard is it to wrangle a 16 year old girl into behaving?! Have you not sent a bodyguard or chaperone with her to make sure she didn't get into trouble?" He asked condescendingly. He reminded me a lot of Damien, but he was even more arrogant, if that was possible.

I smirked at him, so badly wanting to sass him back, but knowing it would only backfire on me. Walter Nelson, the head of the board, who sat in the middle, coughed politely. His blue eyes smiled at me kindly, and his wrinkled face broke into a grin, "Spoken like someone who doesn't have kids or even teenagers in his home. I believe Ms. Addison has done all of those things and possibly more, but if a teenager wants to get into trouble, they will, whether it's a parent or a guardian, watching over them. Would you have listened if your older siblings tried to tell you what to do? Especially after your parents passed away?" he asked.

Thomas's face flushed red, and he slumped in his seat, wrinkling his expensive blue suit. He started muttering under his breath but said no more out loud, knowing he was put in his place.

The woman on the other side of Walter stood, Ms. Jacqueline Mason, she was a middle-aged woman, about 40 with long blonde hair and dark blue eyes that looked almost like a jewel if they shone in the sunlight. She smiled kindly at me, "Kyra, we are aware that you have done what you can with Becca, but unfortunately, it has gotten a bit out of hand. She was seen in a nightclub just last night and was almost abducted. If the bouncer of the club hadn't stopped her from going with the guy, she would have been. And she was wasted." she said sympathetically.

I looked at her in shock, I hadn't heard a word about this! Sure, I had been working late, but I always made sure Becca was home before I went to bed. And Mrs. Davis was always certain Becca never went anywhere until I got home due to the past trouble she kept getting into. I rubbed my temples tiredly, and I knew a headache was going to start.

I stood calmly and explained this to the board, Anita and Thomas looked skeptical, and Damien was typing away madly on his laptop, looking like Christmas came early. Walter held up his hand, "While we acknowledge your efforts, Kyra, something obviously has to be done about Becca's behavior. This goes beyond normal parenting, and while I know your late parents would disapprove, the board is considering sending her away to boarding school." I shook my head adamantly. Sending Becca away would just give her a chance to get into more trouble.

The last board member, Ryan Masters, kept his face poker straight, a dark man. He usually liked to remain neutral. But when he stood, his black suit gleaming in the morning sun, I knew he was in agreement with this plan. I shook my head quietly, Mom and Dad never wanted us to be separated. And Becca would never agree to it either, "You have another option, Miss Kyra." He stated calmly, and I braced myself for the next words out of his mouth. "You can either send Miss Becca to boarding school and hope the discipline there curbs her behavior, or we can extend an internship to her here where you and the board can keep an eye on her. She will have to work her way up from the bottom of the ladder, but hopefully, it will humble her enough when she's actually working and representing the company."

I shook my head, I didn't want Becca here. With the way she acted at home towards me, I knew she would only get worse if I had to see her here every day. Plus, if Damien and her teamed up, my work life would be hell. "Certainly, there's a third option? Becca does want to work here, but she won't like starting at the bottom." I asked, already knowing the tantrum I would have to deal with when I got home this afternoon. Screaming and yelling from her I could handle, but having to dodge the items she was likely to throw was another story altogether.

A noise in my head like an animal snorting startled me, and I glanced around quietly to see if anyone else had entered the room. Like that weak little human could hurt us. She's nothing more than a spoiled pup, and she needs to learn her place. I shook myself mentally. Where had that come from? I needed to get out of this meeting before I ended up saying something to the board.

I stood quietly, "I will accept the board's decision on the matter of Becca and let her know about her options. Is there anything else we need to discuss?" I asked, hoping I could get back to my office quickly.

Those hopes sank in my chest when Anita stood, eyeing me in disapproval. "Ms. Addison, we still need to speak about the upcoming ball and your participation. The board has noticed that you only attend business functions and networking parties to gain us connections, so much so that the business world has started calling you the 'Ice Queen' and while your attendance is good for the company, the CEO should be seen having more of a personal life than what you are showing." she said in clipped tones, clearly wanting me to give her my undivided attention.

A sarcastic laugh then cough came from my left, and I growled angrily at Damien's profile. The board was over the company, not my personal life. I stood and angrily said as much, but before I could launch into my tirade, Walter held up his hand again. "Kyra, while we understand your anger, we aren't saying you need to go out and act like Becca, but it would do your reputation and the company image some good if you were seen out shopping with friends or going on a date with a boyfriend. Things a normal 19 year old would do. We can't let the tragedy of your parents keep you from being yourself." he said kindly.

"So what does the board propose? Use the upcoming ball as an excuse to find my Prince Charming?!" I said sarcastically. I couldn't help it, I was fuming. I clenched my fists so hard that my nails were drawing blood.

Walter shook his head, "Not exactly, we propose to invite several key business people like normal, but invite their families as well. This way, you can get to know them better, and they, you. Plus, we are making the ball a masquerade so that everyone can mingle without having to keep up appearances. You are not expected to find a man." he stated quietly.

"Though we will not discourage you if you do find him." Jacqueline said sweetly, wiggling her eyebrows. I covered my mouth to hide my giggle behind a cough. I nodded, my mood lifting slightly. It was just a way to get the press to see me in a different light though I knew some of the business men would be trying to get their sons and daughters in my good graces so they could merge companies. But expectations wouldn't be as high, at least I thought.

The board visibly relaxed at my nod, and I felt some of the tension dissipate from the room. The meeting ended there, but as I was gathering my things to leave, I heard Damien's mutter under his breath.

"As if any man would want her."

A loud growl ripped through my chest, and I almost lunged at him. My subconscious urged me to rip him apart. Jess appeared in front of me and held me back as something tried to rise up and take control. "Damien, if you don't want to be fired, I suggest you go back to your office and learn to control your tongue." she stated sternly. Damien glared at her, then saw the look on my face and stormed out of the room without saying another word.

I took some deep breaths and began to regain control, my temples throbbing. Something was wrong with me, I looked at Jess and caught a glimpse of realization before she schooled her features and looked at me concerned. Thankfully, the board had left before that confrontation had happened. Jess grabbed my arm gently and began to tug me towards the door, "Come on, Kyra, let's get you back to your office and talk." she said quietly.

I followed her numbly, but one thing did stand out in my mind as we headed towards the elevator.

I was going to have to do something about Damien.