Claimed by My Ex Chapter 133 Not at all

Chapter 133: 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

I’ve actually guessed right about your horde of male admirers."

I rolled my eyes. "You’re imagining things. I don’t have ’n’ 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 seed 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 , "is sothing you’ve experienced firsthand, Victoria. Or have you forgotten?"

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

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

By the ti Damien finished his al, we’d sohow dragged out dinner for another thirty minutes with his deliberate slow eating. Finally, we headed ho together—conveniently, since he lived in the penthouse above my apartnt in the sa luxury building.

Once ho, I imdiately jumped in the shower, trying to wash away thoughts of our conversation—and mories 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.

Patrick smiled warmly. "I ntioned 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 etings 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 ti for dinner plans. I’m sorry."

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

Many things had changed over ti. 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 . Patrick seed 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 sothing that turned heads everywhere. Patrick had clearly been thinking about

during his ti 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 so free ti, perhaps? I shouldn’t have dropped in unannounced."

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

Patrick watched

enter Lancaster Industries headquarters.

...

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

"Victoria?"

"Yes, Grandfather?"

"Co ho 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 ti. When it seed 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 bead. "I spend most days alone here, so having Patrick’s company has been a delight. Co 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 , on Grandfather’s other side. Instead, he settled into the chair right next to mine, putting

in the middle.

The proximity made

uncomfortable enough to stand imdiately.

"Why don’t you take my spot, and I’ll sit over there?" I suggested, moving to Grandfather’s other side. This arrangent, 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 montarily.

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 al, 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 imdiately. "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."