Chapter 20 Emilio
Emilio
Anxiety claws at my throat, making it hard to breathe.
The familiar tightness in my chest builds with every step toward the conference room, every second that ticks closer to this meeting.
My hands shake slightly, and I clench them into fists to hide it.
This is it. The moment where everything either falls into place or completely falls apart.
Liam's hand finds the small of my back, the touch sending warmth through me, helping to ease some of the panic threatening to spiral out of control.
The light blue suit I chose this morning fits perfectly, tailored to hide my belly while still looking professional.
Liam has already mentioned peeling it off of me multiple times since I put it on, to distract from the awkward, fake story we put together.
Even Akira pressed a firm kiss to my forehead before we headed down the stairs, the gesture so unexpectedly tender it made my breath catch.
His lips lingered there for a moment, and I could feel the weight of what he wasn't saying.
Be brave. We've got you. You're not alone.
All of it communicated in that single touch.
Otto stands by the conference room doors, his expression as unreadable as ever. But his eyes ask questions, the way they always do when he knows I'm keeping something from him. The man has worked for my family long enough to read me better than almost anyone.
"We came to an agreement," I say quietly, keeping my voice low so no one else can hear. "They won't take anything from me, but they'll stand in for me as my Alphas." Akira was supposed to be my Alpha, but in the end, it didn’t make sense to only choose one of them.
Otto chuckles and then he nods, understanding passing between us without need for more words.
He's worried, I can see it in the set of his shoulders.
But he trusts my judgment, or at least he's willing to support my decisions even when he disagrees with them.
His hand reaches for the door handles. "Ready? " he asks.
No. I'm not ready. I'll never be ready for this. But I nod anyway because what choice do I have? Otto presses the doors open, and we step inside.
The investors are already gathered around the long table.
Every single one of them. My irritation spikes immediately.
The meeting wasn't supposed to start for another ten minutes.
They gathered early, probably to discuss me without me present.
To talk about whether I'm fit to run this club, whether my Alphas are real, whether they should just hand everything over to Zaden and be done with it.
Composing myself takes effort. Every muscle in my body wants to tense, wants to lash out, and demand to know what they were discussing. But I force my expression into something neutral. This is a performance. I need to play my part.
Walking to the head of the table, I take my seat. Akira and Liam flank me, one on each side. The symbolism isn't lost on anyone in the room. I'm protected, claimed, and backed by powerful Alphas. It's exactly the image we need to project.
"Thank you all for coming," I start, my voice steady. "I know there have been concerns about my ability to manage Aurum Pulse given recent events and my condition. I'd like to address those concerns by introducing you to Akira and Liam Stark."
Akira stands smoothly, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"Gentlemen, Ms. Patricia," he nods to the one female investor.
"I'm Akira Stark. My brother Liam and I have been working closely with Emilio for several months now.
We've kept our relationship quiet until now out of respect for Emilio's desire to prove himself independently. "
Akira's tone is confident, authoritative, and exactly what these investors want to hear from an Alpha. He's playing the role perfectly, and I should be grateful. I am grateful. But something about watching him take charge makes me angry because all of the investors are suddenly more interested.
Charles leans forward, his expression skeptical. "And you're both willing to take on responsibility for the club's operations?"
"We're willing to support Emilio in whatever capacity he needs," Liam says, forcing his authority into his voice. "But let's be clear. This is his club. His vision, his work, his legacy. We're here to provide backing, not to take over which is why we didn’t step forward until we were asked."
The distinction should matter. It should reassure me. But already I can see the investors' attention shifting. Their eyes move from me to Akira and Liam, assessing them. Deciding whether to trust them more than they trust me.
Charles asks another question, this one about security protocols. Before I can answer, before I can even open my mouth, he directs it to Akira. "What measures are you implementing to ensure last night's incident doesn't happen again?"
Akira glances at me, a quick check-in. I nod slightly, giving him permission to answer. What else can I do? If I insist on answering myself, I'll look like I'm not willing to work with my Alphas. Like the relationship is fake.
"We've already begun reviewing all security footage and protocols," Akira says.
"The missing hour of footage is concerning, and we're working with law enforcement to determine who had access to delete it.
Additionally, we're implementing stricter vetting for anyone who enters the VIP section and increasing the number of security personnel on duty during peak hours. "
The answer is good. It's comprehensive and shows we're taking the situation seriously. But it's also information I should have been giving. Decisions I should have been making. And now Akira is presenting them like they're his ideas, like he's the one in charge.
Gregory asks about the Neon Dreams contract, about future sponsorship opportunities.
Again, the question goes to Akira instead of me.
And again, Akira answers, referencing conversations we had upstairs about maintaining relationships with current sponsors while pursuing new ones.
Everything he says aligns with my vision for the club.
But it's coming from his mouth, not mine.
The meeting continues like this for forty-five minutes.
Question after question directed at Akira and Liam, with me sitting at the head of the table like a figurehead.
Like decoration. My hands clench under the table, nails digging into my palms hard enough to leave marks.
This is exactly what I was afraid of. Exactly what I knew would happen the moment Alphas got involved.
Zaden sits on the other side of the table, his anger palpable.
His plan backfired spectacularly. Instead of exposing me as a liar and taking my club, he's watching me consolidate power with not one but two Alphas.
Two very capable, very intimidating Alphas who clearly know how to handle themselves in a business setting.
But his anger is nothing compared to mine. The rage builds with every question answered by someone who isn't me, with every nod of approval the investors give to Akira's responses. This is my club. My work. My life. And I'm watching it slip through my fingers in real time.
Finally, mercifully, the meeting ends. The investors stand, gathering their things and making small talk.
A few approach Akira and Liam to shake their hands, to welcome them officially.
Patricia stops by my seat, giving me a small smile that's probably meant to be encouraging but just feels condescending.
"You've made good choices, Emilio," she says. "Having strong Alphas beside you will make all the difference."
The implication is clear. I couldn't do it alone.
I needed help. I needed men to step in and save me.
I manage a tight smile and thank her for her support.
When most of the investors have cleared out, I grab one of them by the arm.
Marcus, one of the younger ones, who I thought might actually see me as an equal. "What the fuck was that?"
Marcus has the decency to look uncomfortable. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean," I hiss, keeping my voice low. "Every question was directed at them. Not me. I'm still the owner of this club."
Marcus sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Emilio. It was either your Alphas or Zaden. It was never going to be you."
The words hit like a physical blow. "What?" I shrink back a little, swallowing the words I truly want to say.
"We were going to vote you out," Marcus admits, not quite meeting my eyes.
"Before your Alphas showed up. The consensus was that a pregnant Omega can't run a club this size, especially not one dealing with the kind of problems you've been facing.
Zaden was going to take over. But then you brought in the Starks and.
.." He shrugs. "They're impressive. Capable.
The kind of Alphas who can actually protect an investment.
So we're willing to keep you on, as long as they're involved. "
"Get out."
Marcus nods and leaves, probably relieved to escape the conversation.
And I stand there in the conference room, trembling with rage and hurt and betrayal.
It was never going to be me. All my work, all my effort, all the years I've poured into this club.
None of it mattered. Because I'm an Omega.
Because I'm pregnant. Because I don't have an Alpha.
Except now I do. Two of them. And they just took over my life in the span of one meeting.
Stalking into my office, I find Akira there, leaning against my desk like he owns it. Liam sits on the couch, looking far too relaxed for someone who just participated in my professional humiliation.
"What the fuck was that?" I demand, my voice shaking with barely controlled anger.
Liam laughs, the sound making my rage spike higher. "Mili, calm down."