Alpha's Regret: Losing His True Mate

Elodie’s POV

I looked at Johnny, silently asking if we should go after Yale. If we should try to fix this.

Johnny shook his head firmly. A clear message: Let him go.

I understood why, even if it hurt to watch talent walk away. But I also knew what Johnny wasn’t saying out loud, Yale must have had feelings for Sienna. It was written all over his face the second her name came up. The way he’d defended her so fiercely, the way he’d looked at me like I was the villain in this story.

He’d already made up his mind about me before I’d even opened my mouth.

And the worst part? I couldn’t even defend myself properly. Couldn’t tell them that I’d built CUAP, that it was my code, my architecture, my vision that had become legendary in this industry.

Because of the confidentiality agreements. Because of the government contracts tied to it. Because my identity as CUAP’s creator was classified information that couldn’t be revealed without clearance.

So I had to stand here and take it. Had to let Yale and probably half this team think I was just some unqualified woman Johnny was doing a favor for.

It was humiliating.

Johnny cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention back to him. His voice was steady, authoritative. “I know some of you might have questions after what just happened. But let me be very clear, Elodie’s credentials speak for themselves, PhD or not. I’ve personally reviewed her work, and I can guarantee that her technical capabilities are more than sufficient for this role.”

The room was silent.

Nobody said anything, but I could see the doubt in their eyes. The skepticism. The way some of them exchanged glances that clearly said, Sure, boss. Whatever you say.