His Mate in Secret His Shame in Public

Synopsis

“I’m sorry, miss, your name isn’t on the list.” The Delta security guard didn’t even glance at me as he stepped forward, solid as a wall. His hand hovered near his earpiece. I laughed—too loud, too awkward. “That’s impossible. Try again. Poppy Chen. I’m Alpha Rhys Montgomery’s Beta. We’ve worked together every day for two years.” He didn’t blink. “Alpha Montgomery’s instructions were very clear. No uninvited guests.” The night air bit at my bare shoulders. I clutched the bouquet tighter—white roses, Rhys’s favorite. I’d chosen them this morning, still believing this would be the night he kept his promise. My hands were trembling now, petals bruising under my grip. “Call him,” I said. “Please. Just call and tell him I’m here.” “I have my orders, ma’am.” From Rhys. It didn’t make sense. He wouldn’t— But behind the towering glass doors, the Apex Project launch party glittered like a fantasy. Champagne flutes flashed under crystal chandeliers. People in designer gowns and tailored suits moved like royalty in a dream I helped build. My dream. My heart stumbled against my ribs. I stepped closer. “You don’t understand. That celebration in there? I co-led that project. I helped write the pitch. I stayed up nights fixing the back-end code. I negotiated the Singapore licensing myself.” His jaw flexed, but his tone was stone. “Ma’am. Step aside.” Just then, through the glass, I saw him—Rhys. Alpha of Montgomery Technologies. My Alpha. Tall, crisp, composed. He stood near the ballroom stage, laughing with a circle of executives, every inch the future