Chapter 166
Third POV:
**On the other side of the call…
Alina’s frustration simmered as she tossed the phone aside.
Whirling around, she flung herself dramatically into Anthony’s arms, her tone both pleading and demandin
Honey, why does it have to be Sophia to invest? There are so many people who would jump at the chance to invest in our theater group. Let’s just find someone else. Please?”
Though her words were sweetened with affection, irritation crept into her voice.
The thought of Sophia taking her money elsewhere gnawed at her, and the pressure Anthony had placed on her made it worse.
Anthony, however, was unfazed. His cold, calculating eyes regarded her as if weighing her worth.
What, you don’t like the lead role?” he asked, his tone devoid of emotion.
“No!” Alina exclaimed quickly, her heart racing. “I like it! I’m just… curious, that’s all.”
Anthony’s gaze remained icy.
“This investor is important. If you secure this deal, it won’t just be about money. You’ll be recognized by the Iron Claw Pack. Do understand what that means?”
YOU
Alina’s stomach churned with unease.
She knew all too well the implications.
Iron Claw was a prestigious pack, one whose approval could solidify her status.
But her earlier tantrums with Sophia had backfired spectacularly.
Now, the investor had slipped through her fingers, and she had no idea how to fix it.
“I understand,” she mumbled, her usual confidence faltering.
The Alpha’s Substitute Lama: & Heart Claime.
166
Anthony sighed, clearly annoyed. “She’s beautiful, sure,” he thought, “but her inability to think ahead is infuriating.”
He had hoped to use Alina’s play to demonstrate his capabilities, not just to Sophia but to Lirian.
Anthony had spent years trying to step out of Lirian’s shadow, desperate for a single word of praise. from his accomplished cousin.
Securing this deal was supposed to be his ticket to recognition.
“If you can’t handle this, we’ll have to drop it entirely,” Anthony said, his voice sharp. “This can’t drag
on.”
Alina’s heart sank. “I’ll handle it,” she promised, though her voice wavered.
Anthony nodded curtly and stood to leave. “I have other business to attend to. My sister–in–law is in town for some work, so I’ll be seeing her soon.”
Alina hesitated. “Can I come along?”
“No,” Anthony replied firmly, not bothering to explain.
He left without another glance, leaving Alina to stew in her own frustration.
The moment he was gone, Alina snatched up her phone again, dialing quickly. She was determined. to salvage this mess.
Sophia’s POV:
At that moment, I was in the middle of freshening up when my phone rang again.
Glancing at the screen, I sighed. Alina’s name flashed across it.
Against my better judgment, I answered.
“Yes?” I said casually, still toweling my damp hair.
Alina’s tone was, as usual, laced with arrogance. “Sophia, I’ve decided not to hold a grudge against wou for your little stunt. Let’s move forward.”
“Excuse me?” I replied, arching an eyebrow.
Without missing a beat, she added, “Invest in our project again, but this time, you don’t interfere with the casting. I must play the female lead.”
The Alpha’s Substitute Lima: A Heart Claimed. A Soul Reborn
Chapter 106
Her audacity left me momentarily speechless. “Where,” I finally asked, “did you get the confidence to make such a demand?”
Alina’s laugh was soft but condescending.
“Sophia, do you even realize who you’re turning down? I’m offering you a golden opportunity. Everyone is dying to cast me. Every TV show, every movie–big productions, all of them. Are you really going to let this slip away?”
Before I could respond, the doorbell rang.
Curious, I glanced through the peephole and blinked in surprise.
Standing there, looking composed and utterly out of place in the middle of my chaotic morning, was
Anthony.
“I’m sure,” I said bluntly into the phone, cutting off Alina’s rant.
Without waiting for her reaction, I ended the call and opened the door.
“Anthony,” I greeted him, my tone wary but polite.
He stepped inside with a confident stride, his presence filling the room.
His sharp suit and composed demeanor made him seem like he belonged in a boardroom, not at my hotel door. His expression softened slightly as he greeted me.
“Hello, sister–in-law.”
Since I didn’t want to waste any more energy on Alina, I ended the call with a sharp press of the button and turned my attention back to Anthony. He stood a few steps away, his sharp features softened by concern.
I was about to ask him about his reason for the visit but instead was interrupted by him…
“Everything all right?” he asked, his tone laced with curiosity. “You didn’t seem too thrilled with
whoever was on the line.”
