Claimed by My Bestie's Alpha Daddy novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Amelia

The interviews had gone better than I expected. A few awkward stumbles at first, but once I got in the rhythm of it, everything clicked. I could feel myself getting better-sharper. I started to enjoy it. Started to think maybe I was actually good at this.

Which, of course, was when things got complicated.

My next assignment came in with little warning: coordinate high-profile invitations for the upcoming charity

event. The guest list was stacked with local dignitaries and retired warriors, but one name jumped out at me- and not in a good way.

Elder Thorne.

The man was a ghost in political circles. Respected, feared, almost never seen in public. He hadn’t attended

anything remotely like this before. Inviting him felt like a trap.

And then came the real catch: Jason and I were the only interns left. One of us would be offered a long-term role

after the campaign. One spot. One test. My job? Get Elder Thorne to attend.

I crafted the most respectful, precise, humble invitation I could and sent it off. I knew it was a long shot.

It came back as a rejection the next morning. It looked like a form email-generic, stiff, like no one had even

read what I sent. Just an automatic dismissal. My stomach sank.

Jason found me by the printers, leaned against the wall like he had nothing better to do.

“Hey,” he said with a too-pleasant smile. “Any word from Elder Thorne?”

I kept my eyes on the paper tray. “Yeah. He declined.”

He let out a low whistle. “Oof. That’s rough. I mean, it’s not really surprising, is it? People like him don’t

usually show up for these things. Not unless someone… bigger reaches out.”

I didn’t respond.

He pushed off the wall and stepped closer. “You know, I’m just saying-it sucks this one counts so much. Especially for someone still figuring things out.”

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Chapter 20

“I’m doing fine,” I said tightly.

“Sure,” he said. “Of course.”

I turned away from him just as footsteps approached.

“Amelia,” said a voice behind us. Calm. Deep.

Richard.

Jason straightened instantly. I turned.

Richard’s eyes scanned the tension between us before he addressed Jason directly. “That elder’s inclusion was a

mistake.”

Jason blinked. “Sir?”

“Thorne’s political neutrality is well-known. Inviting him to a campaign-adjacent event is an unintentional provocation. He’d have no choice but to decline.”

I frowned. “So… he shouldn’t have been on the list at all?”

“No. He shouldn’t have,” Richard said, voice firm but not unkind. “We risk making it look like we’re forcing

him to take a side. It could backfire.”

The Beta joined us with a tablet and a knowing look. “The invitation’s already out. If we don’t follow up,

lead to assumptions. A visit in person would go a long way.”

it may

“I’ll go,” I said quickly—too quickly. The words were out before I even thought them through, and I blinked, a little surprised at myself. Why had I volunteered so fast? Still, I didn’t take it back.

Richard raised a brow. “You don’t have to do that alone.”

“I sent the invitation,” I said, though the words came slower this time. I hesitated before continuing, my voice

quieter. “Let me fix it.” It wasn’t just about duty anymore-I needed to prove I could take responsibility, even

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