Gentleman's Game

 Alpha's POV

 Brandon's words were sharp and cutting, meant to demean me, to reduce me to nothing more than a placeholder in Daniella's life. He called me her "toy boy," a "random boy who can't even talk." The words stung, not because they rang true, but because I felt, deep in my gut, that they were wrong. Even if I couldn't remember my past, some instinct told me I was more than what he painted me to be.

What kept me steady was Daniella. Her sharp, unrelenting comebacks cut through Brandon's ego like a blade. Calling him a "Daddy's boy" and accusing him of not having the guts to stand beside a strong woman like her? Perfect. She wasn't just defending herself, she was embodying everything I admired in a woman strength, intelligence, and independence.

I've always respected women who could hold their own, women who didn't back down or rely on others to shield them. Daniella was all of that and more. Watching her stand tall in the face of Brandon's vitriol made me admire her even more. Unlike Alana, Brandon's secretary-turned-mistress, who oozed fake sweetness and deceit. Women like Alana disgusted me, pretending to be friends while stabbing you in the back. No, Daniella was leagues above that.

When Daniella declared she was taking me as her partner to Las Vegas, my chest swelled with pride. It wasn't just a professional move for her; it felt personal, like she saw something in me that was worth trusting. And I wasn't going to let her down.

Then came the moment Mr. Lawson addressed me. His question hung in the air: "Where are you from?"

Somehow, the answer came naturally. "I'm from Mariposa, Sir," I replied confidently, even though I couldn't explain how I knew.

Mr. Lawson's eyes lit up with recognition. "Mariposa? The old town near Yosemite? Isn't that where a lot of gold mining families are from?" 

"Correct, Sir," I said smoothly, surprising even myself. "I'm third-generation in a family that owns gold mines there."

Daniella's eyes widened, and I gave her a small, reassuring smile. Whatever doubts she had, I wanted her to know I had her back, even if I couldn't explain where my sudden eloquence was coming from.

"Impressive," Mr. Lawson remarked. "Well, then, it seems you're a perfect fit to be Daniella's partner at Alex Wong's gala. Use that charm of yours to help her secure the contract for our firm." 

I nodded, standing tall. "Of course, Sir. I'll do everything I can for Daniella because I love her."

Daniella's eyes shot to mine, wide with surprise, but she quickly masked it with a playful smirk. Her lips mouthed, "I love you too," though I couldn't tell if it was genuine or just to rile Brandon. Either way, it made my heart race.

To seal the moment, I took her hand and kissed it gently. Her skin was soft, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. Brandon's disgusted scoff was audible, and Alana's face twisted into an expression of pure contempt.

Mr. Lawson chuckled at the display. "Wow, Alpha, you're quite the gentleman. I hope you keep treating Daniella this way. Don't make the same mistake as my foolish son. He had a diamond and traded it for a worthless stone." His pointed words made Alana's face darken, and I couldn't help but laugh softly.

 "Don't worry, Sir," I replied, my voice steady. "I know Daniella is a treasure. I'd never let her go."

Before anyone could respond, Brandon cut in with a sneer. "Let's see how long you last, Alpha. Having a girlfriend like Daniella is no walk in the park. She won't cuddle you. She won't make time for you. Hell, even during sex, she's probably thinking about legal clauses. Her moans aren't 'Oh, Brandon.' They're 'Oh, Section 3, Clause B!' Let's see how you feel about her in a year."

 The room fell silent, tension crackling like static electricity. Daniella's face burned with anger, her mouth opening to retort, but I beat her to it.

"She doesn't moan your name because you probably couldn't satisfy her," I said, my tone calm but razor-sharp. "With me, though? She's definitely moaning mine over and over."

Lucas, standing in the corner, couldn't hold it in. He burst out laughing, his hand flying to his mouth to stifle the sound.

"Oh my God," he gasped, tears forming in his eyes. "Alpha, I didn't think you had it in you. That was brutal, so calm and yet so devastating!"

 Even Mr. Lawson chuckled, shaking his head. "That's enough, boys," he said, though his tone lacked real reprimand. Turning to Brandon, he added, "This is a lesson for you, son. Never insult your opponent before you understand their strength. Your words can turn into a boomerang, coming back to humiliate you. I hope today you've learned that lesson."

Brandon's face turned an impressive shade of crimson, and he stared at the floor, silent.

Mrs. Lawson, ever gentle, spoke up. "If the important decisions have been made, it's time for Mr. Lawson to rest. Brandon, Alana, you can head home. I'll stay here to keep him company."

Brandon nodded stiffly, but as he and Alana turned to leave, Mr. Lawson stopped them. "Actually, go straight back to Boston. Spend your holiday strategizing how to bring in new clients. Two years, and all you've done is rack up expenses. It's time to prove yourself."

"Daddy, it's Christmas," Brandon protested weakly. "Can't I stay home for the holidays?"

Mr. Lawson's reply was calm but firm. "If I weren't in this hospital bed, I might have let you stay. But since I am, it's better you focus on work. Go back to Boston and figure out how to contribute to this family's business."

Defeated, Brandon said nothing. Alana, looking equally miserable, followed him out of the room without a word.

A few minutes later, the rest of us began to leave as well. Daniella walked beside me, her hand brushing against mine. She didn't say much, but her presence was enough.

As we stepped out into the hallway, Lucas leaned in with a grin. "Alpha, remind me never to get on your bad side. You've got a gift for delivering the perfect comeback." 

I laughed. "I just say what I feel. Simple as that."

"Simple," Lucas echoed with a smirk. "Yeah, right. You and Daniella, two peas in a pod when it comes to banter. You might actually be perfect for each other."

 Daniella glanced at me, her lips curving into a small smile. "Perfect, huh?"

 I shrugged, trying to keep my heart from racing. "Well, I'd like to think so."

Her laughter was soft, but it lit up the dim hospital corridor. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.