Chapter 113: Crossing Paths
Chapter 113: Crossing Paths
(Olivia’s POV)
I didn’t think I was generous enough to greet my ex–boyfriend’s current girlfriend enthusiastically. The sight of them together on the plane felt like silver claws raking across my heart.
1 pretended not to hear Layla Lawrence’s greeting and walked towards the back of the cabin. My amber eyes carefully avoided their gaze as I forced myself to remain calm.
Every step away from them felt like walking through quicksand. My wolf whimpered softly, recognizing Connor’s familiar pine and winter air scent even from this distance.
I kept my expression neutral despite the turmoil raging inside me. Professional composure was all I had left
to protect myself with.
The flight attendant smiled as I passed, completely unaware of the emotional storm brewing beneath my
controlled exterior.
In economy class, I finally reached my seat beside Thomas Wilson. He looked up from his tablet with excitement dancing in his eyes.
“Olivia, wasn’t that the celebrity Layla Lawrence in first class?” he asked eagerly. “Do you know her? My daughter is such a huge fan!”
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My wolf bristled at the mention of the actress. I forced my voice to remain steady and cold.
“No, I don’t know her,” I replied curtly.
Thomas Wilson’s face fell slightly, embarrassment coloring his features. “Oh, I see. My daughter would have been thrilled if I could get an autograph.”
The memory of my colleagues‘ hurtful comment echoed in my mind. No one else is worthy of the Rivers heir except her.
I offered a stiff apology, my professional training overriding my personal pain. “I’m sorry I can’t help with that.” Thomas Wilson quickly sensed the tension and changed the subject. “Well, let’s focus on our upcoming work in Southmere Territory instead.”
“Yes, of course,” I agreed with practiced composure.
The rest of the flight passed in uncomfortable silence. I stared out the small window, watching clouds drift by like my shattered dreams.
As the plane landed in Southmere Territory, I passed by first class again during disembarkation. My eyes quickly glanced at Connor’s seat, finding it empty.
The lingering traces of his familjar scent still hung in the air. My wolf sensed it immediately, causing my chest to tighten with longing.
I couldn’t describe the complex feelings washing over me. Relief that I wouldn’t have to see him again, mixed with inexplicable disappointment.
Chapter 113. Crossing Pat
Arriving at the hotel at 10 PM, I went through the motions of checking in. The lobby was elegant bet fun and unwelcoming.
After showering, I scrolled through Howlr on my phone. The trending topics made my heart sink further into. despair.
Layla Lawrence was in Southmere Territory for an entertainment gala. Which meant Connor was likely here to accompany her to the eve
The thought made my chest tighten with a familiar ache. My wolf paced restlessly within me, unable to
settle.
I tossed and turned in the hotel bed, unable to find peace. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Connor’s ice–blue gaze meeting mine on the plane.
The digital clock glowed mockingly in the
darkness. 11 PM became midnight, then 1 AM.
Unable to sleep, I grabbed my phone and ordered melatonin online for emergency delivery. The hotel concierge service was surprisingly effici
At 2 AM, I finally took one of the sleep aids. I set my alarm for 8 AM, knowing I had important work the next
day.
My wolf finally settled into an uneasy rest as the medication took effect.
Waking up with dark circles under my amber e stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. The
exhaustion was written clearly across my face.
I
I carefully applied concealer and foundation, hiding the evidence of my sleepless night. Professional appearances mattered, especially when meeting new clients.
At Southmere Royal Golf Course, the morning air was crisp and clean. Thomas Wilson seemed energized by the business opportunity ahead.
“Mr. Harrison, this is our law firm’s lawyer, Olivia Winters,” Thomas Wilson said with enthusiasm. “Miss Winters, this is the president of Apex Industries/
Harrison was a portly, forty–something Alpha with an immediately unsettling presence. His eyes lingered on me longer than appropriate.
“Miss Winters, you’re even more beautiful than Director Wilson described,” Harrison said with a leering smile. My wolf instinctively bristled at his forward behavior. I maintained my professional demeanor despite my discomfort.
Harrison reached into his golf bag and pulled out an ornate book. “I’ve brought copies of my poetry collection for you both.”
I took the collection reluctantly, noting its expensive appearance. The cover was gold–plated with elaborat decorations.
A coppery smell hit my enhanced werewolf senses from the metallic binding. The scent was overwhelming and artificial.
I flipped through the pages, reading snippets of the prose inside. The writing was pretentious and self–aggrandizing, making me cringe internally.
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< Chapter 113: Crossing Pat
“What do you think of my literary work?” Harrison asked expectantly.
I forced a polite smile, my professional training overriding my wolf’s desire to flee. “It’s very… impressive, Mr. Harrison.”
Harrison laughed loudly at my forced praise, clearly pleased with himself. His ego seemed to inflate with each compliment.
Just as he was basking in the attention, his expression suddenly changed. He spotted a group approaching across the golf course.
His entire demeanor shifted from arrogant Alpha to servile submission. The transformation was startling to
witness.
“Alpha Connor, you’re here to play golf too?” Harrison asked with obvious nervousness.
Connor Rivers‘ familiar voice came from behind me, sending shivers down my spine. “President Harrison,
good mood, what’s so happy?”
My back stiffened as my wolf recognized her ex–mate–to–be’s scent. The pine and winter air fragrance was unmistakable and intoxicating.
My carefully maintained composure threatened to c***k completely. Every instinct screamed at me to turn around and face him.
But I remained frozen in place, unable to move or speak. The weight of his presence pressed down on me like a physical force.
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