Chapter 200: Dinner with Hidden Tensions
Chapter 200: Dinner with Hidden Tensions
(Olivia’s POV)
The atmosphere at our table grew increasingly tense as the evening progressed. Connor and Adrian engaged in what could only be described as a silent war, each trying to claim my attention through seemingly
innocent conversation.
“The venison here is exceptional,” Adrian said, cutting his steak with deliberate precision. “I thought you might enjoy it, Olivia.”
Connor’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Olivia prefers her meat medium–rare, not well–done like that.”
I nearly choked on my moonlight wine. How did he still remember such details about my preferences?
“Actually, I’ve been eating my steaks medium lately,” I replied coolly, not wanting to give Connor the
satisfaction of being right.
Miranda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, clearly sensing the undercurrents of tension. “This restaurant has such lovely ambiance. Perfect for business discussions.”
Her pointed emphasis on “business” made me glance at Connor. His expression remained unreadable as he
cut his food.
Grace and Sophie chatted happily about their school activities, blissfully unaware of the adult drama unfolding around them. Their innocent laughter provided the only genuine warmth at our table.
“Grace, how are your art classes going?” Connor asked, his voice softening when he addressed my half–sister.
“Really good! I painted a wolf family yesterday,” Grace beamed. “The teacher said it was beautiful.”
Connor’s smile became genuine for the first time all evening. “I’d love to see it sometime.”
Adrian’s amber eyes flashed with irritation. “Perhaps we should focus on our meal rather than making future.
plans.”
The territorial undertones in his voice made my wolf stir uneasily. I could sense both men’s barely contained
instincts beneath their civilized facades.
“The chocolate cake here is amazing,” Sophie chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. “Can we order dessert?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” I said gratefully, welcoming any distraction from the tension.
Miranda attempted to engage Connor in conversation about their supposed business collaboration, but his responses remained curt and professional. His attention kept drifting back to me, making my skin prickle
with awareness.
When the waiter brought our desserts, Connor casually mentioned, “The Rivers pack has been expanding our legal department. We might need additional external counsel”
Adrian’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. “How convenient that you’d mention that now.”
“Business opportunities arise at unexpected moments,” Connor replied smoothly.
I focused on my chocolate mousse, pretending not to notice their verbal sparring. But every word felt charged
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with meaning I didn’t want to analyze.
After we finished eating, Connor stood and adjusted his suit jacket. “I should head home. Thank you for the pleasant evening.”
“How are you getting back?” Adrian asked with false concern. “I didn’t see your driver outside.”
Connor’s expression didn’t change. “Frank had to pick up Ethan Quinn. His car broke down nearby.”
Adrian’s eyebrows rose skeptically. “What a convenient coincidence.”
“I could drive you home,” Miranda offered quickly, her voice hopeful.
Connor’s rejection was swift and cold. “That won’t be necessary. We don’t live in the same direction.”
He turned to me with calculated casualness. “Olivia, since you drove here, would you mind giving me a ride? The Rivers estate is right next to your family’s compound.”
I hesitated, sensing the trap but unable to find a graceful way out. Adrian’s disapproving expression made my decision easier.
“I suppose that would be fine,” I said reluctantly.
Connor’s mood brightened considerably. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, putting it on speaker.
“Ethan? How’s the car situation?” Connor asked.
Ethan’s voice came through clearly. “Still waiting for the tow truck, man. Thanks for understanding about
Frank.”
Adrian’s expression grew more suspicious, but he couldn’t argue with the apparent evidence.
“See?” Connor said with a slight smirk directed at Adrian. “Sometimes these things really do happen.”
I recognized the performance for what it was, but I didn’t expose their act. Privately, I didn’t want Miranda to be alone with Connor. My Luna instincts stirred despite our complicated relationship.
“Fine,” I said, standing. “Let’s go.”
Connor’s triumphant smile as he looked at Adrian made my heart skip despite myself.
We walked to the parking area where my modest BMW sedan waited Emma Thompson had driven us here and would continue as our driver.
Connor settled into the passenger seat while Grace and I took the back. His Alpha presence filled the small space, making the air feel charged with electricity.
“Thank you for this,” he said quietly as Emma started the engine.
I didn’t respond, focusing instead on Grace’s chatter about her day at school.
The drive to the Winters estate passed in relative silence. Connor occasionally responded to Grace’s questions, but his attention remained focused on me through the rearview mirror.
When we reached the estate entrance, I leaned forward. “You can get out here, Connor.”
His expression darkened slightly. “You don’t want me to come inside?”
“I’d rather avoid awkward questions from my father about our relationship status,” I said honestly.
Connor’s jaw clenched, but he nodded in understanding. Pack politics made everything complicated.
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Before getting out, he turned to face me directly. “Olivia, I want you to know that I have no relationship with Miranda. She approached me about a business collaboration between our packs. Nothing more.”
His earnest tone made my chest tighten. “Oh,” I said simply, keeping my voice neutral.
Connor waited for more of a response, but I offered nothing else. My emotional walls remained firmly in place.
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“Goodnight, Olivia,” he said softly.
I didn’t respond as he stepped out of the car.
In the elevator, I turned to Grace. “Don’t mention dining with Connor to Dad or Natalie, okay?”
Grace nodded solemnly. “I understand. Pack stuff is complicated.”
Back in my room, my phone buzzed with a text from Adrian.
“Did you arrive home safely? Goodnight, Olivia.”
I typed back a brief response before setting my phone aside.
The next morning at Moonstone Legal Partners, I was reviewing case files when Emma knocked on my office
door.
“Ms. Winters, you have a visitor,” she announced.
“Who is it?” I asked without looking up.
“Miranda Blackwood. She says she has a legal matter to discuss.”
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Miranda’s family company had their own legal team. Why would she need
my services?
“Send her in,” I said, straightening my blazer.
Miranda entered wearing an elegant light brown business suit that complemented her curves perfectly. Her Hermès Luna Collection handbag caught the light as she moved.
The office staff had been whispering admiringly about her appearance since she arrived. Some speculated whether she was a potential client or seeking employment.
“Olivia,” Miranda said with a bright smile. “Thank you for seeing me.”
I gestured to the chair across from my desk. “Please, sit. What can I help you with?”
Miranda settled gracefully, crossing her legs. “I heard about your new law firm and wanted to visit. I have a legal case I’d like to entrust to you.”
This surprised me. From Rebecca’s information, Miranda’s company already had established legal counsel.
“What type of case?” I asked professionally.
Miranda pulled out her phone. “I’ll transfer the materials to you digitally. It’s a contract dispute that requires delicate handling.”
As she sent the files, she glanced around my office approvingly. “This moonlight herb tea service is lovely. Very thoughtful touch.”
After we exchanged contact information, Miranda stood to leave, complimenting the office’s moonlight herb
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