Chapter 67: A Tangled Web of Compassion and Betrayal–1
Chapter 67: A Tangled Web of Compassion and Betrayal
(Olivia’s POV)
“So what exactly is the situation with these siblings?” I asked Emma as we sat in my office at Moonlaw Legal
Services.
Emma’s usually cheerful face was drawn with concern. She twisted her hands nervously in her lap
“Leah and Noah Pierce are orphaned siblings with absolutely no family support,” she explained. They live in that rundown apartment complex near the industrial district.”
I nodded, already feeling a tug of sympathy. Being without pack protection in our world was incredibly difficult.
“Noah’s been working himself to death to support them both, Emma continued. “He put Leah through school, made sure she had everything she needed. He’s been her only family since their parents died.”
“How old are they?” I asked, making notes on my legal pad.
“Noah’s twenty–four, Leah’s seventeen. But…” Emma’s voice caught. “Leah was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia last year.”
My pen stilled. “That’s expensive to treat.”
Emma nodded miserably. “The treatments cost a fortune. Noah took dangerous overtime shifts at Northern Industrial Factory to cover the medical bills. He was working eighteen–hour days sometimes.
I winced, imagining the exhaustion. “And that’s when the accident happened?”
“Yes. He was operating machinery during an overnight shift. The safety guards were missing–completely illegal, by the way–and…” Emma swallowed hard. “He lost his right hand when the machine malfunctioned
My wolf bristled with anger. “And let me guess, the factory isn’t taking responsibility?”
“They paid him two months‘ salary and terminated him, Emma confirmed, her eyes flashing with rare anger “No disability benefits, no compensation for the injury, nothing for ongoing medical care.”
I set my pen down with more force than necessary. “That’s not just unethical, it’s illegal.”
“They’re exploiting the fact that he’s an omega without pack protection, Emma said quietly. “No one to stand up for him, no resources to fight back.”
“Until now,” I said firmly. “Why did they come to me specifically?”
Emma’s expression softened slightly. “Leah heard about you–your reputation as both a lawyer and someone with medical knowledge. She’s desperate, Olivia. Noah’s their only income, and with his injury…”
I didn’t need her to finish the sentence. Without Noah’s ability to work, they would lose everything–their home, Leah’s treatments, everything.
“I’ll help them,” I said decisively, already mentally cataloging the legal precedents we could use. “When can I
meet them?”
Emma’s relief was palpable. “Leah’s at the hospital now for her treatment. Noah’s there too, still recovering
7/2
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from surgery. We could go right away if you’re free?”
I checked my watch. I had a meeting with Connor later, but this couldn’t wait.
“Let’s go,” I said, grabbing my purse and car keys. “I’ll drive.”
(Ethan’s POV)
The real estate agent’s smile widened as I signed the final page of the contract for the second–hand apartment in Moonlight Gardens.
+ Plums >
“Congratulations, Mr. Grey,” she gushed, clearly thrilled to have closed such a quick sale. “The apartment is
now officially yours.”
I couldn’t suppress my satisfied smile as I handed her back the pen. After weeks of searching, I’d finally found
the perfect place–in the same building where Olivia lived.
“Thank you for expediting the process,” I said smoothly, sliding the cashier’s check across the table. “I
appreciate your discretion as well.”
The agent nodded eagerly. “Of course, Mr. Grey. We pride ourselves on confidentiality.”
I’d paid a premium to keep this purchase quiet. The last thing I needed was for Olivia to hear about it before ! was ready to tell her myself.
As the agent gathered the paperwork, my mind drifted to Olivia. Our relationship had been complicated lately, to say the least. After years together, I’d made the mistake of letting her go when Cassandra returned.
It was a decision I regretted more with each passing day.
“Will you be moving in immediately?” the agent asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“Within the week,” I confirmed. “I have some renovations planned first.”
Nothing major–just enough to make the space mine while ensuring it would appeal to Olivia’s tastes when she eventually visited. I’d chosen the apartment specifically for its proximity to hers, just two floors below.
The agent handed me the keys with another bright smile. “The building has excellent security, as I’m sure you know. Your privacy will be well–protected.”
I nodded, pocketing the keys. The security was another selling point–I wanted Olivia to feel safe when she
visited.
As I left the real estate office, my phone buzzed with a message from Natalie Hughes. She’d been instrumental in securing the investment that had stabilized my company’s finances, though she remained
unaware of my true intentions regarding Olivia.
“Dinner tonight to celebrate the successful investment?” her message read.
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