Chapter 69: Poisonous Wh
Chapter 69: Poisonous Whispers–1
Chapter 69: Poisonous Whispers
(Olivia’s POV)
I gathered the last of my files on Noah’s case, tucking them neatly into my leather portfolio. The office had emptied hours ago, leaving me alone with the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional ping of late–night emails.
My stomach growled, reminding me I’d been waiting for Connor. I checked my phone again, though I knew he wouldn’t arrive. His call about Vanessa’s poisoning had changed our plans entirely.
“Silver poisoning,” I murmured to myself, zipping my portfolio closed.
The implications were troubling. Silver poisoning was rarely accidental–someone had deliberately targeted Connor’s foster sister. Despite our complicated history, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
My phone buzzed with a text from Connor: “I’m sorry about tonight. I’ll make it up to you. Stay safe.”
I smiled despite my disappointment, typing back: “Don’t worry. Take care of Vanessa. Call me when you can.”
Gathering my things, I headed out of the building. The night air was cool against my skin as I locked the
office door behind me.
“Dinner for one it is,” I sighed, walking toward a small diner across the street.
The place was nearly empty, just a couple of truckers nursing coffee at the counter. I slid into a booth by the window, ordered a sandwich, and tried not to think about how I’d rather be having dinner with Connor.
After eating quickly, I drove back to my apartment at Riverdale Terrace. The parking lot was poorly lit, shadows stretching between the few working lamps.
I parked as close to the entrance as possible, scanning the darkness before getting out. Connor’s warnings about staying vigilant had taken root in my mind.
The elevator ride to my floor was uneventful, but as I approached my apartment door, a familiar scent made my steps falter.
Ethan.
tensed, my keys clutched tightly in my hand. His distinctive cologne–expensive and subtle–reached me before I saw him emerge from the shadows near my door.
“Working late again, Olivia?” His voice was smooth as he stepped into the dim hallway light.
I kept my expression neutral, though my wolf bristled defensively. “What are you doing here, Ethan?”
His blue eyes gleamed as he looked me over, concern painted across his features so perfectly it might have fooled someone who didn’t know him as well as I did.
“I was worried about you,” he said, moving closer. “It’s not safe for you to be out alone so late.” Linserted my key into the lock, determined to end this conversation quickly. “I’m perfectly capable of taking
care of myself.”
“Are you?” He raised an eyebrow. “There have been reports of omega attacks in this area. I thought I should
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Chapter 69. Poisonous Wh.
check on you.”
“How thoughtful,” I replied coldly, turning the key. “But unnecessary. Goodnight, Ethan.
I pushed the door open, ready to step inside and shut him out, but Ethan moved with surprising speed. His larger frame blocked the doorway, preventing me from closing it.
“Don’t you want to know where your precious Alpha is right now?” he asked, his tone dripping with false
Innocence.
I froze, my hand still on the doorknob. “Connor is dealing with a family emergency. Not that it’s any of your
business.”
Ethan’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Is that what he told you? While you’re here alone, Connor Rivers is with Jessica Sullivan.”
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression carefully blank. “I don’t know who that is, and I don’t care for your games.”
“No games,” Ethan said, pulling out his phone. “Just truth you deserve to hear.”
Before I could protest, he pressed play on an audio recording. A woman’s voice, broken with sobs, filled the
hallway.
“I can’t take it anymore,” she cried. “After what they did to me… the kidnapping… I just need you, Connor. You’re the only one who understands.”
My blood ran cold as the recording continued, the woman’s desperate pleas punctuated by what sounded like Connor’s deep, soothing responses in the background.
“Who is she?” I asked, hating how my voice wavered slightly.
Ethan’s eyes gleamed with triumph at my reaction. “Jessica Sullivan. She was arrested for stalking me a few months ago, but then she disappeared. Turns out she was kidnapped.”
I shook my head, confusion and disbelief warring within me. “What does this have to do with Connor?”
“He’s been helping her recover,” Ethan said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Quite intimately, from what I hear. Did he tell you about her? About how he visits her almost daily?”
My mind raced, trying to make sense of this information. Connor had been busy lately, often canceling our plans with vague explanations about pack business.
“You’re lying,” I said, but uncertainty had crept into my voice.
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