Chapter 164: Unexpected Encounters and Unspoken Feelings
Chapter 164: Unexpected Encounters and Unspoken Feelings
(Olivia’s POV)
I returned to my apartment and noticed a message from Adrian Sinclair that had been sent half an hour ago, The notification glowed softly on my phone screen.
“Did you arrive home safely? May I call you?” the text read.
I quickly typed back confirming my arrival and agreeing to the call. Within moments, my phone rang with
Adrian’s familiar number.
“Olivia, I hope I’m not calling too late,” Adrian’s voice came through, carrying a note of concern.
“Not at all. Is everything alright?”
Adrian’s tone shifted to apologetic. “I wanted to apologize for tonight. My aunt Emma invited so many people to dinner without warning me properly.”
I settled into my apartment’s comfortable armchair, curious about his explanation.
“She only told me she was inviting you to thank you for helping find Sophie,” Adrian continued. “She said she invited me to avoid you feeling awkward since we’re law firm partners.”
His voice carried genuine embarrassment. “I had no idea my grandparents from the Sinclair pack would
attend.”
“It’s perfectly fine,” I assured him warmly. “I wasn’t intimidated by the social situation.”
Adrian’s relief was audible through the phone. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
There was a pause before he spoke again, his voice more hesitant. “I should mention something else about
my aunt Emma.”
“What is it?”
“She’s been trying to arrange a mate for me,” Adrian admitted with obvious discomfort. “After meeting you tonight, she seems to have misunderstood our professional relationship.”
My eyebrows rose in surprise. “Misunderstood how?”
“She thinks there might be something romantic between us, despite my explanations to the contrary.”
The realization hit me like a cold wave. Emma Turner had intended to set us up as potential mates during what I thought was simply a grateful dinner.
I laughed, though the sound felt forced. “I see. Well, that explains the romantic atmosphere at dinner.”
“I’m sorry about the confusion,” Adrian said quickly. “I tried to clarify our business partnership, but she seemed determined to see more!”
“Don’t worry about it,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light. “I’m too busy establishing the new law firm to think about romance or mating bonds anyway.”
The words came out more dismissive than I intended. I heard Adrian’s sharp intake of breath on the other
.
(Adrian’s POV)
Her response hit me like a physical blow. My wolf retreated deeper within me, wounded by the casual
dismissal.
I had been hoping, perhaps foolishly, that she might feel something for me beyond professional respect. The
dinner tonight had given me false hope.
Ms there no chance at all?” The question escaped before I could stop it.
My voice carried all the vulnerability of a beta wolf seeking acceptance from someone far above his station.
The silence that followed felt eternal.
“I’m sorry,” Olivia finally whispered.
Those two words shattered something inside my chest. My wolf whimpered softly, mourning what could
never be.
“Of course,” I said quickly, forcing lightness into my voice. “Sorry, it’s late and I’m rambling. Have a good night, Olivia.”
“Good night, Adrian.”
The line went dead, leaving me alone in my apartment’s silence.
I stared at my phone screen, her contact information still displayed. My heart ached with the knowledge that my feelings would never be reciprocated.
My wolf curled up in the depths of my consciousness, wounded and retreating from the pain of rejection. I had known it was unlikely, but hope had been a cruel companion.
Setting the phone aside, I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. Tomorrow’I would have to face her at the office and pretend nothing had changed.
The professional mask would have to be perfect. She could never know how deeply her gentle rejection had
cut.
(Olivia’s POV)
The next morning at Moonstone Legal Partners, I greeted Adrian as if nothing had happened. His smile was professional and warm, showing no trace of last night’s vulnerability.
“Good morning, partner,” he said, adjusting his gold–rimmed glasses.
“Morning, Adrian. Ready for another busy day?”
We fell into our usual professional rhythm, reviewing cases and discussing client strategies. The awkwardness I had feared never materialized.
Adrian’s professionalism was impeccable, and I found myself grateful for his maturity in handling the
situation.
After finishing a legal complaint for a corporate client, our receptionist approached my desk with a know
smile.
“Miss Winters, there’s a client here specifically requesting you,” she announced.
.
“Did they mention what type of case?” I asked, not looking up from my documents.
“He said it involves several high–profile pack business matters.”
I glanced up, curious about the nature of such cases. “Please show them to the conference room.”
બાર ન હતો બાઈ
When I entered the conference room, my breath caught. Connor Rivers sat at the polished table, his ice–blue eyes meeting mine with familiar intensity.
His presence filled the room with Alpha authority, making the air feel charged with electricity.
“Connor,” I said, struggling to maintain professional composure. “This is unexpected.”
He rose from his chair with fluid grace, his tall frame commanding attention. “Hello, Olivia. I hope you don’t mind the surprise visit.”
“What brings you to Moonstone Legal Partners?” I asked, taking a seat across from him.
“I need legal representation for several high–profile pack business cases,” Connor replied smoothly. “Complex matters requiring exceptional legal expertise.”
I frowned, confused by his request. “Why aren’t you using the Rivers pack’s in–house legal counsel? They’ve handled your family’s affairs for decades.”
Connor’s lips curved into a knowing smile, his ice–blue eyes holding a warmth reserved only for me.
“But I specifically want to work with Attorney Winters. Is that not allowed?”