Chapter 169: New Friendship
Chapter 169: New Friendship
(Third person’s POV)
On Saturday morning, Olivia Winters returned to the Winters Family Estate with a specific purpose in mind. She needed to speak with Dr. Victoria Sterling about Grace’s recovery progress.
The renowned werewolf psychologist had been working with Grace since her k********g ordeal. Her golden blonde hair caught the morning sunlight as she reviewed her notes in the estate’s study.
“Dr. Sterling, how is Grace’s emotional state?” Olivia asked, settling into the leather chair across from the therapist.
“She’s making steady progress,” Dr. Sterling replied, her blue eyes reflecting professional concern. “However, I believe social interaction with peers would significantly accelerate her healing process.”
The doctor closed her notebook and leaned forward. “Having friends to play with would help Grace regain her sense of normalcy and security.”
Olivia nodded thoughtfully. “What kind of social interaction would you recommend?”
“Supervised playdates with children her own age,” Dr. Sterling explained. “The key is creating positive experiences that rebuild her confidence in trusting others.”
After the consultation, Olivia climbed the grand staircase to Grace’s room. She found her half–sister sitting by the window, quietly reading a picture book.
“Grace,” Olivia said softly, approaching with gentle steps. “How about I introduce you to a new friend to play with?”
Grace looked up with those large amber eyes that mirrored Olivia’s own. Her expression showed cautious curiosity mixed with uncertainty.
“Who is the new friend?” Grace asked shyly, her voice barely above a whisper,
Olivia sat on the edge of the bed, her tone warm and reassuring. “Her name is Sophie Turner. She’s about your age and very sweet.”
“Do you like her, sister?” Grace asked, her eyes searching Olivia’s face for approval.
“Yes, I like Sophie very much,” Olivia confirmed with a gentle smile. “She’s kind and thoughtful, just like you.“
Grace’s face brightened considerably at this endorsement. “Then Grace is willing to be good friends with Sophie. If sister likes Sophie, then Grace also likes Sophie.”
The innocent trust in Grace’s voice made Olivia’s heart swell with protective affection. Her little sister’s dependence on her approval was both touching and heartbreaking.
Back in her room, Olivia pulled out her phone and composed a message to Adrian Sinclair. She typed carefully, wanting to sound professional yet friendly.
“Adrian, when would Sophie be available to come over and play with Grace? I’d be happy to buy some snacks and fruits that she might enjoy.”
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+8 Pants
Adrian’s response came within minutes. “This afternoon would work perfectly. Let me confirm the specific time with my aunt and get back to you.”
Another message followed quickly. “My aunt is busy with her literary work today, so I’ll bring Sophie over myself if that’s acceptable.”
Olivia smiled at his thoughtfulness. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you for arranging this.”
Around 3:30 in the afternoon, Adrian’s elegant sedan pulled up to the Winters Family Estate. Olivia watched from the window as he helped a small girl out of the car.
She hurried to the grand entrance, her honey–brown hair catching the afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall windows. The sight of the approaching visitors filled her with anticipation.
“Adrian, Sophie, welcome,” Olivia greeted them warmly at the door.
Sophie was a petite girl with bright eyes and a sweet smile. She wore a pink spring dress that complemented her cheerful demeanor perfectly.
“Thank you for having us,” Adrian said, his gold–rimmed glasses reflecting the afternoon light. “My aunt
sends her apologies for not coming herself.”
“Please, come in,” Olivia gestured toward the elegant sitting room. “I’ll go get Grace.”
As they settled into the plush furniture, Agnes Turner appeared with her usual efficiency. The loyal housekeeper served herbal tea to Adrian and Sophie with practiced grace.
“Miss Olivia will be right back with Miss Grace,” Agnes said kindly to Sophie.
Sophie nodded politely, her small hands carefully holding the delicate teacup. Olivia noticed she was wearing the rose gold designer hair clip with pink crystals that she had given Grace during their previous meeting.
Soon, Olivia returned leading Grace down the staircase. Grace immediately hid behind her older sister upon seeing the stranger, her wolf instincts making her cautious.
“Grace, this is Sophie,” Olivia said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Sophie, meet my sister Grace.”
Sophie stood up with a bright smile, her enthusiasm genuine and infectious. “Hello, Grace! I’m so happy to
meet you.”
She presented a carefully wrapped gift that she held in both hands. “My mother and I chose this for you. It’s colored pencils and a sketchbook for drawing.”
Grace looked up at Olivia with her large amber eyes, seeking approval. Olivia nodded encouragingly, her expression warm and supportive.
“Thank you, Sophie,” Grace said softly, accepting the gift with both hands. “That’s very thoughtful of you Sophie’s face lit up with delight. “Would you like to play in your room? We could draw together, or play with dolls, or whatever you’d like to do
For the first time in weeks, Grace’s face showed genuine happiness. The cautious fear in her eyes began to fade, replaced by curiosity and excitement.
“I’d like that,” Grace sald, her voice growing stronger. “I have lots of toys upstairs.
The two children walked toward the staircase hand in hand, creating a heartwarming scene that made
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Olivia’s heart swell with relief.
“It seems that they get along very well,” Adrian smiled, his gold–rimmed glasses catching the light as he watched the children disappear upstairs.
Olivia observed the backs of the two lovely children with satisfaction. “Yes, I didn’t expect them to bond so quickly. Your suggestion was very thoughtful.”
Adrian felt a warmth in his chest at her praise, though he kept his expression professionally pleasant. Any excuse to spend time helping Olivia was worthwhile, especially knowing how much Grace needed this
normalcy.
Olivia settled gracefully on the plush sofa, gesturing to the seat beside her. “Adrian, please have some tea,
don’t be polite.”
She turned to Agnes Turner who was tidying the room. “Agnes, please send some fruits and snacks to Grace and Sophie upstairs.”
“Of course, Miss Olivia,” the elderly housekeeper replied with a warm smile before bustling away.
Adrian took the initiative to shift their conversation to work matters. “Olivia, has court date for the Hengyang territory dispute case been confirmed?”
“Yes, the fifteenth of next month,” Olivia replied, her professional focus immediately engaging.
“How is the preparation going?” Adrian asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.
“Almost complete, there are still some minor issues in certain areas,” Olivia explained. “Since you’re here today, let’s discuss them.”
“My pleasure,” Adrian said with a genuine smile, pleased to have found the perfect opportunity for extended
conversation.
Once Olivia started discussing legal strategy, she became completely absorbed in the work. Adrian had found exactly the right topic to engage her full attention.
The two werewolf attorneys spent the entire afternoon discussing case law, territorial disputes, and pack legal precedents. Their conversation flowed naturally from one complex legal issue to another.
The sun was setting when Agnes appeared in the doorway. “Miss Olivia, I’ve prepared dinner. Since Mr. Richard and Mrs. Natalie are attending the pack alliance dinner, I made enough for your guests.”
Grace pulled Sophie downstairs excitedly, their faces glowing with happiness. “Sophie, you can have dinner at my house tonight, let’s sit together!”
“Sister Grace, I have to ask my mother first,” Sophie said politely. “She’s still waiting for me to have dinner at
home.”
Adrian suddenly interjected with perfect timing. “Your mother just called while you were playing. She said if you want to stay here for dinner, you can eat and then go home.”
“Really?” Sophie’s grape–like eyes lit up with delight. “Then I want to stay here and have dinner with Grace! Grace cheered joyfully, clapping her hands together. “Yes!”
At the dinner table in the elegant dining room, the two children sat together chattering happily Adrian sal across from them, next to Olivia, acutely aware of her warm presence.
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“I’m really sorry, Olivia,” Adrian said with a smile, though inwardly he was thrilled. “When we started discussing the case, I completely lost track of time, and now I’m imposing on your family’s hospitality.”
Only he knew that while he was apologizing, his heart was racing with satisfaction. This was exactly what he had hoped would happen.
Olivia smiled warmly, her amber eyes reflecting genuine gratitude. “Why are you being so formal? It’s just a meal. Today I should be thanking you–I haven’t seen Grace this happy and carefree in a long time.”
“I’m also very pleased to see the two children having such fun together,” Adrian replied.
Agnes finished serving the last dish of roasted venison with moonlight herbs. Adrian gave a subtle look to Sophie sitting across from him.
The little girl looked at Olivia with curved eyebrows. “Sister Olivia, can I take a photo with Sister Grace?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” Olivia replied warmly.
Sophie looked at Adrian expectantly. “Adrian, please take a photo for us?”
“Certainly,” Adrian said, taking out his phone and capturing several pictures of Sophie and Grace together, their faces glowing with happiness.
“This meal looks so delicious, I should take a picture too,” Adrian added casually. He photographed the elaborate spread of food, making sure Olivia’s elegant profile was “accidentally” captured in the frame.
Adrian felt deeply satisfied as he put away his phone, a slight smile playing on his lips. The evening had exceeded his expectations in every way.
After dinner, he drove Sophie home through the moonlit streets of Riverdale. The little girl chattered excitedly about her new friend during the entire journey.
“Sophie, did you have fun today?” Adrian asked as they pulled into her driveway.
“Yes! I really like Sister Grace,” Sophie replied enthusiastically. “She’s so nice and we played so many games together.”
“Sophie, you were wonderful today,” Adrian said with satisfaction. “The limited edition doll I promised to buy for you will be delivered to your home tomorrow.”
He was referring to the photo request that Sophie had made–something they had planned in advance. He had asked Sophie to find a natural moment to request photos, with the reward being a coveted collectible
doll.
Little Sophie had happily agreed when she heard she could get the doll she’d been wanting for months. That night, Adrian posted on Howlr, the werewolf social media platform. The caption read: “Sophie has found a wonderful new friend, and I enjoyed a delightful dinner.”
The first picture showed Sophie and Grace together, their faces bright with joy. The second was the one that ” accidentally” captured Olivia’s profile while photographing the dinner table.
When Olivia saw the post, she liked it without hesitation. Soon, this Howlr post, along with Olivia’s like, was screenshotted by Gabriel Andrews.
He sent it to Connor Rivers via text message with a simple question: “What’s the situation with this?”