Chapter 17: Mutual Respect–1
Chapter 17: Mutual Respect
(Olivia’s POV)
After dinner, Connor and I descended to the underground parking garage. I walked toward the
glacier blue Bentley Continental GT, keys in hand.
“How does the car feel to drive?” Connor asked softly.
I tucked a strand of honey–brown hair behind my ear, my amber eyes avoiding his intense
gaze.
“I drove it last night, it’s really good. Thank you, Con.” Then, remembering something
important, I lifted the keys and added, “By the way, I also have a gift for you. I meant to give it
to you last night but forgot. It’s in my suitcase at the hotel. I’ll bring it to you when I come
back.”
Connor gently opened the driver’s side door. “Why don’t I come with you? I’ll drive.”
I was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered. “Coming together is fine, but let me drive.
You should rest.”
I knew he must be exhausted after flying from Riverdale last night and driving twenty
kilometers early this morning just to bring me venison stew. I didn’t want to trouble him.
further.
Connor’s ice–blue eyes softened with a smile as he quietly moved to the passenger side. “Then
I shall graciously accept.”
The engine purred to life as I pulled out of the parking garage. The Bentley handled like a dream, responding to my lightest touch.
“Can I sit in on your territory dispute hearing today?” Connor asked as we sped down the
highway.
“Sure, it’s a contract dispute case, nothing confidential,” I responded. “You just need to bring your ID, fill out a form, and get a pass.”
He nodded. “I brought my ID specifically after researching the process. I’ve never seen you
work before.”
As I focused on driving, I was unaware that Connor’s gaze was full of gentle affection and
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< Chapter 17 Mutual Respect–1
deep pride. A thick silence settled between us.
“Con, why did you agree to our arranged mating?” I finally asked quietly.
+25 Puntos >
It was a question I had harbored for three years. The Rivers Pack wielded immense power and
influence, unlike my Winters Pack with its purely commercial background. I always felt this
alliance was my father’s attempt to climb higher, making me wonder why someone of
Connor’s status would accept.
Connor’s eyes darkened as he considered his answer. After a pause, he replied, “By my
generation, arranged matings are no longer necessary to consolidate our pack’s power.”
His answer was ambiguous, leaving me confused. I gently pressed, “Then why not choose
someone you truly love?”
“If I didn’t want to, no one could force me,” his deep voice carried a subtle vulnerability that
surprised me.
My breath caught chaotically. I forced myself not to dwell on the deeper meaning, though my
heart stirred uncontrollably.
I wondered if Connor, so skilled at gentle teasing, had dated many women before, making him so naturally attentive. Ever since I agreed to this arrangement, his care had been meticulous, his presence gentle yet firm. I sensed that if it continued like this, I might truly develop feelings for him.
We arrived at the courthouse with time to spare. Connor followed the procedure to get his
visitor’s pass while I prepared my notes one final time.
The hearing began promptly. I stood tall, my voice clear and confident as I presented our case. The opposing counsel tried to interrupt several times, but I held my ground.
“Your Honor, the contract clearly states in Section 4.3 that territorial boundaries were established using the northern riverbank as the demarcation line,” I argued, pointing to the evidence. “My client has maintained consistent presence within these boundaries for over fifteen years without contest.”
The opposing counsel attempted to introduce a new document, but I quickly objected.
“Your Honor, this document wasn’t included in discovery. Its sudden introduction violates
procedural rules and prejudices my client.”
The judge agreed, sustaining my objection. I continued methodically dismantling their
arguments one by one.
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+25 Puntos >
Throughout the hearing, I was vaguely aware of Connor sitting quietly among the spectators, his ice–blue eyes never leaving me. His presence somehow bolstered my confidence.
When the hearing ended, Connor approached and handed me a bottle of water.
“Have some water,” he said simply.
I drank gratefully, then smiled, my amber eyes bright. “The verdict will be announced later, but
I’m quite confident of winning.”
“During your argument, your eyes were so bright and determined. I was completely drawn to you,” Connor’s voice was full of sincere praise.
Embarrassed but happy, I admitted, “Really? I feel like I become a different person in court.”
“You did amazing,” he reassured me warmly. “Someday, you’ll be a top–tier, renowned lawyer.”
My smile grew radiant. “From your lips to God’s ears.”
In this moment of shared joy, I suddenly recalled Ethan Grey. Over three years of dating him,
he had never once bothered about my work, let alone watched me in court.