Chapter 21: Reunion at the Banquet–2
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. My hands fidgeted with the strap of my purse.
“I blocked him everywhere. He should get the message.”
Lily tilted her head curiously, her sharp eyes missing nothing. “Suddenly realized something?”
A flash of self–mockery glinted in my eyes. The words felt like stones in my throat.
“He treated me as a substitute.”
Shock and anger burst from Lily. Her face flushed red as she clenched her fists.
“That bastard dared to humiliate you? Our Liv is irreplaceable! He’s blind!” She looked ready to
hunt Ethan down herself.
Rebecca nodded firmly, her normally gentle demeanor hardening. “Good riddance! He never
deserved you.”
I looked at them both, my amber eyes calm as a still lake. Their fierce loyalty touched me
deeply.
“It’s all in the past. Let’s not talk about it. Let’s go upstairs. Connor is waiting.”
The hotel manager personally guided us–a sign of respect for our status within werewolf
society. His deferential manner reminded me of the political realities of pack life.
As we approached the private dining room on the fourth floor, I wrapped my trench coat tighter against the autumn chill. My stomach fluttered with unexpected nervousness.
I was aware of all eyes turning to me as I stepped into the room, my refined demeanor drawing attention without effort. The conversations paused momentarily.
Ethan Quinn was the first to greet me, his familiar teasing grin spreading across his face. He
stood up quickly, nearly knocking over his chair in his enthusiasm.
“Liv, you’re finally here. Haven’t seen you in three years, you’ve gotten even prettier.” His eyes
swept over me appreciatively.
Lily rolled her eyes dramatically, stepping slightly in front of me protectively. “Can you be less
greasy, Quinn? That’s not a compliment, that’s just oily.”
“This is called high emotional intelligence social skills,” Ethan feigned annoyance, placing a
hand over his heart as if wounded.
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“Ignore him,” Lily said, dragging me away from his banter. Her grip on my arm was firm,
almost territorial.
+25 Puntos
Meanwhile, Rebecca took a seat beside her brother Gabriel Andrews, who only nodded subtly in greeting, calm and restrained as always. His observant eyes missed nothing, I noticed.
I naturally took the seat next to Connor. The familiar scent of his cologne was oddly
comforting.
“Con, sorry to keep you waiting.” My voice softened automatically when addressing him.
His voice was gentle and indulgent, a stark contrast to his usual coldness. “No, we just
arrived.”
His ice–blue eyes then shifted coldly to the young woman beside him. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
“Why aren’t you greeting her?” The authority in his tone was unmistakable.
The girl’s tone was reluctant and dismissive, betraying her true feelings. Her eyes flickered
over me with barely concealed hostility.
“Hello, Miss Winters.”
This was Vanessa Reed–Connor’s adoptive sister. I’d only heard of her, never met her before.
She had been raised away from the Rivers territory and sent to study abroad for years, only
recently returned.
Connor’s tone sharpened, carrying unmistakable authority. His shoulders tensed visibly.
“Olivia is my future wife, your sister–in–law. Is that how you greet her? Who taught you that?”
Vanessa’s expression stiffened as she sensed his anger. Her fingers clutched at the
tablecloth.
“I’m sorry, brother.” Her voice was small but defiant.
But Connor pushed further, his voice like ice. Everyone at the table had gone completely still.
“Who should you apologize to?”
Vanessa turned stiffly toward me, her voice subdued but her eyes blazing with resentment.
“Sister–in–law, I’m sorry.”
I smiled awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable with the tension. The hostility radiating from her was almost palpable.
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< Chapter 21 Reunion at the Ba
+25 Puntos 2
“No need, we’re family. It’s alright.” I tried to diffuse the situation, not wanting to start my
relationship with her this way.
This was our first meeting as future sisters–in–law, yet it felt so strained. I placed my hand gently on Connor’s arm, feeling the tension in his muscles.
“Con, don’t be so fierce.” I kept my voice soft, meant only for him.
His coldness melted instantly, replaced by a soft smile. The transformation was remarkable
to witness.
“Okay.” The single word carried a tenderness that surprised even me.
I noticed Vanessa watching this transformation, her fists tightening under the table until her knuckles turned white. The jealousy and defiance in her eyes were unmistakable.
Lily immediately sensed Vanessa’s hostility. She deliberately raised her voice, leaning forward
with exaggerated concern.
“Miss Reed, you don’t look well. Want me to get a doctor?” Her tone was sweet but her eyes
were challenging.
Vanessa’s face darkened, a muscle twitching in her jaw. “No need.”
Lily snorted contemptuously, muttering just loud enough to be heard, “What an act.”
I shot Lily a warning glance, but she merely shrugged. I could tell from her expression that her intuition was screaming warnings about Vanessa. Lily had always been perceptive about
people’s true intentions.
Ethan Quinn, who overheard Lily’s mutters, tugged her arm gently under the table. “Stop it, she’s Connor’s sister. Give her some face,” he whispered, not quite quietly enough.
Lily pinched his arm ruthlessly, glaring. “Try pulling again!”
Ethan yelped in pain, yanking his arm away. “Sorry, sorry! Have mercy!”
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. I glanced at Connor, who was watching the interactions with a calculating coldness.
Just then, the door was pushed open and a new arrival interrupted the scene. A voice announced, “Sorry, I’m late because of the traffic.”
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