Chapter 22: The Skilled Restorer and Severed Ties–1
Chapter 22: The Skilled Restorer and Severed Ties
(Olivia’s POV)
A graceful, refined woman around her thirties entered the private room of the Crescent Moon
Hotel in Riverdale. Her confident stride and elegant posture immediately caught my attention.
Connor’s voice softened as he made the introduction. “Livvy, this is the top–tier artifact
restorer I recommended–Ruby Montgomery.”
Joy sparked through me instantly. I had expected an elderly master with weathered hands and
a stern expression. Instead, this beautiful woman with warm eyes stood before us.
I quickly stood and stepped forward, extending my hand with barely contained excitement.
“Master Montgomery, hello, I’m Olivia Winters. I entrust my ceramic wolf figurine to you.”
Ruby Montgomery couldn’t help but burst into a soft laugh, her warm, curved eyes gleaming
teasingly. “Master Montgomery? Sounds like I’m some ancient museum curator!”
Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized my slip. “Sorry, that was a slip of the tongue. I
apologize.”
Ruby waved it off good–naturedly, her smile genuine and easy. She then glanced sideways at Connor, a playful smirk forming on her lips.
“You’re so cold and aloof, picky beyond reason,” she said to him. “Before I came, I was dying to
know what kind of woman could conquer the ‘ice Alpha‘ Connor Rivers. Now that I’ve met
Livvy, I get it. If it were me, I’d like her too.”
My cheeks burned hotter at her words. I gestured toward an empty chair, trying to regain my composure. “Please, have a seat.”
I poured her a cup of herbal tea, the fragrant steam rising between us. “Please enjoy,” I said, sliding the cup toward her.
Ruby took a sip with an approving nod. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Connor watching
us, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“Livvy, no need to be so deferential,” he said. “I’ve paid her a handsome fee. You’re the client,
you can be as assertive as you want.”
His words made me lower my lashes and smile obediently. I returned to sit quietly beside him,
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Chapter 22: The Skilled Resto
suddenly aware of how naturally I’d fallen into pleasing him.
Ruby shot Connor a mock glare. “You really know how to spoil the fun.”
+25 Puntos >
She switched to business mode, her expression becoming more professional. “Livvy, did you
bring the item today?”
I shook my head slightly. “Not yet, Ruby. Could you come to the Winters residence with me
after dinner? I’ll get it for you.”
“Of course,” Ruby readily agreed, setting her cup down.
After our meal concluded, we headed to my family home in Riverdale. The familiar surroundings brought a mix of comfort and unease as memories of my childhood flooded
back.
In my old bedroom, I carefully retrieved the bag containing the shattered remains of the light blue ceramic wolf figurine–the precious creation my mother Sarah and I had made together
before her death. My hands trembled slightly as I handed it over.
Ruby examined the fragments with a professional eye, frowning and clicking her tongue. “It’s
smashed pretty badly.”
My heart jumped to my throat, anxiety surging through my body. The figurine was more than just ceramic–it was one of the few tangible connections I had left to my mother.
Ruby must have noticed my distress because she patted my shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, since it’s in my hands, I’ll fix it beautifully.”
Only then did my tense nerves relax. “Thank you so much,” I said, gratitude washing over me.
“Do you have any photos of what it looked like before?” she asked, carefully placing the fragments back in the bag.
“Yes, I’ll send them to you,” I replied promptly.
“Perfect. I’ll reach out again if I need details. I’ll head back now.”
“I’ll have Henry drive you,” I offered, already reaching for my phone.
“Great,” Ruby nodded, carefully securing the bag with my precious memories.
Once my mother’s cherished memento was entrusted with a promise of restoration, a burden lifted from my heart. But now, the anger inside me demanded another resolution–to confront Cassandra Evans and Ethan Grey.
I dialed my cousin Alexander Winters, now head of the Silverridge Group, asking quietly, “Hello,
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Chapter 22 The Skilled Resta
cousin, I need your help with something.”
+25 Puntos
Late that night after my bath, I lay on my bed in the Winters residence, my hair still damp against the pillow. The familiar ceiling above me was both comforting and strange after so
many years away.
My phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number from Harbor City. Assuming it was a client
inquiry, I answered politely, “Hello?”
Silence greeted me. I called out twice more, still no reply.
“If you don’t speak, I’ll hang up,” I warned, my patience wearing thin.
Suddenly, Ethan Grey’s voice sounded through the line, cold and awkward. “It’s me. Olivia,
unblock me and my number.”
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