Chapter 30: Encounter at the Restaurant–2
Midway through the meal, I excused myself to use the restroom. As I stood, Valerie
called out mockingly, “Lawyer Winters, where are you going? Running away without
paying the bill? Hahaha.”
The table erupted in awkward laughter. I turned to her, my face cool and voice icy.
“Going to the restroom. Or do you want to follow me if you’re so worried?”
Valerie’s smile faltered slightly. “Just joking, no need to take it seriously.”
I ignored her and stepped out of the private room, walking toward the restroom. As I
passed the elevator, I unexpectedly locked eyes with a familiar face.
Connor Rivers stood there, surrounded by several sharply dressed pack members. His
ice–blue eyes registered surprise before warming instantly at the sight of me.
“Livvy? What brings you here?” he asked, quickly approaching me.
His group had clearly just finished dinner on an upper floor. I smiled lightly, genuinely
pleased to see him. “Connor, what a coincidence. I’m here treating my new
colleagues.”
Knowing I’d just started at Moonlaw, his tone softened with concern. “How’s your first day? Are you doing well?”
I decided to conceal the petty bullying. No need to burden him with such trivial
matters. “Everything’s good.”
“Almost done? I can give you a ride,” he offered.
“Still early, go ahead,” I declined politely.
He nodded, then added gently, “It’s far from your apartment. Did you call a pack
escort?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ll just head back to the apartment nearby.”
“Alright. Be careful on your way.”
“I will.”
We parted with a warm air lingering between us. I continued to the restroom, my
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mood considerably lightened by our brief encounter.
When I returned to the private room, the meal continued with more forced
camaraderie and subtle digs from Valerie. Finally, as the evening wound down, I approached the cashier to settle the bill.
“Your bill has already been settled,” the staff informed me with a respectful smile.
*P
Who else but Connor? I smiled with gratitude and pulled out my phone to text him:
“Connor, thank you.”
His reply came quickly: “No need for thanks with me.”
Then another message appeared: “Are you done? I’m waiting in the outdoor parking lot by the exit. I don’t feel safe letting you go home alone at night.”
My heart warmed at his quiet protectiveness. I replied, “Almost done. I’ll be there
soon.”
Soon, my colleagues began spilling out of the room. Some male coworkers, drunk on expensive wine, needed cabs that I kindly helped arrange.
Valerie strutted to her Honda Civic in the parking lot, lowering her window smugly as she called out, “Lawyer Winters, I’m heading off first. Good luck getting home, bye.”
I smiled placidly. “Good night.”
When most had left, I gently inquired about Jade’s address, concerned about the young intern getting home safely.
She said shyly, “No need, I live nearby, just a few blocks away. Lots of people outside, super safe even for a beta like me.”
I nodded. “Alright, see you tomorrow.”
Jade hesitated, then ran back blushing. “Lawyer Winters, thank you again for today. You’re really kind. I heard you don’t have an assistant yet. If you need help with briefs or files, just let me know.”
My lips curved into a soft/smile. “Thank you. I will.”
After the intern scurried away, I headed to the parking lot where Connor waited in his luxury SUV. I slid into the passenger seat, immediately enveloped in the vehicle’s
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Chapter 30 Encounter at t…
comfortable warmth.
“Thank you for waiting,” I said as he pulled out of the parking space.
“Where to?” he asked, his eyes focused on the road.
46 Points
I gave him the address of my apartment opposite Riverdale University. “I’m planning to live there permanently for work convenience.”
Connor nodded approvingly. “Good. I’ll come visit often.”
We drove in comfortable silence until we reached my building. As he pulled up to the entrance, I smiled. “Alright, I’m heading upstairs now. Bye.”
Just as I was about to get out, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, my brows
suddenly knitting tight.
“[Olivia, I’m in Riverdale. Want to meet?]” The text was from Ethan Grey.
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