Chapter 143: Olivia Confronts Connor
Chapter 143: Olivia Confronts Connor
(Olivia’s POV)‘
I stepped out of Rosewood Haven with Connor Blackthorn trailing behind me. The confrontation with Ethan and Victoria had left me drained but satisfied. For once, I’d managed
to outmaneuver Victoria at her own game.
Lucas Blackwood stood waiting at the entrance, his powerful frame alert despite his casual
stance. His gray eyes immediately found mine, sweeping over me with barely concealed
concern.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his deep voice low enough that only I could hear.
I nodded. “I’m fine. Let’s go before Ethan changes his mind.”
Lucas guided me toward his SUV with a gentle hand at the small of my back. Though he had
monitored the entire confrontation from outside, his protective instinct drove him to confirm.
my safety with his own eyes.
As we reached the vehicle, I felt a prickling sensation at the back of my neck. Turning, I saw
Ethan emerge from Rosewood Haven, his amber eyes darkening dangerously as he watched
- me.
Our gazes locked for a brief, charged moment before I deliberately turned away and climbed into Lucas’s SUV. Connor slid into the backseat, and we drove away, leaving Ethan standing alone in the driveway.
“Where to?” Lucas asked, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror to check on Connor.
“Your private residence,” I replied. “It’s the safest place for now.”
Lucas nodded without question, smoothly navigating through the streets of Shadow Creek. The silence in the car was heavy with unspoken questions.
When we arrived at Lucas’s residence, Connor followed us inside like a man walking to his
execution. He sank onto the plush sofa in the living room, burying his head in his hands.
I sat opposite him, studying his defeated posture. “Connor,” I called, my voice firm.
He didn’t respond, lost in his own thoughts.
“Connor Blackthorn,” I repeated, more forcefully this time.
176
Still nothing. I sighed, leaning forward.
‘1 saved you from Ether’s wrath today, I stated plank. And expect something in retur
I
That got his attention. He lifted his head slightly, his eyes werk
“I’m not a saint‘ I continued, my voice steady and unapologetic. Twouldn’t protect someone
who once tried to kill me without good reason.
Connor finched at the reminder of his past crime against me.
“You have one day to consider what you can offer in exchange for my continued protection said, rising from my seat. “If you can’t provide anything valuable, I have no obligation to shield
you from Ethan’s retribution.”
I placed my business card on the coffee table between us. “My number. Call me when you’ve
decided.’
As Lucas and I moved toward the door, I instructed his security team to ensure Connor’s safety. “Don’t let him leave, but don’t treat him like a prisoner either.”
Connor’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with shock. ‘How did you know?” he whispered
I paused at the doorway. “Know what?”
“That I have information about Victoria Frost,” he said, his voice barely audible.
I smiled coldly. “I didn’t. But now I do.”
With that, I left with Lucas, the door closing firmly behind us.
In the car, Lucas glanced at me with newfound respect. “That was clever
I shrugged. “Sometimes the best way to get information is to pretend you already have it.”
Lucas chuckled, a warm sound that eased some of the tension from my shoulders. “Where to
now?”
“Crescent Moon Medical Center,” I replied. “I need to check on my mother.”
Lucas nodded, already dialing his phone to order dinner for us. I leaned back in my seat, allowing myself a moment of rest.
When we arrived at the medical center, my mother’s face brightened at the sight of us together. Evelyn Winters had always been perceptive, and I could see the approval in her eyes as she observed Lucas’s protective stance beside me.
“You look better today,” I said, taking her hand as I sat beside her bed.
< Chapter 143 Olivia Confronts.
She smiled, squeezing my fingers. “I feel better. Especially now that you’ve brought such handsome company.”
Lucas laughed, the sound genuine and warm. “Mrs. Winters, you’re too kind.”
“Please, call me Evelyn,” my mother insisted, her eyes twinkling.
+25 Points >
I watched their easy interaction with a mixture of amusement and discomfort. My mother had. never approved of Ethan, even before Lily’s death. She had sensed something in him that I had
been too blinded by love to see.
When Lucas excused himself to use the restroom, my mother turned to me with knowing eyes.
“He’s a good man, Olivia,” she said softly. “And he cares for you deeply.”
I sighed, unable to explain the complicated tangle of emotions that kept me bound to Ethan. despite everything. “I know, Mom.”
“You deserve happiness,” she continued, her voice gentle but insistent. “After everything you’ve been through.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “I’ll give it thought,” I promised, relieved when Lucas
returned, ending the conversation.
A knock at the door announced the arrival of dinner. The orderly wheeled in a cart laden with
covered dishes, the aroma immediately filling the room.
I frowned in confusion. The distinctive scent was unmistakable–Amber Crest Restaurant. But
Lucas had called a different establishment during our drive.
“The medical center changed its meal service provider recently,” my mother commented,
oblivious to my confusion. “The food is quite good.”
I played along, not wanting to worry her. “That’s nice. I’m glad they’re taking good care of you.”
As we ate, I caught Lucas’s eye. The slight narrowing of his gaze told me he’d also recognized
the distinctive aroma of the premium venison that could only come from Amber Crest. Only Ethan could have arranged this, a gesture that stirred conflicting emotions within me.
After dinner, Lucas checked his watch and sighed regretfully. “I’m afraid I have a prior
commitment I can’t reschedule.”
I nodded in understanding. “Go ahead. I’ll stay a bit longer with my mother.”
He hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave me alone. “I can send a car for you later.”
“I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “Thank you for everything today.”
<Chapter 143 Olivia Confronts
After Lucas left, my mother and I chatted about inconsequential things, both of us grateful for the peaceful moment amidst the chaos of our lives.
The vibration of my phone interrupted our conversation. Ethan Stone’s name flashed on the
screen.
I immediately declined the call, my heart racing despite my outward calm. I had believed I could face him calmly after everything that had transpired, but witnessing him protect Victoria and dote on Emma still ignited my anger and rekindled my grief for Lily.
“Who was that?” my mother asked, her eyes sharp with concern.
I forced a smile. “Just an unwanted solicitation.”
Moments later, my phone buzzed with a text message: “Answer the phone, or you’ll face the
consequences.”
I maintained my composure as the phone rang again. “Excuse me, Mom. I need to take this.
It’s work–related.”
I stepped out into the Emergency Escape Corridor, away from my mother’s hearing, before
answering the call.
“What do you want?” I demanded, my voice tight with barely controlled fury.
“Is this how you speak to your Alpha?” Ethan’s deep voice rumbled through the line.
“Is this how a human being with a conscience behaves?” I countered. “Oh wait, you don’t have
one.‘
“You’re causing trouble again,” he accused. “Releasing Connor and taking him away. You’re responsible if he harms Victoria.”
I scoffed and hung up without further comment. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself before returning to my mother’s ward.
“Everything okay?” she asked as I reentered the room.
I nodded, my expression carefully neutral. “Just some work matters at Canis Enterprises that need my attention.”
“Don’t stay out too late,” she cautioned. “And be careful.”
“I will,” I promised, gathering my things. “Do you want me to call the nursing staff before I go?”
She waved away my concern. “I can manage. I’m not completely helpless yet.”
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< Chapter 143 Olivia Confronts.
I smiled at her stubborn independence, so like my own. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mom.”
+25 Points >
With a final kiss to her forehead, I left the ward, unaware that my mother’s eyes followed me
with determination.
(Evelyn’s POV)
I waited until Olivia’s footsteps faded down the corridor before throwing back my covers. My legs were unsteady as I stood, but determination fueled my movements.
Something was wrong. I had seen the flash of pain in my daughter’s eyes when that phone call came through. She was hiding something from me, and I intended to find out what.
I dressed quickly, grateful that my condition had improved enough to allow short excursions. Slipping past the nurses‘ station was easier than expected–shift change provided the perfect
distraction.
Outside the medical center, I hailed Martin Briggs, a taxi driver I’d used several times during my stay here. He was reliable and, more importantly, discreet.
“Follow that silver car,” I instructed, pointing to Olivia’s vehicle pulling out of the parking lot.
Martin raised an eyebrow but asked no questions. “Yes, ma’am.”
He skillfully maintained a safe distance while tracking Olivia’s car through Shadow Creek, his years of experience evident in his precise movements.
“Not your first time doing this, is it?” I observed.
He chuckled. “Let’s just say I’ve had interesting customers before.”
When Olivia’s car finally stopped near a secluded park, I leaned forward anxiously. “Park here,
but keep the engine running.”
Martin complied, positioning the taxi where we had a clear view without being obvious.
My heart nearly stopped when I saw who was waiting for Olivia. Ethan Stone stood in the moonlight, his powerful presence unmistakable even from a distance.
I watched as my daughter approached Ethan. Their body language spoke of tension and
conflict.
What happened next sent rage coursing through my veins. Ethan grasped Olivia’s chin and kissed her forcefully, ignoring her obvious resistance.
“Stop the car,” I commanded, already reaching for the door handle.
5/6
< Chapter 143 Olivia Confronts.
Despite my illness, I rushed toward them, determined to defend my daughter from what I perceived as an unwelcome advance.
+25 Points >
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