Chapter 57: Cooperation i

Chapter b57/bb: /bbCooperation /bin the Shadows–b2 /b

I pursed my lips, half reproachful, half shy. “You hid it well.”

+ Points

He reached out to ruffle my soft honey–brown hair, eyes full of tenderness. “I had to wait for you to grow up.”

A trace of sadness shed in his gaze. “Once you graduated college, I immediately asked your father for your hand in marriage. But you refused and even ran away from

your pack.”

My cheeks flushed with guilt. I looked away, muttering, “I… I thought my dad was sacrificing me for the pack alliance. How was I supposed to know you’d been

nning this all along? You didn’t tell me anything. So unfair…”

Suddenly, Connor made a pained face and hissed, “Ow, my wound really hurts.”

I panicked instantly, eyes darting to his injury. “Did you’move and tear it? I’ll call the

doctor!”

Instead, he pulled me gently into his arms, chin resting on my head. His low voice

was soft and coaxing.

“Just hold me a bit and it won’t hurt anymore.”

Iughed, realizing his little trick. “You’re teasing me.”

“I’m not,” he murmured, stroking my hair gently. “It really hurts. Be good, let me hold you, then it won’t hurt.”

I nestled quietly into his embrace, feeling his heartbeat and scent envelop me. In his arms, I momentarily forgot all my troubles, including Ethan’s disturbing words. Connor’s warmth was like a shield, protecting me from the chaos that seemed

determined to follow us.

(Ethan’s POV)

I stumbled through the hotel lobby, my head pounding from a night of heavy drinking. The memory of Olivia’s car lurching toward me, the cold determination in her amber eyes as she rejected mepletely–it was all too much.

“Mr. Grey.”

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Chapter 57 Cooperation t

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A crisp female voice cut through my alcohol–induced haze. I turned, surprised to see a young woman draped head–to–toe in luxury brands. Her face was unfamiliar, though something about her appearance suggested connections to the Rivers family.

“Do we know each other?” I asked, approaching warily.

The woman leaned backzily on the sofa, raising her chin slightly. “We’re about to.”

Her confidence was irritating, but I was intrigued enough to sit across from her. My tone remained guarded.

“Who are you?”

She smiled faintly. “Natalie Hughes, the adopted daughter of the Grey pack.”

I frowned, instantly alert. “Grey pack? You mean Connor Rivers‘ pack?”

“That’s right,” Natalie confirmed lightly, then dropped her proposition. “Care to

orking with me?”

sed, I asked bluntly, “What kind of cooperation?”

Her lips curled with a cold sneer. “To break apart Connor Rivers and Olivia Winters.”

I scrutinized her suspiciously. This could easily be a trap, some kind of test from the

Rivers family.

“And why should I believe you?”

Natalie let out a shortugh. “Because the one I love is Connor Rivers. No one wants

them torn apart more than I do.”

She extended a business card toward me. “I know you’ve been desperately seeking

investmenttely for your business ventures. Contact this person – he’ll invest in

yourpany.”

Her eyes narrowed with calction. “But… the condition for that investment is

simple: work with me to destroy their rtionship.”

I nced at the card, feeling dark emotions stirring within me. The offer was

tempting–not just the investment, but the alliance with someone who shared my

goal.

“Even without your investment, I’ll do everything to break them apart. Olivia can only

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Chapter 57: Cooperation i

belong to me.”

Natalie’s smile deepened, her lips curling with triumph. “Then, Mr. Grey, happy

cooperation?”

I hesitated, still wary. Something about this seemed too convenient, too perfect.

“I’ll verify your identity before I respond.”

“Sure.” Natalie calmly replied.

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