Chapter 21: Reunion at the Banquetb–/b1

Chapter 21: Reunion at the Banquet

(Connor’s POV)

“We broke up long ago. Now I’m her ex–boyfriend,” I said, my face deliberately cold as I addressed Gabriel’sment about Olivia’s past rtionship.

The cards in my hand suddenly felt heavy. I kept my expression neutral, inot /iwanting to reveal how much the topic affected me.

Ethan Quinn leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. “And iyou /idon’t mind?”

I shrugged, maintaining myposure. My fingers tightened slightly around the cards.

“Who doesn’t have a past?” I flicked my ice–blue gaze over to him with a chill that made him shift ufortably in his seat. “Haven’t you ever had a rtionship?”

Ethan scratched his nose awkwardly, looking away from my piercing stare. “Of course I have, but she’s your first love, yet you’re not hers. You truly don’t care?”

“I don’t care,” I replied, feeling my eyes soften involuntarily as thoughts of Olivia filled my mind. The memory of her smile warmed something inside me. “As long as I can be with her,

it’s already a blessing.”

“Tsk tsk,” Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head. “What a devoted man.”

Miles Bet snorted ifrom /iacross the table. “The mighty Connor Rivers, brought to his knees by a womani. /iNever thought I’d see the day.”

I shot him a warning nce that immediately silenced his teasing. No one at the table dared to push further.

We finished our hand of cards infortable silence. I checked the tinum watch on my wrist–Olivia’s gift–and felt a surge of warmth at the reminder of her thoughtfulness.

“Time’s almost up,” I announced, standing from my chair. “Let’s go.”

The men quickly gathered their belongings, following my lead without question. My authority as Alpha was never challenged, even in casual settings like this.

Frank Langley was already waiting with the car when we exited the building. His efficiency

was one of the reasons I kept him as my senior beta.

“Is everything prepared at the hotel?” I asked him quietly.

Chapter 21 Reunion at the Ba.

b+25 /bPuntos

He nodded. “Yes, Alpha Connor. The private dining room is ready, and Miss Winters‘ friends

have already arrived.”

Dazzling lights flickered against the night sky as the cier Blue Bentley Continental GT–my special gift for Olivia–slowly came to a stop before the most luxurious five–star hotel in

Riverdale.

I watched through the tinted windows as Olivia’s car pulled up. My heart quickened despite

my efforts to remainposed.

The early October breeze carried a faint chill as Olivia stepped out gracefully. Her wave–like honey–brown hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders,plementing her cream trench coat,

pale shirt, and soft leather heels.

I couldn’t help but admire how she’d changed. The cool, intellectual aura she’d always

possessed was now tinged with a new maturity–one gained from heartbreak and

self–awareness. It made her even more captivating.

From the hotel entrance, Reba Frost waved enthusiastically. “Liv! Over here!”

Standing beside her was Lily, another of Olivia’s childhood friends. I watched as Olivia’s amber eyes curved into a warm smile, her steps light as she approached them in her delicate heels.

Lily pretended to pout, cing her hands on her hips. “Finally willing toe back? We thought you forgot us.”

Olivia’s smile deepened with genuine affection. She reached out to touch Lily’s arm gently.

“How could I forget? I came back because I missed you. What, not happy to see me?”

“Hmph, sweet talker,” Lily snorted, but her eyes sparkled with obvious delight.

Reba linked arms with Olivia cheerfully, pulling her closer. “Lily’s been missing you all day

long. Youe home to Riverdale, she’s the first to wee you.” fn4394 Official source is Find[?]ovel/fn4394

(Olivia’s POV)

I felt a rush of warmth as Reba and Lily greeted me. Their friendship was so evident-

Reba gentle and well–mannered, Lily lively and outspoken. It felt good to be back among

people who genuinely cared for me.

The hotel’s grand entrance gleamed with polished marble and crystal chandeliers. It reminded

me of how different my life in Harbor City had been.

“You’re about to get engaged to Connor, right?” Reba mentioned softly, squeezing my arm.

“That’s wonderful.”

Chapter 21 Reunion at the Ba

+25 bPuntos /b

But Lily hesitated, concern etched across her face. She pulled me slightly aside, lowering her

voice.

“Liv… is it truly your choice?”

I flicked Lily’s forehead lightly and smiled. The gesture was familiar, reminiscent of our

childhood together.

“Who can force me if I don’t want it?” My voice carried more confidence than I had felt in

months.

My friends exchanged nces. They knew I had dated someone in Harbor City, but I’d never

told them about the breakup. Over the past three years, I’d asionally shared sweet

moments with Ethan Grey, but now, I couldn’t help the trace of bitterness that crept into my

smile.

“Did you break up with Ethan Grey?” Reba asked quietly, her eyes searching mine for the

truth.

Comentarios

Ver anuncios (0/20)

bVotar /b

259