Chapter <b>30</b><b>: </b><b>Encounter </b><b>at </b><b>the </b><b>Restaurant</b><b>–</b><b>2 </b>


    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 awkwardughter. 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 Moow, 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?<b>” </b>


    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 <b>the </b>restroom, my


    < Chapter 30 Encounter at t…


    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 <i>to </i>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 <i>phone </i>to text him:


    “Connor, thank you.”


    His reply came quickly: “No need for thanks with me.”


    Then another message appeared: “Are <i>you </i>done? I’m waiting in the outdoor parking lot by the exit. I don’t feel safe letting <i>you </i>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 <i>coworkers</i>, 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 cidly. “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<b>, </b>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<b>. </b>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 <b>scurried </b>away, I headed <b>to </b>the parking lot where <b>Connor </b>waited in his luxury SUV. I slid into <b>the </b>passenger <b>seat</b>, immediately enveloped in the vehicle’s


    Chapter 30 Encounter at t…


    “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 nning to live there permanently for work convenience.”


    Connor nodded approvingly. “Good. I’lle visit often.”


    We drove infortable 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 nced at the screen, my brows


    suddenly knitting tight.


    “[Olivia, I’m in Riverdale. Want to meet?]” The text was from Ethan Grey.


    2


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