< Chapter 31: Encounter at t….


    +8 Points X


    Chapter 31: <b>Encounter </b><b>at </b>the Gate–1


    Chapter 31: Encounter at the Gate


    (Olivia’s POV)


    The morning sun had barely risen when I arrived at Moow Legal Services. I’d deliberatelye early, hoping to make a good impression on my <i>second </i>day.


    Heather Phillips intercepted me in the hallway, her sleek bob swinging as she approached with two thick file folders.


    “Olivia, good timing,” she said briskly. “This client wants to appeal. The previous attorney has resigned, so now this is transferred to you. The appeal deadline is approaching fast. You’d better draft the appeal and get the documents ready for


    court today.”


    nodded, taking the first folder.


    Before I could respond, she thrust the second folder into my hands. “And thisbor injury case. You need to apany the client for the injury certification and disability assessment. Try to get it done today or tomorrow, don’t drag it into next


    week.”


    “I understand,” I replied, grateful for the immediate work. “I’ll handle both right away.”


    Heather gave me a curt nod before striding away, leaving me with my arms full of


    <i>case </i>files.


    I made my way to my office, already mentally organizing my approach. More cases meant <i>more </imission and valuable experience as an independentwyer. This was exactly what I needed.


    Gregory wasn’t in yet, giving me the quiet office to myself as I spread the documents across my desk. The appeal case involved aplex property dispute with multiple parties. Thebor injury case concerned a beta werewolf injured at a construction site owned by a prominent pack.


    Both wereplicated, <b>but </b><b>felt </b>a surge of determination. This was my chance to prove myself.


    < Chapter 31 Encounter at t


    I dove into the appeal case first, knowing its deadline was more pressing. The previouswyer had left minimal notes, forcing me to reconstruct the entire case strategy from scratch.


    Hours passed without my notice. I skipped lunch, <i>too </i>absorbed in my work to feel hunger. By mid–afternoon, I had drafted the appeal and organized the supporting


    evidence.


    48 Points


    I called thebor injury client and arranged to meet tomorrow morning for the medical assessment. That would give me the evening to finish preparing the appeal


    documents.


    The office gradually emptied as evening approached. First the interns left, then the administrative staff, followed by the otherwyers. Even Gregory bid me goodnight


    around seven.


    “Don’t stay toote,” he cautioned kindly.


    I smiled and nodded, but returned immediately to my work.


    By the time I finished, darkness had fallenpletely. The building was eerily silent, with only the asional hum of the air conditioning system breaking the quiet.


    I nced at my watch–nearly ten o’clock. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since breakfast.


    After tidying my desk and organizing the files for tomorrow, I turned off the lights, <i>locked </i>the office, and headed out into the night.


    The <i>cool </i>evening air felt refreshing after hours in the climate–controlled building. I started walking toward my apartment, calcting it would take about ten minutes on


    foot.


    My phone rang, Connor’s name lighting up the screen.


    “Hello?” I answered, my voice betraying my fatigue.


    “Livvy, have <i>you </i>gone home?” Connor’s gentle voice came through clearly.


    “Just got off work, on my way,” I replied honestly.


    “Have you eaten<b>?</b><b>” </b>he asked, <b>concern </b>evident in his tone.


    Chapter 31 Encounter at t..


    I sighed. “Not yet. I’ll order takeout when I get home.”


    +8 Points >


    A warm chuckle filtered through the phone. “Miss Winters, your delivery is already on its way.”


    I blinked in confusion. “You ordered food for me?”


    “Delivery boy Rivers himself, arriving in fifteen minutes at yourpound gate,” he


    replied, his voice softening further.


    I smiled despite my exhaustion. The timing would be perfect–I’d reach my gate in


    about ten minutes.


    “Did you put a tracker on me, Con?” I teased. “You know invasion of privacy is illegal.”


    His voice dropped lower, taking on a seductive quality that made my heart skip. “Then


    will Lawyer Winters arrest me? I’m at your disposal.”


    Thosest four words-“at your disposal“-came out slow and deliberate, causing


    heat to rush to my cheeks.


    I coughed deliberately to hide my embarrassment. “Ahem, you shouldn’t talk and


    drive, it’s dangerous.”


    Connor’s light chuckle filtered through. “Frank’s driving.”


    I found myself speechless, amused by this yful side of him I rarely saw. We continued chatting easily as I approached my apartmentplex, my spirits lifting despite my exhaustion.


    “I should be there in about five minutes,” I told him, smiling to myself.


    “I’ll be waiting,” he replied warmly.


    Suddenly, a cold male voice cut through the darkness. “Olivia.”


    I stopped abruptly, my heart lurching in my chest.


    Following the sound, I spotted Ethan Grey standing under a tree, his tall figure partially hidden in shadow. The sight of him waiting there, silent and dangerous under the night sky<b>, </b>sent a chill down my spine<b>. </b>


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