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Chapter 42: Pack <b>Bonds and </b>Hidden <b>Truths</b>–2
Valerie’s voice was full of contempt. “A disgrace to the legal profession.”
I pretended not to hear, but their words stung more than I wanted to admit.
The next day arrived quickly, bringing with it the scheduled family dinner at the Rivers
Family Mansion. Before heading there, I first stopped by the Winters Family Estate
nearby.
Inside, my father Richard Winters and his second mate Natalie were both present in
the living room. My father’s white hair gleamed in the afternoon light as he looked up
at my arrival.
“You haven’t been staying at hometely,” he observed, his tone gentler than I remembered. “Where have you been living?”
Having learned the hidden truth behind my father’s remarriage–that it was my mother Sarah’s dying wish for him to find happiness again–my attitude had softened considerably. The bitterness I’d carried for years had begun to dissolve, leaving room for understanding.
“I’m living in a furnished apartment my cousin Alexander gave me,” I replied calmly.
“It’s close to thew firm, so it’s convenient for work.”
Richard nodded approvingly, his amber eyes–so like my own–warming slightly. “When you
have some time, I’ll introduce you to some uncles and elders, to help you build up your client base.”
I did not refuse this offer of resources as I might have done before. “Alright, maybe
next weekend.”
Suddenly, the patter of small feet drew my attention. Grace ran downstairs with bright eyes and hugged my leg tightly.
“Sister! Sister, you’re back!” she eximed, her childish voice filled with genuine delight.
I gently patted her head, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through my chest. “Yes.<b>” </b>
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Natalie smiled warmly from where she sat. “How have you beentely, Olivia? Are you
adapting well to your new ce?”
I no longer confronted her with the cold hostility I’d shown before. Instead, I merely nodded lightly, acknowledging her question without encouraging further
conversation.
“I’ll go upstairs to get something first,” I said, disengaging gently from Grace’s
embrace.
I ascended to my old room, leaving the couple behind. Through the partially open
door, I could hear Natalie’s whispered words.
“Richard, don’t you feel Olivia has changed? She’s softened a lot this time.”
My father’s voice carried a note of gratification. “She’s grown up now, no longer so
rebellious.”
Inside my room, I was about to do my makeup when my gaze fell to the vanity. There, Grace’s crayon drawingy quietly where she must have left it during one of her visits
to my room.
For a moment, my emotions were a turbulent sea. The childish artwork depicted a happy family of four: Richard and Natalie on the sides, myself as the taller figure in the middle, and little Grace beside me, all holding hands under a bright yellow sun.
My eyes lingered on the drawing,plicated feelings swirling within me. Grace had drawn me as part of their family, despite my years of coldness toward her and Natalie.
After a long pause, I carefully rolled up the drawing and stored it away in my drawer. The gesture felt symbolic somehow, as if I were finally making space in my heart for the possibility of a new family dynamic.
Having finished dressing and applying my makeup, I went downstairs to join my family as we all headed to the Rivers home.
I had chosen an elegant apricot–colored dress paired with white leather heels, abination that made me appear dignified and graceful–a daughter–inw any elders would approve of
Grace wore a bright red dress with two buns tied up and adorned with strawberry hair
clips, looking festive and adorable as she skipped alongside me.
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The Winters couple followed behind as Grace and I entered the Rivers Family Mansion, where Connor personally came <i>to </i>greet us at the door. His ice–blue eyes warmed visibly when theynded on me.
Inside, William and Katherine Rivers weed us with warm smiles. Standing beside them, Vanessa also offered some polite greetings, her <i>expression </i>carefully
controlled.
I nced at her with an indifferent face, remembering her desperate messages to Connor. Despite my newfound rtionship with him, I couldn’t help the wariness I felt
in her presence.
The dining table wasvishly set with an array of dishes that I recognized as my favorites–venison steak cooked medium–rare, mushroom soup with a hint of truffle, and fresh berry tarts for dessert. The careful selection showed Mrs. Rivers‘ attention to detail and desire to make me feel wee.
After dinner, both families gathered in the living room to discuss the uing engagement details. The atmosphere was cordial, with light conversation flowing between the two families.
Before Mrs. Rivers could begin discussing the formal arrangements, Connor suddenly interrupted with a cold,manding tone that silenced the room.
“Since everyone is here, I have something to say.”
All eyes turned to him, surprised by the sudden shift in his demeanor. His face had hardened into the mask of an Alpha, authoritative and unyielding.
“Vanessa, <ie </i>over and apologize to Olivia.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened in shock, her lips trembling slightly. The color drained from her face as she stared at Connor in disbelief.
Mrs. Rivers frowned, clearly displeased by this unexpected confrontation. “Connor!” she admonished, her voice sharp.
Undeterred, Connor’s gaze sharpened, exuding chilling authority that filled the room. Even I felt a shiver run down my spine at the power in his voice.
“Didn’t you hear me? Come here and apologize.”
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Mr. Rivers looked between his son and foster daughter, confusion evident on his face.
“What is going on?”
Connor’s voice grew colder, carrying a de–like sharpness that cut through the tension in the room. “Tell everyone honestly what happened at Crescent Moon Stables that day. If you dare to hide anything, I will say it myself.”
I slightly curled my lips, remaining silent as all eyes turned briefly to <i>me</i>. My father
leaned closer, his voice quiet.
“Why is Connor making Vanessa apologize to you? What did she do?”
Calmly, I replied, “Let’s see what she says.”