Chapter 74
Chapter 42: Pack Bonds and Hidden Truths – 1 Chapter 42: Pack Bonds and Hidden Truths. (Olivia’s POV) “I have an appointment with my colleagues this afternoon to visit the colleague who was injured during the knife attack last time,” I explained softly, adjusting the silk scarf around my neck. Connor immediately nodded, his ice–blue eyes warming with consideration. “I’ll have Henry prepare some fruit baskets, flowers, and nutritional supplements p> Without refusing his kindness, I nodded. “Alright p> Moments later, the hotel staff delivered a brand new set of women’s clothing – a cream–colored blouse and tailored navy slacks that fit me perfectly. I couldn’t help but wonder how Connor had managed to get my exact size. When I finished changing and was about to leave, Connor suddenly pulled me back with a gentle tug on my wrist. “Wait,” he said, his voice low. I looked at him, puzzled. “What is it p> Connor smiled with a hint of mischief and pointed at my neck. Confused, I walked over to the vanity and looked into the mirror. I sharply inhaled at what I saw. Several purplish marks dotted my neck, unmistakable evidence of our night together. Heat rushed to my face as I turned around and glared at him coquettishly. “Why did you leave hickeys here?” I demanded, trying to sound stern despite my embarrassment. Connor rubbed his nose, chuckling. “Not just there p> My eyes widened in horror. “What do you mean ‘not just there‘? ” “Check your collarbone,” he suggested with a smirk. I quickly pulled my blouse aside and gasped at the trail of marks. “ Connor Rivers! O 1/4 How am I supposed to see anyone like this p> “I’ll have someone bring over a silk scarf,” he offered, not looking the least bit apologetic. I sighed in resignation. “I guess that’s the only way p> *15 Points? After twenty minutes spent tidying up and ensuring all evidence of our passionate night was properly concealed, we finally headed downstairs. In the underground parking lot, Frank Langley was already waiting beside a luxury SUV. His expression remained professionally neutral, though I wondered if he could guess what had transpired between Connor and me. Opening the trunk, Frank revealed several carefully prepared fruit baskets, bouquets of fresh flowers, and high–quality nutritional supplements. “Mr. Rivers, here are the items you instructed me to bring,” he reported efficiently. Connor nodded approvingly, inspecting the items. I was touched by his thoughtfulness and the speed with which he’d arranged everything. “Thank you, Frank,” I said sincerely. Frank replied courteously, “It’s nothing, Miss Winters p> Frank took his place in the driver’s seat while Connor and I settled in the back. As the vehicle pulled away from the hotel, I tugged nervously at the silk scarf, still uneasy about the marks beneath. “Is it covered well enough?” I whispered, leaning closer to Connor. “Can they still see p> Connor’s lips curved with a teasing smile as he adjusted the scarf slightly. “Don’t worry. It’s perfectly hidden p> His fingers lingered against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the air conditioning. After a fifteen–minute drive through the busy streets of Harbor City, the SUV stopped at the hospital entrance. I stepped out, circled around to the trunk, and picked up a fruit basket. 2/4 O * Chapter 42 Pack Bonds a “I’ll call you later,” I told Connor through the open window. He nodded, his ice–blue eyes intense. “Take care, Livvy p> +15 Points > The car drove away, leaving me standing alone at the entrance with the gift basket in my arms. Shortly after, I spotted Valerie Pierce from Moonlaw Legal Services approaching. Her sharp gaze swept over me, lingering on the silk scarf and the expensive fruit basket I carried. “Oh, did I see correctly? Just now you stepped down from a luxury SUV?” she asked, her tone dripping with curiosity. I frowned slightly at her prying. “Yes, what about it p> Valerie sneered strangely, her eyes narrowing. “I didn’t expect that from you, Lawyer Winters p> Marcus Wilson appeared beside her, his expression eager for gossip. “Lawyer Winters, who was that?” he asked, not bothering to hide his nosiness. “My boyfriend,” I answered frankly, seeing no reason to hide my relationship with Connor. Marcus burst out laughing as if I’d told a particularly amusing joke. Valerie’s tone dripped with sarcasm as she exchanged glances with him. “Oh, boyfriend? Hahaha, sure, we understand,” she said with exaggerated understanding. Disregarding their odd attitudes, I carried the fruit basket towards the ward. Their behavior was strange, but I had more important things to focus on than office. politics. Behind me, I could hear Valerie’s whispered words to Marcus. “That man in the luxury SUV must be her sugar daddy. No wonder she splurged treating the whole firm to lunch at Moonlight Manor on her first day. Turns out she has a backer p> Marcus nodded eagerly. “Exactly, I was wondering how she dared spend so much. Now it all makes sense p>