Chapter 40
Chapter 24: Darkness and Secrets – 1
Chapter 24: Darkness and Secrets
(Olivia’s POV)
The police officer’s face remained impassive as he delivered his verdict.
“We’ve received your report. We will open an investigation on the charge of attempted assault, but your case of excessive force will also be filed. Since it’s a criminal violation, whether it constitutes justified defense will be determined by the
court p>
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral despite the frustration bubbling beneath the
surface.
“Understood p>
My voice remained steady, betraying none of the turmoil I felt. As a lawyer, I knew the system well enough to understand that this was standard procedure, even if it felt
unjust.
After completing the necessary paperwork and posting bail, I finally stepped out of the police station. The night air felt cool against my skin after hours in the stuffy
interview room.
Connor’s sleek black SUV waited at the curb, its engine purring softly. He opened the passenger door for me, his ice–blue eyes scanning my face with concern.
Once inside, he immediately turned to me, his expression intense.
“I’ll make a call to have this case withdrawn p>
His tone left no room for argument, but I shook my head firmly. My honey–brown hair caught the moonlight streaming through the window.
“No need. I have confidence I can walk away from this unscathed p>
Connor’s jaw tightened slightly, but he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he started the car and pulled away from the curb, the police station shrinking in the rearview mirror.
The streets of Riverdale were nearly empty at this hour, streetlights casting long
塩
1/3
shadows across the pavement. We drove in silence for several minutes, the only sound the soft hum of the engine. + Points Finally, Connor spoke, his voice low and tinged with something I rarely heard from him vulnerability. “Livvy, every time something happens, you always carry it alone. You can try to lean on me p> His words hung in the air between us. I remained silent, watching the city lights blur past the window. After a long moment, I exhaled softly. “After my mother passed away, I was lost for a long time. Then my father remarried. After that, I felt like in this world, there was no one truly close to me anymore p> The confession slipped out before I could stop it, my voice barely audible in the quiet car. The words melted into the night’s silence. Sitting side by side, Connor couldn’t see the sorrow hidden in my amber eyes. I forced myself to sound casual, as if discussing something trivial rather than the wound that had shaped my entire life. “So, I got used to carrying everything by myself. Because I really don’t know who I can still rely on p> I could feel Connor’s gaze on me, though I kept my eyes fixed on the passing scenery. The weight of his attention was almost physical. “ You still have me p> His words were simple but filled with an intensity that made my chest tighten. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to respond. Rebecca’s earlier revelations about Vanessa Reed had planted a seed of doubt I couldn’t ignore. Connor’s foster sister – the daughter of a servant who had sacrificed herself for Mrs. Rivers – probably harbored deep feelings for him. Although Connor had scolded Vanessa for her rudeness yesterday, I sensed his anger stemmed more from her embarrassing the Rivers family than from any desire to defend me. Deep down, I knew my place in his heart couldn’t compare to his bond O 2/3 < Chapter 24 Darkness and p> with the “sister” he’d grown up with. +8 Ports If Vanessa and I ever truly clashed, I had little doubt which side Connor would choose. To protect myself from future heartbreak, I resolved not to rely too heavily on his protection. Connor seemed to feel my hesitation keenly. A trace of frustration crossed his features before he gently reached out, rubbing my head with rare tenderness. “Livvy, remember, no matter what, I will always stand on your side p> I lowered my head, unable to meet his gaze. “Mm p> My noncommittal response hung between us for the remainder of the drive. (Third person’s POV) After escorting Olivia home to Moonlight Manor, Connor immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Frank Langley. “I want the case of ‘excessive force‘ against Olivia Winters withdrawn. Immediately p> His voice carried the unmistakable authority of an Alpha accustomed to having his commands obeyed without question. “Consider it done,” Frank replied promptly. Connor ended that call and immediately dialed his assistant. “Henry, find out which hospital those two men who harassed Livvy are at. Deal with them p> The words were spoken calmly, but the underlying menace was clear. In Harbor City Memorial Hospital, Brock Harding lay weakly in his bed, having just emerged from surgery. His tattooed arms lay limply at his sides, his face still pale from blood loss and anesthesia. Comments