Alphas Regret, the luna is secret heiress novel

Chapter 164 : Unexpected Encounters and Unspoken Feelings Chapter 164 : Unexpected Encounters and Unspoken Feelings ( Olivia's POV ) I returned to my apartment and noticed a message from Adrian Sinclair that had been sent half an hour ago , The notification glowed softly on my phone screen . " Did you arrive home safely ? May I call you ? " the text read . I quickly typed back confirming my arrival and agreeing to the call . Within moments , my phone rang with Adrian's familiar number .

" Olivia , I hope I'm not calling too late , " Adrian's voice came through , carrying a note of concern . " Not at all . Is everything alright ? " Adrian's tone shifted to apologetic . " I wanted to apologize for tonight . My aunt Emma invited so many people to dinner without warning me properly . " I settled into my apartment's comfortable armchair , curious about his explanation . " She only told me she was inviting you to thank you for helping find Sophie , " Adrian continued .

" She said she invited me to avoid you feeling awkward since we're law firm partners . " His voice carried genuine embarrassment . " I had no idea my grandparents from the Sinclair pack would attend . " " It's perfectly fine ," I assured him warmly . " I wasn't intimidated by the social situation . " Adrian's relief was audible through the phone . " Thank you for being so understanding ." There was a pause before he spoke again , his voice more hesitant .

" I should mention something else about my aunt Emma . " " What is it ? " " She's been trying to arrange a mate for me ," Adrian admitted with obvious discomfort . " After meeting you tonight , she seems to have misunderstood our professional relationship ." My eyebrows rose in surprise . " Misunderstood how? " " She thinks there might be something romantic between us , despite my explanations to the contrary ." The realization hit me like a cold wave .

Emma Turner had intended to set us up as potential mates during what I thought was simply a grateful dinner . I laughed , though the sound felt forced . " I see . Well , that explains the romantic atmosphere at dinner . " " I'm sorry about the confusion ," Adrian said quickly . " I tried to clarify our business partnership , but she seemed determined to see more !" " Don't worry about it , " I replied , trying to keep my tone light .

" I'm too busy establishing the new law firm to think about romance or mating bonds anyway . " The words came out more dismissive than I intended . I heard Adrian's sharp intake of breath on the other . ( Adrian's POV ) Her response hit me like a physical blow . My wolf retreated deeper within me , wounded by the casual dismissal . I had been hoping , perhaps foolishly , that she might feel something for me beyond professional respect . The dinner tonight had given me false hope .

Ms there no chance at all ? " The question escaped before I could stop it . My voice carried all the vulnerability of a beta wolf seeking acceptance from someone far above his station . The silence that followed felt eternal . " I'm sorry , " Olivia finally whispered . Those two words shattered something inside my chest . My wolf whimpered softly , mourning what could never be . " Of course ," I said quickly , forcing lightness into my voice . " Sorry , it's late and I'm rambling .

Have a good night , Olivia . " " Good night , Adrian . " The line went dead , leaving me alone in my apartment's silence . I stared at my phone screen , her contact information still displayed . My heart ached with the knowledge that my feelings would never be reciprocated . My wolf curled up in the depths of my consciousness , wounded and retreating from the pain of rejection . I had known it was unlikely , but hope had been a cruel companion .

Setting the phone aside , I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes . Tomorrow'I would have to face her at the office and pretend nothing had changed . The professional mask would have to be perfect . She could never know how deeply her gentle rejection had cut . ( Olivia's POV ) The next morning at Moonstone Legal Partners , I greeted Adrian as if nothing had happened . His smile was professional and warm , showing no trace of last night's vulnerability .

" Good morning , partner , " he said , adjusting his gold - rimmed glasses . "Morning , Adrian . Ready for another busy day ? " We fell into our usual professional rhythm , reviewing cases and discussing client strategies . The awkwardness I had feared never materialized . Adrian's professionalism was impeccable , and I found myself grateful for his maturity in handling the situation .

After finishing a legal complaint for a corporate client , our receptionist approached my desk with a know smile . " Miss Winters , there's a client here specifically requesting you ," she announced . . " Did they mention what type of case ? " I asked , not looking up from my documents . " He said it involves several high - profile pack business matters . " I glanced up , curious about the nature of such cases .

" Please show them to the conference room ." બાર ન હતો બાઈ When I entered the conference room , my breath caught . Connor Rivers sat at the polished table , his ice - blue eyes meeting mine with familiar intensity . His presence filled the room with Alpha authority , making the air feel charged with electricity . " Connor ," I said , struggling to maintain professional composure .

" This is unexpected ." He rose from his chair with fluid grace , his tall frame commanding attention . " Hello , Olivia . I hope you don't mind the surprise visit . " " What brings you to Moonstone Legal Partners ? " I asked , taking a seat across from him . " I need legal representation for several high - profile pack business cases , " Connor replied smoothly . " Complex matters requiring exceptional legal expertise . " I frowned , confused by his request .

" Why aren't you using the Rivers pack's in - house legal counsel ? They've handled your family's affairs for decades . " Connor's lips curved into a knowing smile , his ice - blue eyes holding a warmth reserved only for me . " But I specifically want to work with Attorney Winters . Is that not allowed ? "