My phone felt heavy in my hand as Matriarch Evelyn''s voice continued through the speaker.


    "Alpha ckwood is waiting for you downstairs, dear," she said, her tone warm but leaving no room for argument. "A fine young Alpha from a respected bloodline. Tve arranged everything"


    I closed my eyes, fighting the wave of frustration that threatened to overwhelm me "Grandmother, I appreciate your concern, but I''m not interested in dating right


    now"


    "Nonsense," she replied briskly. "You need protection, Olivia. Someone to stand against Ethan and that woman. Alpha ckwoodes from a powerful family with connections throughout the Northern


    Territories"


    Her voice softened. "Give him a chance. For me."


    I sighed, knowing resistance was futile. The Matriarch rarely took no for an answer, especially when she believed she was acting in someone''s best interest.


    "Fine," I conceded reluctantly. "One dinner."


    "Excellent!" Her satisfaction was palpable even through the phone. "He''s waiting in the ck Rolls-Royce Ghost at the main entrance. Don''t keep him waiting."


    After ending the call, I gathered my


    belongings and headed for the elevator. My reflection in the polished doors showed a woman I barely recognized-thinner, more haunted, but somehow stronger than before. The emerald eyes staring back at me held a wariness that hadn''t been there before Lily''s death.


    As the elevator descended, I straightened my posture. Whatever this dinner entailed, I would maintain my


    dignity.


    the ss The lobby was nearly empty as I crossed it, my heels clicking against the marble floor. Through doors, I could see several vehicles parked outside, including a sleek ck Rolls-Royce Ghost that must belong to Alpha ckwood.


    But my attention was immediately captured by another vehicle-Ethan''s distinctive ck Rolls-Royce parked prominently near the entrance. My steps faltered as I recognized it.


    Why was he here? Had hee to continue our argument from this morning? As I watched, Victoria Frost emerged from the building, her perfect makeup and designer clothes a stark contrast to my more modest appearance. Without hesitation, she walked directly to Ethan''s car and slipped


    inside.


    Even from this distance, I could see her lean across the seat and press her lips against Ethan''s in a lingering kiss. The sight sent a sharp pain through my chest despite everything that had happened between us


    Several of my colleagues who were leaving for the day noticed the scene, their whisperedments carrying clearly in the quiet lobby.


    "They don''t even try to hide it anymore."


    Chapter 59 Dangerous De


    "Poor Olivia. Everyone knows he''s with Victoria now."


    1 heard he locked her in a basement with rats. Can you imagine?"


    I forced myself to keep walking, my chin held high despite the humiliation burning


    through me. Let them talk. Let them see Victoria kissing my mate while I was being set up with someone else. The truth of our broken rtionship was bing impossible to hide.


    As I approached the entrance, a tall man stepped out of the ck Rolls-Royce Ghost. Alpha ckwood was undeniably handsome, with sharp features and an air of confidence that spoke of his status. His tailored suit probably cost more than my monthly sry, and his shoes gleamed in thete afternoon sunlight.


    "Olivia Winters," he greeted me with a respectful bow, his voice deep and cultured. "It''s an honor to meet you.


    I''m Miles ckwood."


    I nodded politely, acutely aware of Ethan''s gaze burning into my back from his car, Without turning. I knew he was watching my every


    move.


    "Alpha ckwood," I replied, keeping my voice neutral. "Thank you for the invitation."


    He opened the passenger door for me with a flourish. "Please, call me Miles."


    As I prepared to enter his car, my phone buzzed with a text message. I nced at it briefly.


    Ethan: Get out of the car.


    Themanding tone of the message made my blood boil. After everything he''d done-after id just witnessed him with Victoria-he had the audacity to order me around?


    I deliberately slipped my phone back into my purse without responding, my chin lifting slightly in defiance. Let him watch as I got into another man''s car. Let him feel a fraction of what I''d been feeling for years.


    Miles closed the door behind me and walked around to the driver''s side. Through the window, I caught a glimpse of Ethan''s face, dark with barely controlled rage. Victoria was speaking to him, her expression one of feigned innocence as she pretended not to understand what had upset him.