(Olivia''s POV)''


    Rain pounded against my windshield as I drove toward Stone Pack Enterprises headquarters. The wipers fought a losing battle against the downpour, much like my emotions battled


    against the memories this ce evoked.


    I gripped the steering wheel tighter. No way was I going to Ethan''s Moonlight Manor tonight.


    The towering ss building of Stone Pack Enterprises.loomed ahead, its illuminated logo a beacon in the stormy darkness. Five years ago, I''d stood in front of these same doors, soaked to the bone and desperate.


    Back then, I''de begging for money to save our daughter''s life.


    The memory washed over me as vividly as the rain outside. I''d been turned away at reception, the woman''s voice dripping with disdain as she informed me that "Miss Victoria Frost is Alpha Stone''s girlfriend" and that I needed an appointment. When I refused to leave, security guards had dragged me out into the rain.


    Standing on the sidewalk, clothes stered to my skin, I''d sent Ethan a text message that still. made me cringe with shame: "Please. I''ll do anything. Lily needs the treatment."


    Maxwell Chen had eventually appeared with an umbre, escorting me inside through a side entrance. Ethan had been cold, clinical, offering me a shower and change of clothes before we "discussed terms."


    I''dplied, desperate for the money that might save our daughter.


    An hourter, I left with a check and the receptionist''s knowing smirk burning into my back.


    Pulling into the parking garage, I pushed those memories aside. Today, I wasn''t here to beg. I


    was here to demand.


    I texted Maxwell Chen: "I''m here to see Ethan regarding Connor ckthorn." His response was immediate: "I''ll meet you at the executive elevator."


    Maxwell appeared exactly as I remembered him-impably dressed, expression neutral, the perfect assistant. If he recalled ourst encounter, his face betrayed nothing.


    "Miss Winters," he greeted with a slight bow. "Alpha Stone is expecting you at Moonlight


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    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t....


    Manor."


    "I prefer to meet here," I replied firmly.


    +8 Points >


    Something flickered in Maxwell''s eyes-surprise, perhaps but he simply nodded and led me


    to the elevator.


    Ethan''s office upied the entire top floor, a testament to his power and status. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, though tonight they


    only


    reflected the storm''s fury.


    Ethan stood when I entered, his amber eyes narrowing slightly.


    "I expected you at Moonlight Manor," he said, his deep voice sending an


    unwee shiver


    down my spine.


    "I prefer neutral ground," I replied coolly.


    He studied me for a moment, then turned to Maxwell. "Have dinner delivered here instead."


    Maxwell nodded and disappeared, leaving us alone.


    Ethan gestured to the seating area. “Please, sit."


    I remained standing. "I''m here about Connor ckthorn."


    "And I invited you to dinner," he countered, his tone hardening slightly. "We can discuss


    business afterward."


    Before I could respond, Maxwell returned with several staff members carrying covered dishes. The rich aroma of venison filled the air as they set up an borate meal on Ethan''s conference


    table.


    My stomach betrayed me with a quiet growl. I recognized the dishes immediately- venison medallions with moonberry sauce, roasted root vegetables, and forest mushroom risotto. All


    my favorites from Amber Crest Restaurant.


    7


    "You remembered," I said before I could stop myself.


    Something softened in Ethan''s expression. "Of course."


    The intimacy of the moment unsettled me. During our marriage, we''d rarely shared meals


    together. Ethan had always been too busy with pack business or spending time with Victoria


    and Emma.


    "Please," he said, pulling out a chair for me. "Eat something."


    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t...


    +8 Points >


    I sat reluctantly, keeping my expression neutral despite the delicious food before me. This felt


    like maniption-using my hunger against me.


    "How is your mother?" Ethan asked as he served me a portion of venison.


    "Fine," I replied curtly. "Connor ckthorn''s retrial petition-"


    "Can wait until after dinner,” he interrupted smoothly. "Tell me about your work with Gwendolyn Pierce."


    I stared at him, surprised he knew about that. "How did you-"


    "I make it my business to know what''s happening in my territory," he said, taking a


    sip of his wine. "Especially when it involves my mate."


    My wolf bristled at his possessive tone. "I''m not here to discuss my personal life."


    "No?" His amber eyes fixed on me intently. "Then let''s discuss Lucas ckwood instead."


    The mention of Lucas made my spine stiffen. "There''s nothing to discuss."


    "I disagree," Ethan said, his voice deceptively casual. "The Alpha of Moonstone Pack seems


    quite... attentive to my matetely."


    I set down my fork with a sharp clink. "This is pointless."


    I stood to leave, but Ethan was faster, moving to block my path. His scent-pine


    and amber- enveloped me as he stepped closer.


    "Olivia," he said softly, reaching for my hand.


    I tried to pull away, but he held firm, drawing me into a brief embrace. The familiar


    warmth of his body against mine triggered something deep within my wolf-a recognition that, despite


    everything, this was still my mate.


    I broke away, heart pounding traitorously.


    "Let me help you with Connor ckthorn," Ethan offered, his voice gentle.


    "Consider it repaying a debt."


    I shook my head. "I don''t want your help."


    "Why not?"


    "Because I don''t trust you," I said bluntly. "You''ll protect Victoria over seeking


    justice for Lily."


    His jaw tightened at the usation. "That''s not fair."


    "Isn''t it?" I challenged. "You''ve made your priorities clear, Ethan. Victoria and Emmae first.


    < Chapter 130 Olivia Refuses t


    They always have."


    +8 Points >


    Pain shed across his face, quickly masked by Alpha authority. "What exactly do


    you want


    from me, Olivia?"


    "I want you to authorize Connor ckthorn''s release," I stated firmly. "Today."


    "He tried to kill you," Ethan growled, his protective instincts ring.


    "That''s my concern, not yours," I countered. "You lost the right to protect me when


    you


    abandoned me and Lily."


    The words hung between us, sharp and cutting. Ethan''s amber eyes darkened


    with an emotion


    I couldn''t-wouldn''t-name.


    "Fine," he finally said. "I''ll make the call."


    Relief washed through me, but I kept my expression neutral. "Thank you."


    I turned to leave, eager to escape the confusing mix of emotions his presence stirred in me.


    My phone rang, the screen disying "Silvercrest Pack Medical Den." A chill ran


    down my spine as I answered.


    "Miss Winters?" Sarah Jenkins'' voice was professionally calm but urgent. "Your


    mother has


    been rushed to emergency. Her condition is critical."


    The world tilted beneath my feet. "What happened?"


    "Sudden respiratory distress. The doctors are with her now, but you shoulde


    quickly."


    My mind shed to another call, years ago. Another emergency. Another loved one slipping


    away.


    Lily.


    My legs gave way, and I sank into the nearest chair, phone clutched in my trembling hand.


    "Olivia?" Ethan was beside me instantly, concern etched on his face. "What''s wrong?"


    "My mother," I whispered, voice breaking. "She''s in critical condition."


    Without hesitation, Ethan took the phone from my hand. "This is Alpha King


    Stone. Prepare


    your best team for Evelyn Winters. We''re on our way."


    He ended the call and helped me to my feet. "I''ll drive you."


    Too shaken to argue, I let him guide me to the elevator, his hand steady at the


    small of my


    back.


    +8 Points >


    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t...


    The drive to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den passed in a blur of rain and silent


    prayers. Ethan''s presence beside me was both foreign and familiar-a reminder of all we''d once been


    to each other.


    Sarah Jenkins met us at the entrance, her professional demeanor softening with genuine concern. "Miss Winters, this way please."


    She led us through sterile corridors that held too many painful memories. The antiseptic smell, the hushed voices, the beeping machines-it all brought back Lily''s final days with crushing rity.


    your


    Dr. Harrison Fletcher emerged from the emergency room, his face grave. "Miss Winters, your mother''s condition has deteriorated rapidly. We''re doing everything


    we can, but I need consent for continued emergency treatment."


    He handed me a form, the words swimming before my eyes. My hands trembled


    so violently I could barely hold the pen.


    "This is..." I swallowed hard. "This is exactly what happened with Lily."


    The parallel was too much to bear. Once again, I stood in a hospital corridor,


    being asked to sign a form that might not save someone I loved.


    "Olivia," Ethan''s voice cut through my panic. He turned to Dr. Fletcher. "Continue treatment immediately. I take full responsibility."


    The doctor hesitated. "Sir, we still need-''


    "Do it," Ethanmanded, his Alpha authority unmistakable. "I''ll ensure the paperwork is handled."


    He turned to me, his voice gentler. "Olivia, your mother needs this treatment. It''s


    not like Lily''s situation. This time, there are no organ donors involved, no waiting


    lists. Just sign."


    His words prated my fog of fear. With trembling hands, I signed the form.


    Dr. Fletcher took it with a nod. "I''ll update you as soon as possible."


    As he hurried back to the emergency room, my legs finally gave way. Ethan caught me before! hit the floor, guiding me to a nearby chair.


    "She can''t die," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "She''s all I have left."


    Ethan''s hand covered mine, warm and steady. "She''s strong, like her daughter."


    The waiting room door burst open, and Lucas ckwood strode in, his gray eyes immediately


    < Chapter 130: Olivia Refuses t....


    finding mine.


    "Liv," he said, crossing the room in long strides. "I came as soon as I heard."


    He knelt before me, taking my hands in his. "How is she?"


    "Critical," I managed, grateful for his solid presence. "They''re working on her now."


    Lucas pulled me into aforting embrace, his familiar scent calming my frayed nerves.


    +8 Points


    Over his shoulder, I caught Ethan watching us, his amber eyes dark with an emotion I couldn''t


    decipher.


    The minutes stretched into hours, each tick of the clock a reminder of how precious and


    precarious life could be. Lucas remained by my side, his quiet strength a balm to my anxiety.


    Finally, Dr. Harrison Fletcher returned, his expression cautiously optimistic.


    "Miss Winters," he began, "your mother has stabilized. The crisis has passed, and


    she''s


    regained consciousness."


    Relief crashed over me in a wave so powerful I nearly copsed again. Lucas''s


    arm around my


    shoulders kept me upright as tears of gratitude spilled down my


    cheeks.


    "Can I see her?" I asked, already rising from my seat.


    Dr. Fletcher nodded. "Briefly. She''s still very weak."


    Lucas squeezed my hand. "I''ll be right here."


    I followed Dr. Fletcher to my mother''s room, where Evelyny pale but alive,


    connected to various monitors. Her eyes fluttered open as I approached. "Olivia,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    "I''m here, Mom," I said, carefully taking her frail hand in mine. “You''re going to be


    okay."


    As the nurses prepared to wheel her to a recovery room, Evelyn''s gaze drifted


    past me. Her


    eyes widened slightly in surprise.


    I turned to see Ethan standing in the doorway, his powerful frame a stark contrast


    to the


    sterile hospital setting.