Chapter <b>191</b>: Held in His Arms


    Chapter 191: Held in His Arms.


    (Olivia’s POV)


    I looked over and saw Matthew’s face, which for some reason, I found even more handsome than the day before. He was slowly helping me up, and I murmured with some embarrassment, “I didn’t.”


    What kind of a cold joke was this?


    “Why were you running?” Matthew scooped me up by the waist, his voice soft. “You almost fell.”


    It was a protective carry, his strong arms cradling me securely against his chest. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat through his shirt.


    “Alpha King?” I eximed in a low voice, realizing that many people were following behind him.


    Not just his personal staff, but also some pack leaders and senior members of the Cipher Division. They were


    all watching us with curious expressions.


    I clutched the front of his shirt, a bit frantic. “Put me down.”


    Matthew paused, looking down at me with a gaze so deep it seemed to want to see through my very soul. He simply stated, “Your shoe is down there.”


    Only then did I realize I was missing a high–heeled shoe. The ck stilettoy abandoned on the concrete steps below.


    I struggled in his arms, insisting, “I can go down on one foot.”


    But Matthew began walking down the stairs, his voice distant and tired. “Let them watch me let my Luna hop


    down the stairs while I do nothing?”


    I sensed the weariness in his tone and noticed the faint dark circles under his eyes. He clearly hadn’t rested


    well.


    The pack officials behind us maintained a respectful distance, but I could feel their eyes on us. Some whispered among themselves.


    Before I knew it, I was ced in the pack’s SUV. The leather seats were warm andfortable.


    Matthew stood before me and lifted my calf. Mortified, I tried to push his hand away, ncing nervously at


    the pack officials who were pretending to leave but still peeking.


    “I’ll put it on myself,” I whispered urgently.


    Matthew silently slipped the shoe onto my foot. His fingers were gentle as they adjusted the strap, but his


    touch sent electricity through my skin.


    Inside the car, Beta Tristan handed me a document. His expression was professional but kind.


    “Luna, we’d like your input on the family–themed segment of the Alpha King’s uing address to the alli packs,” he said respectfully. “The Luna’s opinion is of course important.”


    I scanned the document quickly. It outlined various public appearances and photo opportunities.


    Chapter 191 Held in His A


    Wanting to avoid public appearances, especially with our format mate bond rejection fooring in 2 days suggested, “Doing charity work at Lyra’s Hope Sanctuary would probably produce a better ellers


    Just as I thought I had sidestepped the issue, Matthew, who had been resting with his eyes closed announced, “We’re going to the Kane Estate first. My grandma wants to see Aurora


    I turned to him, instantly tense. My stomach dropped with dread.


    I remembered that Elder Fenris did not like me. She had made that abundantly clear during our predicam


    1


    encounters.


    “Why does she want to see my daughter?” I asked, immediately regretting my choice of words and correcting


    myself. “Our daughter,”


    Tristan gently persuaded me, his voice diplomatic. “If the family photos taken at the Kane residence are good


    enough, you wouldn’t have to participate in the outdoor charity event


    I reluctantly agreed, seeing it as a chance to discuss my desire to regain sole custody of Aurora. “Fine Bull


    want to talk to Matthew privately afterward.”


    The drive to the Kane Estate was filled with Aurora’s happy energy as she bounced between her parentsps <fn7621> Original content can be found at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn7621>


    She giggled and reached for both of us with her tiny hands.


    The proximity sometimes brought Matthew’s and my faces close together, making me ufortable. I could smell his scent and feel his breath on my cheek.


    Aurora seemed oblivious to the tension, babbling contentedly as she yed with Matthew’s tie. He smiled at


    her with genuine warmth.


    Upon arrival, however, my mood soured immediately, I found the so–called family gathering was filled with


    beautiful, unfamiliar she–wolves fawning over Matthew.


    Theypletely ignored me, as if I were invisible. Theirughter was too bright, their smiles too perfect.


    It felt less like a family gathering and more like arge–scale matchmaking event for him. My chest tightened with anger and hurt.


    “Alpha King<i>, </i>you look so handsome today,” one blonde she–wolf cooed, touching his arm.


    “The pack is so lucky to have such a strong leader,” another added, batting her eyshes.


    Annoyed and feeling out of ce, I stood up to leave. I couldn’t bear to watch this charade any longer.


    But Matthew’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me onto hisp. The sudden movement made Aurora squeal with delight.


    “My Luna is tired,” he dered, his first words since arriving. His voice carried absolute authority.


    Then, to the crowd, “Everyone, leave


    He shot a look at Elder Fenris, who, meeting his cold gaze, dismissed the women with a wave of her hand.


    But before leaving, Elder Fenris shot a pointed look at me. Her eyes were filled with disapproval and warnin


    “One must learn to be content, and remember not to be fickle,” she said coldly.


    (Matthew’s POV)


    Fimmediately defended hér, raising my tone. “Grandmother?”


    Chette 191H


    18 A


    The word came out sharper than I intended. My jaw clenched as I stared down <b>the </b>elderly she wolf.


    Elder Fenris left without saying anything else, her footsteps echoing in the suddenly quiet room.


    The room was now empty except for us and Aurora. I tried tofort Olivia, reaching for her hand.


    “Don’t mind her, grandmother just heard some rumors.”


    But she pushed away my hand and stood up abruptly. Aurora whimpered at the sudden movement.


    “How can they be mere rumors? They are all true,” she angrily retorted. Her eyes shed with hurt and


    defiance.


    “Her arrangements are for your own good. You don’t have to pay attention to me, choose as you wish.”


    She turned to leave, but I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into my embrace. My heart was pounding


    with frustration and fear.


    I was furious, breathing heavily, but suppressing my anger for Aurora’s sake. The little pup was watching us


    with wide, curious eyes.


    “Say that again?” I asked in a stern voice.


    Olivia, held in my arms, finally revealed her true purpose foring here. Her voice was steady but cold.


    “Matthew, I want to redraft our partnership dissolution agreement. Give me sole custody of Aurora, okay?”


    I was stunned. The words hit me like a physical blow.


    Just the night before, she had been sopliant, even kissing me back. Her lips had been soft and willing


    against mine.


    Now she wanted topletely remove me from Aurora’s life? The thought made my chest ache.


    I held her face in my hands, my gaze intense. I recalled the images Theodore had sent and Seraphina’s words


    about her reconciliation with her ex–partner.


    The jealousy burned through me like acid. I lowered my voice, trying to control my emotions.


    “Tell me honestly, which rumors are true?”


    I heard her mumble, her words barely audible: “Those rumors, about separation, rtionship breakdown,


    about ex and current…”


    Her words made me increasingly angry. The thought of her going back to Theodore made my vision blur with


    rage.


    I couldn’t stand it anymore. I kissed her lips, pouring all my frustration and possessiveness into the contact.


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