Alpha's Regret the Luna is Secret Heiress (by Sylvia) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 17: Mutual Respect–1

Chapter 17: Mutual Respect

(Olivia’s POV)

After dinner, Connor and I descended to the underground parking garage. I walked toward the

glacier blue Bentley Continental GT, keys in hand.

“How does the car feel to drive?” Connor asked softly.

I tucked a strand of honey–brown hair behind my ear, my amber eyes avoiding his intense

gaze.

“I drove it last night, it’s really good. Thank you, Con.” Then, remembering something

important, I lifted the keys and added, “By the way, I also have a gift for you. I meant to give it

to you last night but forgot. It’s in my suitcase at the hotel. I’ll bring it to you when I come

back.”

Connor gently opened the driver’s side door. “Why don’t I come with you? I’ll drive.”

I was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered. “Coming together is fine, but let me drive.

You should rest.”

I knew he must be exhausted after flying from Riverdale last night and driving twenty

kilometers early this morning just to bring me venison stew. I didn’t want to trouble him.

further.

Connor’s ice–blue eyes softened with a smile as he quietly moved to the passenger side. “Then

I shall graciously accept.”

The engine purred to life as I pulled out of the parking garage. The Bentley handled like a dream, responding to my lightest touch.

“Can I sit in on your territory dispute hearing today?” Connor asked as we sped down the

highway.

“Sure, it’s a contract dispute case, nothing confidential,” I responded. “You just need to bring your ID, fill out a form, and get a pass.”

He nodded. “I brought my ID specifically after researching the process. I’ve never seen you

work before.”

As I focused on driving, I was unaware that Connor’s gaze was full of gentle affection and

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< Chapter 17 Mutual Respect–1

deep pride. A thick silence settled between us.

“Con, why did you agree to our arranged mating?” I finally asked quietly.

+25 Puntos >

It was a question I had harbored for three years. The Rivers Pack wielded immense power and

influence, unlike my Winters Pack with its purely commercial background. I always felt this

alliance was my father’s attempt to climb higher, making me wonder why someone of

Connor’s status would accept.

Connor’s eyes darkened as he considered his answer. After a pause, he replied, “By my

generation, arranged matings are no longer necessary to consolidate our pack’s power.”

His answer was ambiguous, leaving me confused. I gently pressed, “Then why not choose

someone you truly love?”

“If I didn’t want to, no one could force me,” his deep voice carried a subtle vulnerability that

surprised me.

My breath caught chaotically. I forced myself not to dwell on the deeper meaning, though my

heart stirred uncontrollably.

I wondered if Connor, so skilled at gentle teasing, had dated many women before, making him so naturally attentive. Ever since I agreed to this arrangement, his care had been meticulous, his presence gentle yet firm. I sensed that if it continued like this, I might truly develop feelings for him.

We arrived at the courthouse with time to spare. Connor followed the procedure to get his

visitor’s pass while I prepared my notes one final time.

The hearing began promptly. I stood tall, my voice clear and confident as I presented our case. The opposing counsel tried to interrupt several times, but I held my ground.

“Your Honor, the contract clearly states in Section 4.3 that territorial boundaries were established using the northern riverbank as the demarcation line,” I argued, pointing to the evidence. “My client has maintained consistent presence within these boundaries for over fifteen years without contest.”

The opposing counsel attempted to introduce a new document, but I quickly objected.

“Your Honor, this document wasn’t included in discovery. Its sudden introduction violates

procedural rules and prejudices my client.”