Olivia's POV I looked up and found that sure enough, Marsh and Beta Jeffrey were over there at the booth not far away. Before I could respond, Hannah continued, "C'mon, just show that jerk Marsh that you've got rizz." I shook my head, feeling a bit helpless. "Mates should be loyal and trust each other. Tests and provocations like these are completely meaningless, especially since my bond with Marsh is nearly broken because of Emily." "So? What do you say?" Zander asked with a smile like he didn't notice Hannah and me whispering. I beamed, "Thanks, but no. I drove here." I didn't drink alcohol tonight, so I didn't need anyone to take me home. After speaking, I headed over to the other side of the bar where some friends were hanging out, just to let them know I was heading back. Zander, being the sensible type, didn't press further. Hannah trailed behind and wondered with a puzzled look, "Why not take Zander up on his offer? I know you don't wanna be his girlfriend, but you coul
Olivia's POVI had just driven out of the bar when I suddenly realized I had forgotten my phone.Not wanting to turn back, I just parked on the side of the road and walked there.As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the bar, however, I heard Marsh insult me.Immediately, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.But I soon shook it off."He's lying!" Elara chimed in my head. "His wolf craves us."Her words didn't cheer me up at all."Ignore them!" I responded to her in my mind, then I kept striding toward the bar.Elara grumbled a bit but didn't argue with me.Beta Jeffrey, who gave me a glance from the corner of his eye, nudged Marsh with his elbow."What?" Marsh snapped, sounding a bit annoyed.Then he turned around, looking at me with a frown.Rolling my eyes upward, I walked to the counter, asking the bartender for my phone.After getting it, I headed out, ready to leave.Just then, I heard Zander chuckle, "Well, if that's how it is, then great! You definitely won't mind me pursuing Ms.
Olivia's POVI stared at the roses in silence, thinking, 'Since I've just decided yesterday that I'm not gonna respond to Zander's advances for now, I can't take them.'Thus, I said to the assistant, "Take these away; they're yours now."She looked shocked. "What?"Before she could say anything more, I pushed through the door and walked into my office.Moments later, I headed back out with the report Wendy had given me this morning."Ms. Johnson, would you like some coffee?" the assistant asked while holding the bouquet."Thanks, but no. I need to talk to Mr. Bell about work," I replied with a smile.My gaze swept over the bouquet—the red roses looked so vibrant.After losing in thought for a while, I tore my eyes away. With the file in hand, I then clicked my way straight to Morgan's office in heels.Due to my dissatisfaction with Morgan, I walked with big strides.When Morgan's assistant saw me, he froze for a second. "Ms. Johnson, are you here to see Mr. Bell?""Yes." I nodded."I'
Olivia's POV"Ms. Johnson, are you off work? Do I have the honor to have dinner with you?" Hannah's voice came through the phone."Why are you so free today?" I asked with a smile."I've familiarized myself with the work of the pack recently, so I've been quite free this month," Hannah replied casually.After pondering for a moment, I asked, "Where do you wanna go for dinner?""The Starry Night!" she exclaimed excitedly. "The new steakhouse that just opened.""I'll be there in half an hour.""Cool, I'll be waiting for you, Ms. Johnson."Half an hour later, I found Hannah at a booth at the steakhouse. My gaze fell on the plate of snacks on the table. "How long have you been waiting for me?""I've been here since I gave you the call."I shook my head helplessly and realized that she really had a lot of free time.Then, I sat across from her and handed her the menu. "Order whatever you want. My treat.""Sweet! That's what I like to hear!" She grabbed the menu without hesitation.Once we
Olivia's POV"I can't dance," I said.Well, in fact, I could. I just didn't wanna dance with him."Don't worry. I won't get mad even if you step on my toes," he replied with a grin.I was rendered speechless.Before I could protest, Zander had already taken my hand and led me onto the dance floor.As I stood there, I caught sight of Marsh. He didn't speak, but his expression was icy.I'd never seen that possessive look on him.If it were before, I'd feel flattered. But now, it just made me sick.I turned back to Zander, shifting my focus onto our steps.On the dance floor, our movements started syncing up like we were born to do this together.As the rhythm shifted from soft to upbeat, under Zander's lead, my movements became light and confident. The hem of my skirt traced graceful arcs in the air as we spun around.People around us seemed to be affected by our vibe, instinctively clearing a space for us in the center of the dance floor.Everyone started to fix their gaze on us.Deep
Olivia's POVI was strutting in my high heels, heading away from Marsh step by step.The whole hallway echoed with the click-clack of my stilettos."You're angry," Elara spoke in my mind."I hate it when he meddles in my business," I told her."Maybe he's finally remembering we're his mate," she joked, which was a rare case. Then she added, "I can sense his anger, although pretty faint."I got what she meant. Marsh still had some pull over me, but it was definitely fading.Marsh's presence annoyed me, so I found Hannah and said straight up, "Let's go."She raised an eyebrow at me and asked, "What's wrong? Did you run into someone in the ladies' room that upset you?"I nodded slightly. "I bumped into Marsh on my way back."Hannah's face lit up with understanding. "Oh, you ran into a nut, huh? No wonder!" she shrugged and said.I chuckled a bit when suddenly I heard footsteps beside me.When I turned around, I saw Beta Jeffrey standing there, about to greet us.Compared to Marsh, he see
Olivia's POV"Good evening, ladies." The car window rolled down, and I saw Zander smiling at us as he spoke.Hannah gave me a meaningful look and said, "Well, looks like you won't have to drive by yourself later."I knew what she was inferring, so I shot her a sideways glance and replied, "I'm not ready to accept his help just yet.""I can't handle any more accidents late at night, so sorry, but I think it'll be the best if you accept his help."I snorted, "It's not up to you."As we spoke, Zander had already gotten out of the car and walked up to us, asking, "Did your car break down?"'He's quite forward,' I thought to myself.Then I politely replied, "Yeah.""Did you call for a tow truck?""Um-hum."Just as I finished speaking, the tow truck crew showed up.Wendy walked over and said, "Ms. Johnson, you may as well leave with Miss Watson now."I glanced at Zander standing beside me, feeling reluctant to get too involved with him. So I nodded. "Okay."I signaled Hannah to follow befor
Olivia's POVThe next morning, I turned on my phone and saw a text message from Hannah.It had a link to some news article.Still groggy, I rubbed my temples as I clicked to read it.Turned out my dance with Zander last night was posted online.Zander was not only the Alpha of the Blackthorn Pack but also the future CEO of the Wells Group in San Francisco.Yes, his dad was still running the show for now, but it didn't stop Zander from being influential in San Francisco and even Los Angeles.In the eyes of others, he was a handsome and wealthy man born with a silver spoon.And I was just Marsh's cast-off—an unrecognized Mrs. Walton.In the eyes of netizens, I was Zander's new girlfriend.Not only did the video of me dancing with Zander spread online, but photos of me hitching a ride in his car after my car broke down also circulated.The headlines from those gossip media outlets became increasingly absurd, with sensational titles like "Fiery Romance" and "Unbreakable Bond."I let out a