Chapter 27
Olivia's POV
Mia appeared in my office doorway, a familiar glint in her eye that meant only one thing: she had a proposition.
She didn’t even need to say a word; the look on her face already had my nerves bristling. I hadn’t completely recovered from Aiden’s last ‘proposal,’ and I wasn’t eager to jump into anything new that reeked of the same desperation.
“Liv,” Mia said, stepping in with a warm smile. “I know you’re still rebuilding, but we have a big one on the line. A very high-profile client who could push Lunera to the next level.”
I gave her a raised eyebrow, leaning back in my chair. “What’s the catch?”
Mia’s lips twitched with humor. “Big fish. Big catch. This client is a little elusive. High demands, maybe some eccentricities. But nothing like… well, you know.”
The last time I’d taken a chance on a new client this too good to be true, it had been a trap. I was still trying to dig myself out of that emotional mess.
Part of me wanted to say no, to retreat and not give another potential snake the chance to bite me. But I’d built LB from the ground up, and I wasn’t about to let one bad experience dictate my every move.
“You’re sure?” I asked, fixing Mia with a skeptical look. “Because the last time I walked into one of these, it didn’t exactly go well.”
She softened, dropping down into the chair across from me.
“I wouldn’t bring this to you if I didn’t think it was worth it. Look, you’re the boss. If it doesn’t feel right, we can pull the plug at any time. But I think this could be different.”
The reassurance helped, even if only a little. I took a deep breath, trying to weigh the risk against the potential reward.
We needed this kind of boost if we were going to fully recover from Aiden’s theft on the company, and this client sounded like the real deal.
“Alright,” I said finally, my voice firmer than I felt. “Set it up.”
Mia’s face lit up, and she handed over the details. “It’s at Green Oyster Bistro, tomorrow afternoon. Try to get some sleep. You’ll want to make a good impression.”
I nodded, already feeling a knot of anxiety coiling in my stomach. If this client was as high-end as Mia claimed, it was the break we needed.
I could handle it, I reminded myself. I’d faced far worse, after all.
The night stretched on as I prepped for the meeting, pouring over every detail until my eyes blurred.
When I finally stumbled home to bed, it was almost morning. I’d just closed my eyes when the first beams of sunlight slipped through the curtains.
I bolted upright, squinting at the clock with a surge of horror. I overslept.
After working late into the night, I’d completely lost track of time. Groaning, I threw myself out of bed, frantically grabbing my clothes and running a brush through my hair.
This meeting was happening whether I was ready or not.
I was mid-sprint to the door when Ethan came down the hall, smirking. “Need a lift, sleepyhead?”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my relief. “Thanks… I don’t have time to argue.”
As we drove, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread pooling in my stomach. I reminded myself to stay sharp, to keep my walls up.
But when we pulled up to the restaurant and I felt like something was off. I clenched my fists, feeling Ethan’s steadying presence next to me.
The drive had been a blur of nerves and self-reminders to keep a level head, and as we arrived, I took a steadying breath. Maybe this meeting wouldn’t be so bad. Mia had felt confident this client was legitimate.
It was her job to screen clients, and I trusted her.
“Good luck,” Ethan said, his hands on the wheel as he glanced at me. “You’ll call me if something happens.”
I gave him a quick nod, flashing a faint smile that I hoped looked convincing. “Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
With one last look, I stepped out of the car and watched him pull away, leaving me standing in front of the restaurant alone.
I smoothed my blazer, letting myself take in the serene facade and glass doors, as if that would calm the strange churning in my gut.
It’s just nerves, I told myself. Nothing to worry about.
I pushed open the doors, stepping inside and scanning the crowd. My eyes darted around, expecting to see an elegantly dressed stranger, a woman in a sharp suit or maybe a tall man with an expensive watch.
Instead, my gaze landed on the last person I wanted to see.
Aiden.
He sat casually at a table in the corner, his posture far too relaxed as he nursed a glass of something wine.
I froze mid-step, the realization hitting me like ice water down my spine.
I’d been set up. Again.
For a moment, I considered turning right around and walking out. But I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction. I took a slow, deep breath, forcing my feet to move forward as though my heartbeat wasn’t hammering in my chest.
As I neared the table, Aiden finally looked up, a sly smile curling across his lips. “Olivia,” he drawled, raising his glass as though we were old friends meeting for a casual lunch. “Didn’t expect you’d actually show.”
I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to snap back. Instead, I took the seat across from him, keeping my expression as icy as I could muster.
“Aiden. So, you’ve stopped to fake identities to get a woman to pay attention to you.”
“Funny.” His voice held a smugness that grated against my nerves. He leaned back, looking me over with that infuriating air of arrogance.
“I had to get a little creative after you’ve been avoiding me so… diligently.”
My fingers itched to throw something – preferably his drink right in his face – but I held my composure. “What do you want, Aiden?”
“Oh, it’s simple,” he said, tilting his glass in his hand. “I want to give you another chance to reconsider my offer. I’m nothing if not forgiving.”
“Absolutely not,” I replied instantly, my voice clipped. “And if this is your idea of persuasion, it’s pathetic.”
He chuckled softly, as though my rejection amused him. “Careful, Liv. It’s not wise to be so dismissive. You and I both know I can make things… difficult for you.”
The threat lingered between us, subtle but unmistakable. My chest tightened as I met his gaze, determined not to let him see my discomfort.
“Do your worst. I’m not interested in anything you’re selling, and if you think you can scare me into it, you’re wasting your time.”
His smile faded, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. For a moment, he looked almost impressed.
“Very well,” he said slowly, leaning back with a casual shrug. “Just remember, Liv, you brought this on yourself.”
As I pushed back from the table, Aiden’s gaze lingered on me like a predator sizing up its next move.
“You think you can just walk away from us, Olivia?” he spat, his voice barely above a whisper.
I forced myself to smile, feeling the heat of rage in my cheeks. “Watch me.”
“You were my mate first, and I want what’s mine. You, the Pack, everything.”
I scoffed at the audacity. “Your memory must be short. We’re not mates, Aiden. You fled with Amelia before marking me.”
A slow grin spread across Aiden’s face, eyes darkening. His voice came out with a growl.
“I don’t see any bite marks from Ethan, either, sweetheart.”
