Filed to story: The Luna is Secret Heiress Book PDF Free by Sylvia
Miranda Blackwood, Connor’s friend.”
The way she said “Connor” with such casual intimacy made my heart ripple with unwanted emotion. Her hand rested possessively on his arm as she spoke.
“We’re just catching up after my return from abroad,” Miranda continued cheerfully. “Con has been showing me around all the new restaurants in Harbor City.”
The nickname “Con” tell from her lips so naturally, so familiarly. I gripped the menu fighter, forcing my expression to remain neutral.
(Connor’s POV)
Miranda turned her bright smile toward Olivia, her voice warm with false friendliness. “Olivia Winters! Do you remember me? We met at several pack gatherings before I left for university.”
Olivia’s response was polite but distant. “Of course. Welcome back to the Northern Territory, Miranda.”
The coolness in Olivia’s tone sent satisfaction through me, even as Miranda’s presence irritated me beyond measure. I had only agreed to this dinner to discuss a potential business partnership, nothing more.
Without invitation, I pulled a chair from a nearby table and positioned it beside Olivia. The scraping sound drew everyone’s attention as I sat down uninvited.
“How is the progress on Rivers Pack Holdings’ legal cases?” I asked Olivia directly, ignoring the shocked expressions around the table.
Olivia’s professional mask slipped into place immediately, “I’ve been organizing all the materials and evidence. Everything should be ready for review by next week.”
Her formal tone frustrated me, but at least she was speaking to me. That was more than I’d managed in weeks.
The moonstone-inlaid glass dining table suddenly felt crowded with five people squeezed around it. Grace and Sophie looked between the adults with wide, curious eyes.
Miranda’s smile faltered slightly as she realized the dynamic at play. “Perhaps we should move elsewhere, Connor. It’s after work hours, and Olivia is clearly on a date.”
The word “date” hit me like a physical blow. My eyes snapped to Adrian, then back to Olivia with barely controlled jealousy.
“Date?” I questioned, my voice dangerously low.
Olivia’s cheeks flushed slightly. “It’s just dinner,” she said quickly. “Adrian was kind enough to arrange this meeting so Grace could spend time with Sophie.”
Her instinctive explanation softened my expression marginally, though the sight of her with Adrian still made my wolf snarl with possessiveness.
Miranda tugged at my sleeve, trying to pull me away. “Come on, Con. Let’s give them privacy.”
I dodged her touch smoothly, my skin recoiling from the contact. “Since it’s not a date,” I said coldly, “I don’t mind sharing the table with old acquaintances to discuss pack business matters.”
Adrian’s face darkened with obvious displeasure. “This is hardly appropriate, Rivers. There are children present.”
I turned to Grace with a calculated smile. “Grace, do you mind if I join you for dinner? I haven’t seen you since you recovered.”
The little girl’s face lit up with genuine joy. “Connor! Of course you can stay! I missed you!”
Her innocent enthusiasm was exactly what I’d hoped for. Grace still remembered me fondly from when Olivia and I were together, still thought of me as her former “brother-in-law.”
Adrian’s objection died in his throat. He couldn’t very well argue with a child’s wishes.
“But what about Miranda?” Adrian asked pointedly, gesturing toward the woman still standing awkwardly beside our table.
I dismissed her with casual cruelty. “I have urgent pack business to discuss. Perhaps we can continue our project meeting another day, Miss Blackwood.”
I deliberately emphasized “project” to make it clear to Olivia that this wasn’t a romantic meeting. Miranda’s face flushed with embarrassment at the obvious dismissal.
Despite my explanation, Olivia showed no reaction whatsoever. Her expression remained perfectly neutral, which disappointed me more than I cared to admit.
Adrian’s voice carried sharp criticism. “That’s hardly gentlemanly behavior, Rivers. You can’t just abandon your dinner companion.”
Seeing Miranda’s obvious embarrassment, Olivia’s compassionate nature emerged. “Perhaps we should move to a larger table to accommodate everyone comfortably.”
Her suggestion was practical and kind, exactly what I’d expect from her. But it also meant I wouldn’t have her to-myself.
The hostess quickly arranged a larger table for our expanded party. I made sure to claim the seat directly beside Olivia, while Miranda reluctantly took the chair next to me.
Adrian sat across from us with barely concealed hostility, his earlier good mood completely destroyed by my interference.
The romantic atmosphere of what was supposed to be a pleasant dinner had been thoroughly shattered.
Adrian shot hostile glances in my direction throughout the evening.
I responded with a triumphant, provocative smile that made his jaw clench with frustration.
Miranda noticed the obvious tension between Adrian and me. Her grip tightened on her coffee cup as she sensed the underlying competition for Olivia’s attention.
(Olivia’s POV)
The atmosphere at our table grew increasingly tense as the evening progressed. Connor and Adrian engaged in what could only be described as a silent war, each trying to claim my attention through seemingly innocent conversation.
“The venison here is exceptional,” Adrian said, cutting his steak with deliberate precision. “I thought you might enjoy it, Olivia.”
Connor’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “Olivia prefers her meat medium-rare, not well-done like that.”
I nearly choked on my moonlight wine. How did he still remember such details about my preferences?
“Actually, I’ve been eating my steaks medium lately,” I replied coolly, not wanting to give Connor the satisfaction of being right.
Miranda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, clearly sensing the undercurrents of tension. “This restaurant has such lovely ambiance. Perfect for business discussions.”
Her pointed emphasis on “business” made me glance at Connor. His expression remained unreadable as he cut his food.
Grace and Sophie chatted happily about their school activities, blissfully unaware of the adult drama unfolding around them. Their innocent laughter provided the only genuine warmth at our table.
“Grace, how are your art classes going?” Connor asked, his voice softening when he addressed my half-sister.
“Really good! I painted a wolf family yesterday,” Grace beamed. “The teacher said it was beautiful.”
Connor’s smile became genuine for the first time all evening. “I’d love to see it sometime.”
Adrian’s amber eyes flashed with irritation. “Perhaps we should focus on our meal rather than making future. plans.”
The territorial undertones in his voice made my wolf stir uneasily. I could sense both men’s barely contained instincts beneath their civilized facades.
“The chocolate cake here is amazing,” Sophie chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. “Can we order dessert?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” I said gratefully, welcoming any distraction from the tension.
Miranda attempted to engage Connor in conversation about their supposed business collaboration, but his responses remained curt and professional. His attention kept drifting back to me, making my skin prickle with awareness.
When the waiter brought our desserts, Connor casually mentioned, “The Rivers pack has been expanding our legal department. We might need additional external counsel”
Adrian’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. “How convenient that you’d mention that now.”
“Business opportunities arise at unexpected moments,” Connor replied smoothly.
I focused on my chocolate mousse, pretending not to notice their verbal sparring. But every word felt charged with meaning I didn’t want to analyze.
