Alpha's Regret the Luna is Secret Heiress (by Sylvia) novel Chapter 271

Chapter 199: Unexpected Encounters at the Restaurant

Chapter 199: Unexpected Encounters at the Restaurant

(Olivia’s POV)

15 P

Adrian Sinclair had chosen an atmospheric Western restaurant with warm honey–colored walls and soft lighting from an ornate crystal chandelier adorned with moonstone accents. Vintage wolf pack oil paintings decorated the walls, depicting ancient pack hunts and ceremonial gatherings.

The gentle melodies of Moonlight Serenade classical piano collection flowed through the air as Adrian led Sophie Turner and me toward our reserved table. Grace Winters walked beside me, her small hand tucked trustingly in mine.

“This place has the best venison steaks in Harbor City,” Adrian said with a warm smile as we approached a prime window seat.

The moonstone–inlaid glass dining table gleamed under the chandelier’s glow. A centerpiece of night–blooming jasmine filled the air with its delicate fragrance.

Grace’s eyes widened with delight as she took in the elegant surroundings. “It’s so pretty, Olivia! Like a fairy tale restaurant.”

Sophie Turner giggled and nodded enthusiastically. “My mom brought me here once for my birthday. The chocolate cake is amazing!”

Adrian pulled out chairs for all of us with practiced courtesy. After settling the children comfortably, he

handed me the leather–bound menu with its gold–embossed wolf crest.

“Order whatever you’d like,” he said. “This is my treat for helping Grace through her recovery.”

I looked up from the menu to thank him and froze. My breath caught in my throat as I met a pair of deep, dark eyes across the restaurant.

Connor Rivers stood not far away, his imposing figure unmistakable even in the dim lighting. Beside him

stood a curvaceous woman with big wavy hair cascading over her shoulders.

My heart sank as I immediately recognized her. Miranda Blackwood. Í hadn’t seen her for years, not since she

left for her studies abroad.

Rebecca’s words echoed in my mind about Miranda returning to the Northern Territory specifically to pursue Connor. The sight of them together made my chest tighten with an emotion I didn’t want to acknowledge.

1.forced myself to look away calmly, focusing back on the menu in my hands. But the words blurred together as my mind raced.

Adrian noticed my sudden tension, and followed my gaze. His eyebrows rose slightly as he spotted the pair.

“What a coincidence, Alpha Rivers,” Adrian called out with meaningful eyes and a knowing smile. “Is this

Alpha Rivers‘ mate?”

Connor’s face darkened immediately. His jaw clenched as he replied with ice–cold precision, “No.”

Miranda’s laugh tinkled like silver bells as she stepped closer to our table. “Oh, don’t be so formal! I’m

Miranda Blackwood, Connor’s friend.”

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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

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Chapter 199 Unexpected.

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.

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