His Dangerous Love On Ice (Olivia and Zane) novel Chapter 84

OLIVE’s POV

The house felt the same.

That was the strange part, walking through those familiar hallways, past the photos I’d seen a thousand times, the furniture that had been rearranged and rearranged again over the years. This had been my home for nearly half my life, and despite everything, despite all the hurt and rejection, it still felt like coming back to something known.

Not comfortable, exactly. But familiar.

The living room was warm with soft light from the lamps my mother had insisted on replacing last year. The kitchen smelled like the same vanilla candles she always bought. Even the creaky third step on the staircase was exactly where I remembered it.

Home.

Even if it had never quite felt like mine.

I could hear voices coming from the back of the house, laughter, conversation, the clink of glasses. The party was in full swing in the outdoor area, where my mom had set up that massive island table she’d been so proud of last summer.

“Olive!”

I turned to see Hunter approaching, genuine surprise lighting up his face.

“You actually came.” He pulled me into a hug, and I relaxed slightly. Hunter had always been kind, even when the rest of them weren’t. “And you look incredible. That dress is-wow.”

“Thank you. Happy you won that game. I should probably get a check split from you.”

“Thanks. But I don’t think you need this check split.” He stepped back, studying me with that same confused expression Vanessa had worn outside. “Because, uh… that car outside?”

“Is mine, yeah.”

“Jesus Christ.” He laughed, shaking his head. “What’s the story there? Because last time I saw you, you were driving that beat- up-what was it, Toyota?-that barely started.”

“Things changed.”

“Clearly.” He glanced toward the back of the house. “Come on, everyone’s outside. Diane set up this whole elaborate dinner thing. You know how she gets.”

I did know.

My mom loved hosting, loved showing off, loved making sure everything was perfect and elegant and impressive, and I was the opposite of her.

We walked through the house together, and I could feel the weight of curious stares from the other guests we passed. Word had apparently spread about my arrival, and the cleaned up scalal.

The outdoor area was beautiful.

Mom had outdone herself, string lights hung everywhere, which created a warm light in the dark sky. The massive island table was set up with crisp white linens, elegant place settings, and fresh flowers arranged in crystal vases. People milled around with champagne and wine, laughing and talking, the atmosphere looked quite relaxing and celebratory.

And there at the center of it all stood Grayson

My siphther

Besa imediately, and his face lit up with genuine warni

“Olive” He excused himself from the conversation he was having and made his way over There you are

He pulled me into a hug, which shocked me for a second but some of my anxiety case

He was the CEO now, he was the father

You look absolutely beautifull he said pulling back to look at me properly. That dress is stunning on you”

Thank you for inviting me

You’re family, Olive. You’re always welcome here. You know. You are my daughter” He squeezed my hand, then gestured howard the bar. “Come let me get you a drink. We have so much to catch up on

“Are you still mad at me?” I asked as we walked toward the bar together.

His expression softened. I was never mad at you. Olive. Concerned, yes. Protective, absolutely. But never mad

Before I could respond. I saw my mom approaching, her expression lighting up the second she saw me

“Olive”” She pulled me into a hug, though I could feel the tension in her shoulders. How lovely to see you, darling. That’s quite an arrival you made. The car outside caused quite a stir.

Thanks, Mom.

“Of course. Her eyes scanned my dress, my hair, calculating. ‘Chanel, if I’m not mistaken?”

It is I looked around staring at her, the question only her could recognize portrayed in my eyes.

“Lovely.” And then she came closer for only me to hear. “And shels here. Be gentle to her, and aggressive if the need arises And she pulled back.

She turned to Grayson, her smile practiced. Darling, Senator Morrison was asking for you. Something about the charity gala next month.”

Till find him in a moment.” Grayson said, his hand still on my elbow. “First, I want to catch up with Olive properly? And my mother nodded.

We reached the bar, and Grayson ordered us both champagne while I tried to settle the nervous energy thrumming through

my veins.

“So,” he said once we had our glasses. “So are you okay? Even with the video scandal?*

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