Chapter 63: A Silent Challenge
(Ethan’s POV)
I entered the Grand Reception Hall with measured steps, my eyes immediately finding Olivia sitting beside. Lucas Blackwood on the sofa. My grandmother sat between them, her face alight with satisfaction.
The sight of them together sent a surge of possessive rage through my veins. Lucas Blackwood had no right to be here, in my territory, near my mate.
With deliberate slowness, I unbuttoned the top of my shirt, revealing the fresh bite marks on my neck-
evidence of my recent encounter with Victoria. The message was clear to any Alpha male: I was sexually
active and claiming my territory.
Lucas’s eyes narrowed slightly as he caught sight of the marks. Message received.
“Ethan, you’re just in time,” Grandmother said, oblivious to our silent exchange. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured between Olivia and Lucas, “I know you and Lucas are business rivals, but from now on, the Stone and Blackwood families will be one.”
I kept my expression neutral, though my wolf snarled beneath the surface. Grandmother had always been fond of Olivia, but this was taking things too far.
“Be mindful,” she added, wagging a finger at me, “and don’t make things difficult for Olivia.”
Her meaning couldn’t have been clearer. She was suggesting a marriage between Olivia and Lucas.
“Is that so?” I replied, my voice deceptively calm. My amber eyes fixed on Olivia, silently commanding her to deny it.
Olivia shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. I could see the conflict in her eyes–the desire to defy me warring with her instinct for self–preservation.
“Grandmother,” I continued, not taking my eyes off Olivia, “I wasn’t aware you were arranging meetings. between my wife and other men.”
Grandmother waved her hand dismissively. “It was a happy coincidence. Lucas came to visit me, and Olivia happened to be here.”
“A coincidence,” I repeated, my tone making it clear I didn’t believe that for a second.
Lucas set down his teacup with deliberate precision, “It was indeed unexpected, but I’m grateful for it.”
His confident directness grated on my nerves. He turned to face me fully, his posture relaxed yet
–
commanding the stance of an Alpha who feared no challenge.
“I find Miss Winters fascinating,” he declared, his gaze shifting briefly to Olivia. “With Madam Stone’s blessing, I intend to court her properly.”
The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees, Bernard Sheppard, standing quietly by the door, tensed visibly.
“Court her?” I echoed, a dangerous edge to my voice. “You seem to have forgotten that Olivia is my wife. The
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