Chapter 29: A Pleasant Evening
Chapter 29: A Pleasant Evening
(Olivia’s POV)
The private room was elegantly appointed with soft lighting and tasteful decorations. A single table sat in the center, set with fine china and crystal glasses.
“Please,” Cassius gestured to a chair, which he pulled out for me.
I sat down, placing my purse on the small side table. My phone continued to vibrate inside it..
“Your phone seems quite active tonight,” Cassius observed, his silver eyes reflecting amusement.
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “I apologize. It’s probably my friend Lily. She’s… excited about our dinner.” “The restaurant owner’s daughter?” he asked, taking his seat across from me.
“Yes. I should silence it.” I reached for my purse, but stopped myself. “Actually, that would be rude. I’ll just ignore it.”
An awkward silence fell between us. I searched for something to say, acutely aware of his powerful presence across the table. His scent–pine forests after rain with hints of amber–filled the room, making my wolf stir
with interest.
“Did you arrange the menu?” I asked, desperate to break the silence.
Cassius nodded. “Chef Hayes has prepared several specialties using ingredients sourced this morning. I hope you’ll find them to your liking.”
“Chef Hayes?” I asked, surprised at the familiar way he mentioned the restaurant’s renowned chef,
“Vincent Hayes,” Cassius clarified. “He’s quite talented.”
“I’ve heard his venison is exceptional,” I offered.
Cassius’s lips curved slightly. “It is. He uses a special blend of herbs that enhances the natural flavors.” I nodded, relieved that the conversation was flowing more naturally. “I’m looking forward to trying it.”
Cassius studied me for a moment, his silver eyes intense. “I’m curious about the moonstone bracelet. What’s its history?”
The question caught me off guard. “It was a family heirloom,” I explained, grateful for a substantial topic. “It belonged to my maternal grandfather, William Brooks. He gave it to my mother, Christina, when she mated with my father.”
Cassius listened attentively as I continued.
“When my grandfather developed heart failure, my mother sold the bracelet to pay for his treatment. She always intended to buy it back, but…” I paused, memories of my mother’s declining health after my grandfather’s death surfacing. “Our family finances deteriorated, and she lost track of it.”
“And now it’s returned to you,” Cassius said softly. “You should keep it safe.”
I nodded. “I plan to have a custom safe made for it. Three hundred million dollars is…” I shook my head, still
く
1/4
Chapter 29. A Pleasant Ev
unable to comprehend the amount. “It’s an unimaginable sum for ordinary people.”
“Why not wear it?” Cassius asked. “I’ve heard it has healing properties.”
I laughed nervously. “Wear something worth three hundred million? I’d be terrified someone would cut off my
arm to steal it.”
Cassius’s eyes widened slightly, his composure momentarily shaken.
“I’m joking,” I clarified quickly, mortified by my dark humor. “Well, mostly joking. The real reason is practical. I work with my hands, designing and sewing ceremonial clothing. I’m constantly handling needles and
threads.”
I touched my wrist absently. “Plus, it’s a memento of my mother, I’d be devastated if I damaged it while working.”
To my surprise, Cassius laughed–a rich, warm sound that transformed his serious face. “And here I thought you were simply being practical about its value.”
I smiled, relieved he wasn’t offended by my morbid joke. “I scared you, didn’t I,Alpha Shadowcrest?” “Cassius,” he corrected gently. “And yes, your vivid imagination caught me off guard.”
Our eyes met, and for a moment, I felt a connection that went beyond our business arrangement. I quickly looked away, uncomfortable with the warmth spreading through me.
“Speaking of the bracelet,” I said, returning to safer ground, “I’m concerned about that video going viral. It can’t be good for your reputation to be seen spending such an extravagant amount.”
Cassius’s expression turned serious. “I’ve already addressed that. My team has had the video removed from all social media platforms.”
“You can do that?” I asked, impressed.
“When necessary,” he replied. “In this case, it was for your protection as much as mine. I don’t want people seeing the bracelet’s value and taking… risks.”
The implication of his words sent a chill down my spine. He was right–knowledge of such a valuable item could attract dangerous attention.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “But I’m still concerned about how it affects your Alpha reputation.”
Cassius dismissed my concern with a slight wave. “My reputation is secure and my intentions pure.”
Before I could respond, there was a soft knock at the door. Harold Greene, the restaurant manager, entered with Chef Vincent Hayes behind him.
“Alpha Shadowcrest, Miss Oasis,” Harold greeted with a respectful bow. “Chef Hayes has prepared your first course personally.”
Chef Hayes, a distinguished man in his fifties, presented two plates with artistic arrangements of rare venison and herbs. “A special preparation for our honored guests,” he announced proudly.
“Thank you for your generosity in arranging this dinner, Miss Oasis,” Cassius said formally.
I felt my cheeks warm at his public acknowledgment. “The honor is mine, having you dine with me.” After the staff departed, I turned to Cassius. “Does Chef Hayes know you personally? It’s strange that Lily
2/4
Chapter 29 A Pleasant Ev
hasn’t mentioned meeting you before, given her connections.”
Cassius took a sip of his wine before answering. “The chef at Shadowcrest Estate was trained by Hayes. He often caters Shadowcrest family events.”
“I see,” I nodded, taking a bite of the venison. The flavors exploded on my tongue–rich, complex, and perfectly
balanced. “This is incredible.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Cassius said, watching me with those intense silver eyes.
I swallowed, suddenly self–conscious about eating in front of him. “Lily Bennett has been my friend since childhood,” I offered, changing the subject. “Her restaurant is one of my favorites.”
“Do you enjoy the food here often?” Cassius asked casually.
“Whenever I can,” I confirmed. “Lily always ensures I get the best table.”
“You should dine at Shadowcrest Estate sometime,” Cassius said unexpectedly. “As my guest. The cuisine is
comparable.”
I nearly choked on my wine. “That’s very kind, but I wouldn’t want to impose without a formal invitation.” “Consider this a formal invitation,” Cassius replied smoothly. “My mother has expressed interest in meeting you. She appreciates your designs for ceremonial attire.”
I stared at him, stunned. “Madeline Shadowcrest wants to meet me?”
“She commissioned several pieces from you, did she not?” Cassius asked.
“Yes, but…” I struggled to find words. “I thought our transaction was complete when she paid for the ceremonial dresses.”
“My mother is more personable than her position might suggest,” Cassius explained. “She enjoys meeting talented individuals.”
“That’s… very kind of her,” I managed, still processing the invitation. “It’s refreshing to hear that someone of her status is so down–to–earth.”
Cassius sighed, his broad shoulders briefly showing the weight of his responsibilities. The momentary vulnerability surprised me.
“Is something bothering you?” I asked, curious about what could trouble such a powerful Alpha.
“My mother,” he admitted with a wry smile. “She complains constantly about my failure to find a mate. According to her, I’m a lone wolf who doesn’t fit in, and that’s why I remain unmated.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his candid admission. “Let me guess–she pressures you to find a mate, even if it’s
a political union? Because you need to produce an heir for the Shadowcrest family?”
Cassius’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know?”
“All mothers are the same,” I laughed, the tension between us dissolving. “Even Alpha mothers, apparently.”
Cassius joined in my laughter, his usually serious face transformed by genuine amusement. The atmosphere lightened considerably as we shared this moment of unexpected connection.
