Chapter 33: The Loan Trap
Chapter 33: The Loan Trap
(Olivia’s POV)
“Five million dollars is nothing to me,” Graham said, leaning back in his chair with practiced nonchalance. “I’d be happy to provide it as a temporary loan with reasonable interest.”
I narrowed my eyes, immediately suspicious. “And what exactly would you consider ‘reasonable interest“?”
“Just three percent,” he replied smoothly. “The loan would be in your name, of course, but the money would go directly to Tyler Brooks.”
The pieces clicked together in my mind. This wasn’t generosity–it was a trap.
“So I’d be indebted to you for five million dollars plus interest, while Tyler gets the money,” I said flatly. “How
convenient for both of you.”
Graham’s smile faltered slightly. “You’re making it sound underhanded when I’m trying to help.”
“Help yourself, you mean,” I countered. “You want to control me through debt.”
His expression hardened. “That’s unfair, Olivia. I’ve always looked out for your interests.”
I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped me. “Like when you abandoned me on our mating day? Or when you let Bella wear my ceremonial gown?”
“That’s ancient history,” he dismissed with a wave of his hand. “Besides, if you hadn’t been so stubborn about the moonstone bracelet, you wouldn’t be in this position now.”
My wolf bristled beneath my skin. “Excuse me?”
“Bella’s presence at the auction drove up the price,” Graham explained condescendingly. “If you’d just let her have it, you wouldn’t owe Cassius Shadowcrest 300 million dollars now.”
The audacity of his statement left me momentarily speechless.
“I can offer you a larger loan,” he continued, mistaking my silence for consideration. “Enough to pay off Shadowcrest completely and sever whatever ties you’ve formed with him.”
I found my voice again. “And why would you do that?”
“Because he’s using you, Olivia,” Graham said, leaning forward with feigned concern. “What could Cassius Shadowcrest, an Alpha with immense wealth and power, possibly want from you?”
I met his gaze steadily. “Not all Alphas are as shameless as you, Graham. What could he gain from me now that I have nothing?”
“He’s toying with you,” Graham insisted. “The Shadowcrest Pack doesn’t form alliances with outsiders unless there’s significant advantage. Once he gets what he wants–whatever that is–he’ll discard you.”
“Like you did?” I asked quietly.
Graham had the decency to look uncomfortable. “That was different. Bella needed me.”
“And she still does, according to you,” I pointed out. “So why are you here instead of by her sickbed?”
<Chapter 33: The Loan Trap
His jaw tightened. “I’m trying to protect you from making a terrible mistake.”
“The only mistake I made was trusting you,” I said, reaching for my phone. “Dominic, please come to my
office. Mr. Storm is leaving.”
Graham’s eyes widened. “You’re calling security on me? In my own company?”
“Our company,” I corrected. “And yes, I am.”
Pants
He stood abruptly. “This isn’t over, Olivia. The Shadowcrest Pack is dangerous–you have no idea what you’re getting involved with.”
“I’d rather take my chances with them than be manipulated by you again.”
Graham’s expression darkened. “Before your guard dog arrives, there’s one more thing we need to discuss.”
“What now?” I sighed, exhausted by his persistence.
“The moonstone healing bracelet,” he said. “I want to borrow it for Bella.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am,” he insisted. “The moonlight properties could ease her pain. I’ll return it after she…” He hesitated. “After she passes.”
The thought of Bella wearing my mother’s bracelet made my stomach turn.
“I’ll pay you five million for its temporary use,” he added. “That solves your problem with Tyler.”
“No,” I said firmly. “Absolutely not.”
“What if something happens to it?” I asked, trying to remain calm. “That bra
“I’ll compensate you for any damage,” he promised. “Name your price.”
t is irreplaceable.”
I shook my head. “It’s not about money, Graham. That bracelet belonged to my mother.”
“And now it belongs to you,” he countered. “What good is it doing sitting in a safe? At least with Bella, it could ease suffering.”
“The answer is no,” I repeated, my voice hardening.
Graham’s expression shifted, becoming calculating. “What if I offered something in exchange? Something you want desperately?”
raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“I’ll proceed with our mate bond severance,” he said. “Immediately and without contest.”
For a moment, I was tempted. The severance had been dragging on for months, with Graham finding endless excuses to delay.
“No,” I said finally. “I’ll pursue the severance through the Northern Territory Registration Office as planned.”
The door opened, and Dominic Reeves stepped in, his imposing figure filling the doorframe.
“You called for me, Miss Oasis?” he asked, his eyes fixed on Graham.
“Yes, please escort Mr. Storm out,” I said calmly.
Graham’s eyes flashed amber with wolf anger. “This isn’t over, Olivia.”
<Chapter 33: The Loan Trap
“It is for today,” I replied, turning away from him.
I listened to their retreating footsteps, waiting until the door closed before allowing my shoulders to slump.
Graham’s visit had left me drained.
“Five million in three days is tight, but not impossible,” Lily said.
I watched my best friend with gratitude. “I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important. Aunt Diane risked everything to
help me.”
“And now her mate is threatening to dissolve their bond over it,” Lily finished, shaking her head in disgust. “Males can be such cowards.”
I smiled despite myself. “Not all of them.”
“Thinking of a certain Shadowcrest Alpha?” Lily teased, her eyes twinkling.
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “I was thinking of Dominic, actually. He handled Graham perfectly today.” “Sure you were,” Lily laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll reach out to every wolf I know who might invest. Between my restaurant connections and your design clients, we should be able to raise a significant amount.”
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Lily’s expression softened. “That’s what pack is about, Livvy. Not the bloodlines or territories, but the bonds we choose to honor.”
Her words struck a chord. In many ways, Lily and my other friends had become more of a pack to me than my actual family ever was.
“I’ll start making calls tonight,” Lily promised. “Shannon Hayes already mentioned she might be interested in investing more in your business.”
Hope flickered within me. With Lily’s extensive network throughout pack society, we might actually pull this
off.
“Let’s do this,” I said with renewed determination
Three days later, I had gathered three million dollars through investments from friends and allies. Combined with my savings and a small territory bank loan, it was enough to help Aunt Diane regain control of her pack
company.
“I can’t believe you managed this,” Aunt Diane said, tears in her eyes as we sat in her office reviewing the paperwork.
“Your faith in me deserved to be repaid,” I replied simply.
With renewed confidence and my financial backing, Diane successfully negotiated with Gregory. The threat of bond dissolution was withdrawn, and Diane reclaimed her rightful position within their business.
As I watched my aunt sign the final documents, I couldn’t help but see a parallel between her triumph and what might await Ambrose Oasis and Gloria Ellis. If my aunt could reclaim her power from a manipulative mate, perhaps I could eventually see justice served to my father and stepmother as well.
I hummed with satisfaction at this small victory for my bloodline. One battle won in a much larger war
* Chapter 34: A Rushed Ret…..
+2 Paims
Chapter 34: A Rushed Return
