Chapter 41: Rescue in the Night
Chapter 41: Rescue in the Night
(Olivia’s POV)
The party was in full swing at Moonlight Palace. Laughter echoed through our private room as Hunter twirled me around the dance floor one more time. The sash declaring “I am the Queen!” sparkled under the soft lighting, and for once, I felt genuinely happy.
“You’re glowing tonight, Livvy,” Sophia called out, raising her glass in a toast.
I was about to respond when the door swung open without warning. The smile froze on my face as Graham Storm stepped into the room, his expression a mixture of surprise and disapproval.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharp enough to cut through the music.
Lily stepped forward, placing herself between us. “I invited him,” she admitted, her chin raised defiantly. “I wanted him to see how happy you are without him.”
Graham’s gaze traveled from my face to the sash across my chest. “The Queen?” he read aloud, his tone mocking. “Is that what you’re calling yourself now?”
“That’s exactly what I am,” I replied sarcastically, adjusting the glittering sash. “Queen of my own life, finally. No more living in the shadow of your lies.”
The entertainment team sensed the tension. Hunter positioned himself protectively near me while Jackson
and Liam flanked Lily, ready to intervene if necessary.
“Why don’t you stay for cake, Graham?” Lily suggested, her smile not reaching her eyes. “It might be the last birthday celebration of Eve’s you’ll ever attend.”
Graham’s jaw tightened. “I didn’t come to celebrate.”
“Then why are you here?” I challenged, crossing my arms.
The room had gone silent, everyone watching our exchange with bated breath. Even Abigail, who had been chatting animatedly with Sophia moments before, was now observing with undisguised interest.
“Lily said it was important,” Graham replied stiffly. “I didn’t realize it was just another opportunity for you to play the victim.”
My blood boiled at his words. “Playing the victim? Is that what you think I’m doing?”
“What else would you call this spectacle?” He gestured around the decorated room. “Celebrating while Bella lies in critical condition at Northern Territory Medical Center.”
A collective gasp went through the room. Graham was trying to guilt me about enjoying my birthday while his
new lover was ill. The audacity was breathtaking.
“And why aren’t you at the hospital with her?” I asked, my voice dangerously calm. “Shouldn’t you be holding her hand instead of crashing my party?”
Graham’s face darkened. “You’ve changed, Olivia.”
“Yes, I have,” agreed, stepping closer. “I’ve finally realized my worth. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we were in the
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<Chapter 41: Rescue in the
middle of celebrating.”
I turned my back on him, a dismissal that would have been unthinkable months ago. Lily caught my eye and winked before addressing the entertainment team.
“Boys, I think it’s time for cake!”
Jackson wheeled in the elaborate cake Camila had brought earlier. The three entertainers began a traditional birthday song, their voices harmonizing perfectly. The tension in the room gradually dissipated as attention
shifted to the celebration.
“Make a wish, birthday queen,” Hunter encouraged as I leaned toward the candles.
I closed my eyes, silently wishing for strength to continue rebuilding my life. When I opened them, I caught Graham watching me with an unreadable expression.
After blowing out the candles to enthusiastic applause, I picked up the cake knife. As I cut the first slice, Sophia appeared at my side with a mischievous grin.
“You know what would make this party perfect?” she whispered.
Before I could respond, she scooped a dollop of frosting onto her finger and playfully dabbed it on my nose. The room erupted in laughter as I gasped in mock outrage.
“Oh, it’s on!” I declared, grabbing a small piece of cake.
ke fight
What followed was a good–natured cake fight that had everyone squealing and laughing. Even the entertainment team joined in, their professional demeanor giving way to boyish playfulness.
In the chaos, Sophia “accidentally” smeared a generous portion of cake and frosting across Graham’s custom–tailored suit. His outraged expression was priceless.
“This is a three–thousand–dollar suit!” he sputtered, frantically trying to wipe away the sticky mess.
“Send me the cleaning bill,” Sophia replied sweetly. “Consider it my birthday gift to Livvy.”
Graham’s face contorted with anger. Without another word, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door
behind him.
“Good riddance,” Lily declared, raising her glass. “Now we can really celebrate!”
The party continued with renewed energy. More moonlight wine flowed, and soon everyone was pleasantly intoxicated everyone except Abigail, who continued to sip her berry juice with an amused smile.
–
As the night wore on, guests began to depart. Sophia’s husband arrived to drive her home, while Camila and Shannon shared a ride–share. Lily, who had consumed more wine than anyone, was escorted home by her
sister–in–law Rebecca.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright getting home?” Lily slurred as Rebecca guided her toward the door.
“I’ll be fine,” I assured her, though my own head was spinning from the wine. “My apartment
blocks away.”
st a few
“You shouldn’t walk alone,” Abigail interjected, checking her phone. “My brother is coming to pick me up. We can drop you off.”
I waved away her concern. “I just need to rest a bit before heading out.”
Chapter 41 Rescue in the…
The entertainment team began cleaning up, though Hunter and Jackson lingered longer than necessary,
casting concerned glances my way. I collapsed onto the plush sofa, suddenly exhausted from the emotional roller coaster of the evening.
“Just going to close my eyes for a minute,” I murmured, my eyelids growing heavy.
I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, Abigail was gently shaking my shoulder.
“Livvy? My brother’s here,” she said softly. “Are you sure you don’t want a ride?”
I blinked groggily, the room spinning slightly. “I’m fine. Just need another minute.”
Abigail hesitated. “If you’re sure…”
Through my drunken haze, I heard her brother’s voice from the doorway, speaking on the phone. Something about the deep, authoritative tone seemed strangely familiar, but my wine–addled brain couldn’t place it.
“Let’s go, Abby,” the voice commanded. “You have that early meeting tomorrow.”
“Coming!” Abigail called back. She squeezed my hand. “Take care, Livvy. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
After they left, I drifted in and out of consciousness, vaguely aware of Hunter and Jackson still in the room. They were speaking in hushed tones, occasionally glancing in my direction.
“She’s beautiful even when she’s drunk,” Hunter whispered, his admiration evident.
“Don’t even think about it,” Jackson warned. “She’s been through enough.”
I pretended to be asleep, not wanting to deal with their concern. Eventually, Jackson excused himself to use the restroom, leaving Hunter alone with me.
I felt the sofa dip as he sat beside me. “Livvy?” he called softly. “Are you awake?”
I kept my eyes closed, hoping he’d leave me be. Instead, I felt his hand gently brush a strand of hair from my
face.
“I know we just met,” he whispered, “but there’s something special about you. I’d like to see you again, properly.”
His fingers traced my cheek, and I felt him leaning closer. Before I could react, there was a sudden commotion. Hunter was abruptly pulled away from me, a startled yelp escaping his lips.
“What the hell?” Hunter protested as he was pushed aside.
Through my drunken haze, I forced my eyes open to see a tall figure standing over me. The room was spinning, but I could make out broad shoulders and an imposing stance that seemed oddly familiar. “Cassius Shadowcrest?” I slurred, squinting up at the figure. “You came to my birthday party?” The man stilled, his face coming into focus as he leaned down. “You recognize me in this state?” His voice was deep and smooth, sending an inexplicable shiver down my spine. In my intox couldn’t be sure if he was really Cassius or if my wine–soaked brain was playing tricks on me. “Of course I do,” I mumbled, struggling to sit up. “You’re the most… the most…”
d state, I
I gestured vaguely with my hand, searching for the right words. The man sat beside me on the sofa, his expression unreadable.
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< Chapter 41: Rescue in the
“The most what?” he prompted, his voice gentler now.
“The most everything,” I sighed dreamily. “Handsome, powerful, interesting… better than all the others.”
Paonta
I was rambling now, my drunken state removing all filters. “He’s so charming, you know? And those eyes… and that voice… and he’s an Alpha, a real one, not pretending like some people…”
The man beside me seemed to soften, his posture relaxing slightly. “This man sounds impressive. Who is
he?”
I waved my hand dismissively, falling back against the sofa cushions. “You wouldn’t know him even if I told you,” I slurred, my eyelids growing heavy again as the room continued to spin.
The man leaned closer, his voice intrigued. “Oh? What’s his name?”
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