Chapter 262
“Mrs. Winters is Lily’s grandmother and Olivia’s mother,” I said. “I owe her the best care possible, regardless of how she feels
about me.”
Dr. Fletcher nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes.
“Ensure she receives everything she needs,” I instructed. “Spare no expense or effort.”
“Of course, Alpha,” he replied. “The surgery will proceed as planned tomorrow morning.”
I nodded, turning to leave. The moonstone amulet felt unusually heavy against my chest.
(Olivia’s POV)
I adjusted the pillows behind my mother’s back, ensuring she was comfortable in the hospital bed. Her outburst about Ethan’s
amulet had surprised me, but I attributed it to her weakened state and the stress of the situation.
“Are you comfortable?” I asked, smoothing the blanket over her legs.
Mom nodded, her eyes tired but alert. “I’m fine, Olivia. You don’t need to fuss.”
I checked the IV line running into her arm, making sure it wasn’t kinked. “The doctor says your surgery is scheduled for first
thing tomorrow morning.”
“I know,” she replied, her voice softer now. “You should go home and rest. You look exhausted.”
I shook my head firmly. “I’m staying right here.”
Mom reached for my hand, her grip surprisingly strong. “Olivia, you need to take care of yourself too. I’ll be fine for a few hours.”
Before I could argue further, Sarah Jenkins, the medical assistant, entered the room with a clipboard.
“I’ll be monitoring Mrs. Winters throughout the night,” she assured me. “We’ll call you immediately if anything changes.”
I hesitated, torn between staying with my mother and acknowledging my own exhaustion.
“Go,” Mom insisted. “Get some fresh air. I promise I won’t try to escape again.”
The weak attempt at humor made me smile despite my worry.
“I’ll be back first thing in the morning,” I promised, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
Sarah nodded reassuringly. “I’ll keep a close eye on her, Ms. Winters.”
With a final squeeze of my mother’s hand, I reluctantly left the room. The corridor seemed longer than usual as I made my way
toward the exit, my body finally acknowledging its fatigue.
Outside the medical den, the cool evening air felt refreshing against my skin. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind of the
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Chapter 262
day’s stress.
+20 Bonus
A sleek black SUV was parked near the entrance, its engine running quietly. Leaning against it was Lucas Blackwood, his tall
figure unmistakable even in the dim light.
Relief washed over me at the sight of him. After everything that had happened today, his steady presence felt like an anchor in a
storm.
“Lucas,” I called, approaching his vehicle.
He straightened immediately, his gray eyes finding mine. “Olivia. How is your mother?”
“Stable,” I replied, stopping in front of him. “They’ve scheduled her surgery for tomorrow morning.”
Lucas nodded, his expression serious. “That’s good news.”
I glanced back at the medical den, aware of the risk Lucas was taking by being here. As Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, his presence
in Silvercrest territory could be seen as a provocation.
“You didn’t have to wait,” I said softly. “I know it’s complicated for you to be here.”
A hint of a smile touched his lips. “I wanted to make sure you were alright.”
The simple statement warmed something inside me. In a world where everyone seemed to have ulterior motives, Lucas’s
straightforward concern was refreshing.
“Thank you,” I said, meaning it.
(Ethan’s POV)
From the window of the medical den’s upper floor, I watched Olivia approach Lucas Blackwood’s vehicle. Even from this distance,
I could see the relief in her posture as she spoke with him.
My jaw tightened as Lucas opened the passenger door for her. The casual intimacy of the gesture sent a surge of possessiveness
through me.
“It is not scary to change your heart,” Dr. Fletcher said quietly. “What is scary is that you are not brave enough to face it after changing your heart, and ultimately hurt two
women.”
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