Chapter 12 : Territorial Claims - 1 Chapter 12 : Territorial Claims ( Olivia's POV ) " Yes , " I replied calmly to Ethan's accusation of vanity , " because you don't really know me . " The truth of my words hung in the air between us . After three years together , Ethan Grey still had no idea who I truly was . The realization should have hurt , but instead , it felt liberating . I turned to Cassandra with a mischievous glint in my eye . " Miss Evans , really don't want a photo ? If not , I'm driving away . " Cassandra's face turned an interesting shade of green with frustration . I could practically see the internal battle raging inside her . The glacier blue Bentley Continental GT was exactly the kind of luxury she desperately wanted to flaunt on social media , but her pride wouldn't allow her to ask me for anything . " I don't care , " she forced herself to say stiffly , her voice tight with barely contained envy . " Okay then , bye - bye ! " I waved cheekily , enjoying this rare moment of having the upper hand . I stepped on the accelerator , and the powerful engine responded immediately . The blue Bentley shot forward smoothly , leaving them behind in a cloud of dust . Through my rearview mirror , I caught a glimpse of their stunned expressions growing smaller as the distance between us increased . The satisfaction I felt was petty , perhaps , but after enduring weeks of their deliberate humiliation , this small victory tasted incredibly sweet . As I drove away, I could still see them in my rearview mirror . Cassandra's jealousy was palpable even from a distance as she turned to Ethan . " Ethan , why would you be interested in such a vain woman ? " her voice carried faintly on the wind . Ethan rubbed his brow , a hint of annoyance surfacing on his handsome face . " She wasn't always like this . I don't know what's gotten into her lately , forcing me to marry her and even renting a car , " His words stung despite my best efforts to remain indifferent . Forcing him to marry me ? Is that what he truly believed ? The memory of his own proposal three years ago flashed through my mind - how eagerly he had pursued me after Cassandra left for her studies abroad . 1.3 < Chapter 12 Territorial Claims … Cassandra feigned sympathy , crossing her arms over her chest . " She probably feels threatened since I'm close to you . Renting the car must be her way to fit into our circle . " +25 Puntos She clicked her tongue , adding with false pity , " But a rented car is still just rented . In the end , she can only take a few photos before returning it . How pathetic . " Ethan's voice carried his clear distaste . " Enough , I'm embarrassed for her . " He turned and left Cassandra outside the Moonlight Manor , as if distancing himself from the entire farce . Their assumptions about me renting the car rather than owning it spoke volumes about how little they thought of me . I drove the Bentley around Harbor City for a while , letting the smooth handling and powerful engine calm my nerves . The luxury of the vehicle was undeniable - the buttery soft leather seats , the responsive steering , the quiet purr of the engine . Connor had chosen well . After clearing my mind with the drive , I parked the Bentley discreetly in a paid lot outside the Moonlight Manor . I deliberately avoided the garage - we weren't at the point of tearing off all pretense yet . Not long ago , I had considered confessing my true identity and background to Ethan . Now , I no longer saw the need . Let him believe what he wanted about me . In just over a week , I would be gone from his life completely . That night , I brought home takeout from a specialty restaurant and sat down at the dining table as if nothing was amiss . I opened the boxes filled with spicy venison and herb - crusted rabbit , the rich aroma instantly filling the room . The scent of seasoned crawfish and chili - rubbed wild boar wafted through the air , making my mouth water in anticipation . I noticed Ethan's gaze drawn helplessly to my meal , his mouth watering against his will as the spicy scent awakened his appetite . Compared to his bland vegetarian plates - Cassandra's preferred diet - my food looked infinitely more tempting . I suppressed a smile , remembering how much Ethan had always loved spicy food . Memories flashed of past dates when I would peel crawfish for him with my slender fingers , feeding him bite after bite . He would close his eyes in pleasure , savoring the spicy , succulent meat . Now , I dexterously peeled the crawfish for myself , enjoying each morsel without offering him any . I could feel his eyes on me , watching my every move with an intensity that spoke of more than just hunger for food . 2/3 < Chapter 12 : Territorial Claims … +25 Puntos 2 When I caught him staring , I swallowed and asked bluntly , " What is it ? Why are you looking at me ? " Embarrassed at being caught , Ethan coughed and pretended indifference . " Can you not eat such pungent things ? "