Chapter 17 : Mutual Respect - 1 Chapter 17 : Mutual Respect ( Olivia's POV ) After dinner , Connor and I descended to the underground parking garage . I walked toward the glacier blue Bentley Continental GT , keys in hand . " How does the car feel to drive ? " Connor asked softly . I tucked a strand of honey - brown hair behind my ear , my amber eyes avoiding his intense gaze . " I drove it last night , it's really good . Thank you , Con . " Then , remembering something important , I lifted the keys and added , " By the way , I also have a gift for you . I meant to give it to you last night but forgot . It's in my suitcase at the hotel . I'll bring it to you when I come back . " Connor gently opened the driver's side door . " Why don't I come with you ? I'll drive ." I was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered . " Coming together is fine , but let me drive . You should rest . " I knew he must be exhausted after flying from Riverdale last night and driving twenty kilometers early this morning just to bring me venison stew . I didn't want to trouble him . further . Connor's ice - blue eyes softened with a smile as he quietly moved to the passenger side . " Then I shall graciously accept . " The engine purred to life as I pulled out of the parking garage . The Bentley handled like a dream , responding to my lightest touch . " Can I sit in on your territory dispute hearing today ? " Connor asked as we sped down the highway . " Sure , it's a contract dispute case , nothing confidential ," I responded . " You just need to bring your ID , fill out a form , and get a pass . " He nodded . " I brought my ID specifically after researching the process . I've never seen you work before . " As I focused on driving , I was unaware that Connor's gaze was full of gentle affection and 1/3 < Chapter 17 Mutual Respect - 1 deep pride . A thick silence settled between us . " Con , why did you agree to our arranged mating ? " I finally asked quietly . +25 Puntos > It was a question I had harbored for three years . The Rivers Pack wielded immense power and influence , unlike my Winters Pack with its purely commercial background . I always felt this alliance was my father's attempt to climb higher , making me wonder why someone of Connor's status would accept . Connor's eyes darkened as he considered his answer . After a pause , he replied , " By my generation , arranged matings are no longer necessary to consolidate our pack's power . " His answer was ambiguous , leaving me confused . I gently pressed , " Then why not choose someone you truly love ? " " If I didn't want to , no one could force me , " his deep voice carried a subtle vulnerability that surprised me . My breath caught chaotically . I forced myself not to dwell on the deeper meaning , though my heart stirred uncontrollably . I wondered if Connor , so skilled at gentle teasing , had dated many women before , making him so naturally attentive . Ever since I agreed to this arrangement , his care had been meticulous , his presence gentle yet firm . I sensed that if it continued like this , I might truly develop feelings for him . We arrived at the courthouse with time to spare . Connor followed the procedure to get his visitor's pass while I prepared my notes one final time . The hearing began promptly . I stood tall , my voice clear and confident as I presented our case . The opposing counsel tried to interrupt several times , but I held my ground . " Your Honor , the contract clearly states in Section 4.3 that territorial boundaries were established using the northern riverbank as the demarcation line ," I argued , pointing to the evidence . " My client has maintained consistent presence within these boundaries for over fifteen years without contest . " The opposing counsel attempted to introduce a new document , but I quickly objected . " Your Honor , this document wasn't included in discovery . Its sudden introduction violates procedural rules and prejudices my client . " The judge agreed , sustaining my objection . I continued methodically dismantling their arguments one by one . 213 < Chapter 17 Mutual Respect - 1 +25 Puntos > Throughout the hearing , I was vaguely aware of Connor sitting quietly among the spectators , his ice - blue eyes never leaving me . His presence somehow bolstered my confidence . When the hearing ended , Connor approached and handed me a bottle of water . " Have some water , " he said simply . I drank gratefully , then smiled , my amber eyes bright . " The verdict will be announced later , but I'm quite confident of winning . " " During your argument , your eyes were so bright and determined . I was completely drawn to you , " Connor's voice was full of sincere praise . Embarrassed but happy , I admitted , " Really ? I feel like I become a different person in court . " " You did amazing , " he reassured me warmly . " Someday , you'll be a top - tier , renowned lawyer . " My smile grew radiant . " From your lips to God's ears . " In this moment of shared joy , I suddenly recalled Ethan Grey . Over three years of dating him , he had never once bothered about my work , let alone watched me in court .