Chapter 22 : The Skilled Restorer and Severed Ties - 1 Chapter 22 : The Skilled Restorer and Severed Ties ( Olivia's POV ) A graceful , refined woman around her thirties entered the private room of the Crescent Moon Hotel in Riverdale . Her confident stride and elegant posture immediately caught my attention . Connor's voice softened as he made the introduction . " Livvy , this is the top - tier artifact restorer I recommended - Ruby Montgomery . " Joy sparked through me instantly . I had expected an elderly master with weathered hands and a stern expression . Instead , this beautiful woman with warm eyes stood before us . I quickly stood and stepped forward , extending my hand with barely contained excitement . " Master Montgomery , hello , I'm Olivia Winters . I entrust my ceramic wolf figurine to you . " Ruby Montgomery couldn't help but burst into a soft laugh , her warm , curved eyes gleaming teasingly . " Master Montgomery ? Sounds like I'm some ancient museum curator ! " Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized my slip . " Sorry , that was a slip of the tongue . I apologize ." Ruby waved it off good - naturedly , her smile genuine and easy . She then glanced sideways at Connor , a playful smirk forming on her lips . " You're so cold and aloof , picky beyond reason , " she said to him . " Before I came , I was dying to know what kind of woman could conquer the ' ice Alpha ' Connor Rivers . Now that I've met Livvy , I get it . If it were me , I'd like her too . " My cheeks burned hotter at her words . I gestured toward an empty chair , trying to regain my composure . " Please , have a seat . " I poured her a cup of herbal tea , the fragrant steam rising between us . " Please enjoy , " I said , sliding the cup toward her . Ruby took a sip with an approving nod . From the corner of my eye , I noticed Connor watching us , a gentle smile playing on his lips . " Livvy , no need to be so deferential , " he said . " I've paid her a handsome fee . You're the client , you can be as assertive as you want . " His words made me lower my lashes and smile obediently . I returned to sit quietly beside him , 1/3 Chapter 22 : The Skilled Resto suddenly aware of how naturally I'd fallen into pleasing him . Ruby shot Connor a mock glare . " You really know how to spoil the fun . " +25 Puntos > She switched to business mode , her expression becoming more professional . " Livvy , did you bring the item today ? " I shook my head slightly . " Not yet , Ruby . Could you come to the Winters residence with me after dinner ? I'll get it for you . " " Of course , " Ruby readily agreed , setting her cup down . After our meal concluded , we headed to my family home in Riverdale . The familiar surroundings brought a mix of comfort and unease as memories of my childhood flooded back . In my old bedroom , I carefully retrieved the bag containing the shattered remains of the light blue ceramic wolf figurine - the precious creation my mother Sarah and I had made together before her death . My hands trembled slightly as I handed it over . Ruby examined the fragments with a professional eye , frowning and clicking her tongue . " It's smashed pretty badly . " My heart jumped to my throat , anxiety surging through my body . The figurine was more than just ceramic - it was one of the few tangible connections I had left to my mother . Ruby must have noticed my distress because she patted my shoulder reassuringly . " Don't worry , since it's in my hands , I'll fix it beautifully . " Only then did my tense nerves relax . " Thank you so much ," I said , gratitude washing over me . " Do you have any photos of what it looked like before ? " she asked , carefully placing the fragments back in the bag . " Yes , I'll send them to you ," I replied promptly . " Perfect . I'll reach out again if I need details . I'll head back now . " " I'll have Henry drive you , " I offered , already reaching for my phone . " Great , " Ruby nodded , carefully securing the bag with my precious memories . Once my mother's cherished memento was entrusted with a promise of restoration , a burden lifted from my heart . But now , the anger inside me demanded another resolution - to confront Cassandra Evans and Ethan Grey . I dialed my cousin Alexander Winters , now head of the Silverridge Group , asking quietly , " Hello , 2/3 Chapter 22 The Skilled Resta cousin , I need your help with something . " +25 Puntos Late that night after my bath , I lay on my bed in the Winters residence , my hair still damp against the pillow . The familiar ceiling above me was both comforting and strange after so many years away . My phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number from Harbor City . Assuming it was a client inquiry , I answered politely , " Hello ? " Silence greeted me . I called out twice more , still no reply . " If you don't speak , I'll hang up , " I warned , my patience wearing thin . Suddenly , Ethan Grey's voice sounded through the line , cold and awkward . " It's me . Olivia , unblock me and my number . " Comentarios