Chapter 23 : Dangerous Encounters - 1 Chapter 23 : Dangerous Encounters ( Olivia's POV ) I sat between Rebecca and Lily at our corner table , the bar's ambient lighting casting a warm glow over our faces . The fruity scent of my cocktail mingled with the low hum of conversation around us . Rebecca leaned closer , her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper . " Back then , Vanessa's mother didn't just beg Mrs. Rivers to take in her daughter , but even shamelessly suggested that Connor Rivers should marry Vanessa in the future . " I nearly choked on my drink . " What ? " The revelation hit me like a physical blow . Suddenly , Vanessa's hostility made perfect sense . Lily's voice rose sharply , her eyes widening . " No way ! She actually dared to say that ? " Rebecca shrugged , twirling the straw in her glass . " No one knows what Mrs. Rivers said in reply . But in the end , the servant accepted the so - called ' debt of gratitude ' as just letting her daughter be adopted . " Lily snorted disdainfully , tossing her hair back . " Of course , Mrs. Rivers only has one son . How could she let him marry a servant's daughter ? " " Exactly , " Rebecca echoed , nodding firmly . " Connor is the Rivers family's sole heir . Marrying a maid's daughter is impossible . " I sipped my wine pensively , my mind swirling with these unexpected revelations . The pieces were falling into place - Vanessa's cold glares , her barely concealed - contempt , her stiff formality when Connor introduced us . " So that's why she hates me , " I murmured , more to myself than to my friends . What I didn't notice was the pair of violet eyes fixed upon me from across the room - Vanessa Reed herself , her face a mask of cold fury as she overheard every word . After a few more drinks , I excused myself to use the restroom . " I'll be right back , " I told Rebecca and Lily , sliding out of the booth . ||| O < 1/3 < Chapter 23 Dangerous En . 3 Points The bathroom was clean and quiet , a welcome respite from the noise of the bar . I checked my appearance in the mirror , tucking a strand of honey - brown hair behind my ear before heading back out . As I stepped into the dimly lit corridor , I pulled out my phone to check my messages . Connor had texted , asking if I was enjoying my night out . I smiled , typing a quick reply . Suddenly , two men blocked my path . One was burly with a shaved head , his muscular arms covered in tattoos . He wore a black tank top that strained against his chest . The other was lanky with bleached - blonde hair and a cigarette dangling from his lips . The tattooed one whistled , his eyes traveling up and down my body . " Hey pretty girl , come play with us , hm ? " Without missing a beat , I smoothly switched my phone to recording mode and slipped it into my pocket . Years of legal training had taught me the value of evidence . The blonde one leaned against the wall , his eyes gleaming with something predatory . " You're a real beauty . Must be a wild ride . " I kept my expression neutral , though disgust churned in my stomach . " Did you just eat something rotten in the bathroom? Your mouth stinks . " The blonde's face twisted with anger , but quickly morphed back into a leering grin . " How much for a night ? Name your price . " I crossed my arms calmly , assessing the situation . The corridor was narrow , with both men effectively blocking my path back to the main area . I could feel my wolf stirring inside me , sensing danger . " Funeral vigil : 5,000 dollars a night ," I replied coolly . " Wailing service , add 2,000 . Band with traditional music , 2,800 . Basic cremation , 499. Wooden coffin , 500 extra . " Their leers faltered , confusion crossing their faces . " If the bones aren't crushed post - cremation , add 1,200 , " I continued , my voice steady . " Who in your family died ? More than one corpse ? Discounts available . Spend 10,000 , save 1,000 . " The blonde spat on the floor , his face contorting with rage . " f ***** g b *** h ! Playing hard to get ? " 2/3 < Chapter 23 Dangerous En . - +8 Points The tattooed one - Brock , I'd later learn advanced toward me , his hands moving to unbuckle his belt . " Acting all pure ? Bet you've been with plenty of men . Stop pretending . Let's do it right here ! " He nodded to his accomplice . " Drag her into the men's room and have some real fun . " Both lunged toward me simultaneously . In that split second , everything slowed down . My self - defense training kicked in automatically . I pivoted on my heel and kicked out with all my strength , my foot connecting squarely with Brock's groin . The impact was devastating . A shrill scream tore from his throat as he crumpled to the ground , clutching his crotch in agony . His face instantly drenched in sweat , all color draining away . The blonde - Tyler - cursed furiously and threw a wild punch at my head . I ducked under his arm , grabbed it , and twisted sharply until a sickening c *** k announced his shoulder dislocating . His scream joined Brock's , echoing through the corridor . Both men were down , writhing in pain on the dirty floor . Comments