Chapter 24 : Darkness and Secrets - 1 Chapter 24 : Darkness and Secrets ( Olivia's POV ) The police officer's face remained impassive as he delivered his verdict . " We've received your report . We will open an investigation on the charge of attempted assault , but your case of excessive force will also be filed . Since it's a criminal violation , whether it constitutes justified defense will be determined by the court . " I nodded , keeping my expression neutral despite the frustration bubbling beneath the surface . " Understood . " My voice remained steady , betraying none of the turmoil I felt . As a lawyer , I knew the system well enough to understand that this was standard procedure , even if it felt unjust . After completing the necessary paperwork and posting bail , I finally stepped out of the police station . The night air felt cool against my skin after hours in the stuffy interview room . Connor's sleek black SUV waited at the curb , its engine purring softly . He opened the passenger door for me , his ice - blue eyes scanning my face with concern . Once inside , he immediately turned to me , his expression intense . " I'll make a call to have this case withdrawn . " His tone left no room for argument , but I shook my head firmly . My honey - brown hair caught the moonlight streaming through the window . " No need . I have confidence I can walk away from this unscathed . " Connor's jaw tightened slightly , but he didn't press the issue . Instead , he started the car and pulled away from the curb , the police station shrinking in the rearview mirror . The streets of Riverdale were nearly empty at this hour , streetlights casting long ။ 塩 1/3 < Chapter 24 Darkness and . shadows across the pavement . We drove in silence for several minutes , the only sound the soft hum of the engine . + Points Finally , Connor spoke , his voice low and tinged with something I rarely heard from - him vulnerability . " Livvy , every time something happens , you always carry it alone . You can try to lean on me . " His words hung in the air between us . I remained silent , watching the city lights blur past the window . After a long moment , I exhaled softly . " After my mother passed away , I was lost for a long time . Then my father remarried . After that , I felt like in this world , there was no one truly close to me anymore . " The confession slipped out before I could stop it , my voice barely audible in the quiet car . The words melted into the night's silence . Sitting side by side , Connor couldn't see the sorrow hidden in my amber eyes . I forced myself to sound casual , as if discussing something trivial rather than the wound that had shaped my entire life . " So , I got used to carrying everything by myself . Because I really don't know who I can still rely on ." I could feel Connor's gaze on me , though I kept my eyes fixed on the passing scenery . The weight of his attention was almost physical . " You still have me . " His words were simple but filled with an intensity that made my chest tighten . Yet I couldn't bring myself to respond . Rebecca's earlier revelations about Vanessa Reed had planted a seed of doubt I couldn't ignore . Connor's foster sister - the daughter of a servant who had sacrificed herself for Mrs. Rivers - probably harbored deep feelings for him . Although Connor had scolded Vanessa for her rudeness yesterday , I sensed his anger stemmed more from her embarrassing the Rivers family than from any desire to defend me . Deep down , I knew my place in his heart couldn't compare to his bond O < 2/3 < Chapter 24 Darkness and …. with the " sister " he'd grown up with . +8 Ports If Vanessa and I ever truly clashed , I had little doubt which side Connor would choose . To protect myself from future heartbreak , I resolved not to rely too heavily on his protection . Connor seemed to feel my hesitation keenly . A trace of frustration crossed his features before he gently reached out , rubbing my head with rare tenderness . " Livvy , remember , no matter what , I will always stand on your side . " I lowered my head , unable to meet his gaze . " Mm . " My noncommittal response hung between us for the remainder of the drive . ( Third person's POV ) After escorting Olivia home to Moonlight Manor , Connor immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Frank Langley . " I want the case of ' excessive force ' against Olivia Winters withdrawn . Immediately . " His voice carried the unmistakable authority of an Alpha accustomed to having his commands obeyed without question . " Consider it done , " Frank replied promptly . Connor ended that call and immediately dialed his assistant . " Henry , find out which hospital those two men who harassed Livvy are at . Deal with them . " The words were spoken calmly , but the underlying menace was clear . In Harbor City Memorial Hospital , Brock Harding lay weakly in his bed , having just emerged from surgery . His tattooed arms lay limply at his sides , his face still pale from blood loss and anesthesia . Comments |||