102. The Web Tightens
Author: Uhasa
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-31 16:02:02

Elijah leaned back in his chair, gazing across the dimly lit hotel suite at Olivia.

She looked at him with equal parts hurt and fascination, her eyes searching his as though trying to piece together a puzzle.

“Elijah, or... James,” she started slowly, “I need to know what you’re hiding, the real reason you’re here. If you expect me to trust you, I have to know. After all, you might guess already that I know a lot, Mr. Norton.”

Taking a deep breath, Elijah softened his expression. “Olivia, what I’m going to tell you can’t leave this room,” he said firmly, his tone laced with enough sincerity to draw her closer. “I came here under the name James for protection, to get close to people who might betray everything I stand for.”

She studied him, doubt flickering in her eyes. “And you’re saying Duke West and even my family are involved in that?”

Elijah held her gaze, feigning hesitation. “You may think you know your family, Olivia, but they’re more entangled in dangerous schemes than you can
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