Chapter 67: Find a Second Clara for Theodore
Chapter 67: Find a Second Clara for Theodore
(Olivia’s POV)
When Theodore suddenly appeared, I wasn’t sure if he had overheard my conversation with Killian. A trace of panic flickered in my heart. But a photo? I’d never taken a photo with Killian.
I glanced at him, noticing his slight frown, his sharp gaze fixed on the picture in Theodore’s hand. Seeing his unusual reaction, I started to wonder if the photo was real.
Reaching out to take it, my eyes widened in astonishment. Whether as a Shadow Syndicate operative or an intelligence analyst, my life would be forfeit if my true face were exposed.
That’s why after Matthew Kane recruited me, I had hidden all traces of myself, spending all my time at the base unless on a mission. This photo was from when I was twenty, taken when I appeared in person to rescue Killian.
I remembered it was the only time in my two years of service that I had revealed myself during an operation. My trembling hand flipped the photo over.
On the back, written in German, was: “Feb. ’19, Schwerin, Professor and the mysterious girl.” The person who took this recognized Killian.
“My love, when did you go to Germany’s most mysterious city, Schwerin? Weren’t you studying abroad in France?” Theodore’s voice was as gentle as ever, but his eyes seemed to see through everything.
“You and Professor Vance know each other?”
The photo brought back a traumatic memory: The explosion that occurred during my second mission to rescue Killian. My plan was to use the missile attack against him to fake his death, but when I arrived I discovered my intelligence was
wrong.
There were two people to rescue, Killian’s assistant was also imprisoned, not just him alone. But it was too late to change the missile signal, I could only save Killian and watch helplessly as the other person was consumed by the explosion.
As a tear escaped my eye, Killian quickly interjected. “I used to teach at the college Olivia attended. At that time, a major
earthquake occurred in Schwerin, and the students all went to participate in the rescue.”
“This photo was taken by someone right after she pulled me out of the rubble.” He was passing the explosion off as an
earthquake.
Theodore looked at me, waiting for confirmation. “Yes,” I whispered, my face turning cold as I fixed my gaze on my mate.
“Are you investigating me?”
“My love, how could I possibly investigate you?” Theodore’s voice was smooth as silk. “I plan to cooperate with the Aegis Institute, and the PR department happened to find this photo while preparing materials on Professor Vance for promotional purposes.”
He then turned to Killian, extending a formal offer to collaborate on a new innovative herbal medicine project. I saw Killian’s jaw tighten.
He had to know this was no coincidence; Theodore must have had this photo for a while, using it now as a test, a clear sign he suspected my true identity. Still, seeing the project’s potential societal benefit, Killian agreed.
I watched as the two Alphas shook hands. It was more than a handshake; it was a silent battle of wills.
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Their grips tightened, veins bulging on the backs of their hands as a palpable tension filled the air between them. I
couldn’t stand it a moment longer.
Stepping forward, I broke their stare–down by taking Theodore’s arm. A look of victory flashed across Theodore’s face as he immediately intertwined his fingers with mine.
“We’ll be in touch, Professor,” he said to Killian, his tone oozing smug satisfaction.
(Killian’s POV)
After Theodore’s family left, Elara watched them go with a sad expression. “He’s not nice to the beautiful auntie at all,”
Elara said, referring to Leo.
“He still won’t let her be my mom. That’s so mean.” The young pup then declared, “I will be better, so the beautiful auntie
will choose me instead of Leo.”
I smiled, touched by my daughter’s words but knowing the harsh reality that Olivia would always love her biological son.
Just then, my assistant Cain Nightwood arrived with news.
“Professor, Crestwood University has invited you to speak at their anniversary celebration tomorrow,” he said. “Olivia is
also on the guest list.”
My spirits immediately lifted as I happily went home with my daughter to pick out a handsome suit for the event.
(Olivia’s POV)
Later that night, I fell asleep in the car, exhausted. Theodore drove to the Redgrave Ancestral Hall to drop off Leo.
After Eleonora coaxed the reluctant pup inside, I awoke and, feeling too tired to go home, decided to stay the night. As I
walked through the moon gate toward the living room, I heard Eleonora’s stern voice.
“How could you let Clara mate with Caleb and have Rosalie call him father?” Eleonora raged. “You are too indulgent of
Olivia!”
When Theodore tried to leave, refusing to hear any criticism of his mate, Eleonora stopped him, throwing a stack of
photos on the coffee table. “Since Clara is mated, you two should break it off. Pick another one from these she–wolves.”
I froze in the shadows, listening in horror. “Mom, isn’t having Rosalie enough?” Theodore asked coldly.
“Rosalie is a Thorne family pup now!” Eleonora shot back. “If something happens to Leo, who will inherit the massive Crimson Pack? One heir is not enough!”
“These she–wolves‘ appearances and mannerisms are even more like Olivia’s than Clara’s.” When Theodore still refused,
Eleonora’s voice rose in disbelief.
“Could it be that you’ve developed feelings for Clara? Did you sleep with her so much that you fell for her?”
Theodore’s silence was his answer. Eleonora broke down, beating his chest hysterically.
“You’re just like that bastard! I raised you for nothing!” she sobbed, ordering him to get out.
Theodore calmly helped his emotional mother to her seat, said he’d leave Leo in her care, and turned to leave. When he walked out of the living room, he saw me standing quietly outside the door, and his shock instantly turned to fear.
He rushed toward me, “Darling, let me explain.”
