#Chapter 59 – Truce

Olivia's POV The whispers had turned into a roar, drowning out the quiet moments I so desperately needed. Every glance from someone in like at the coffee shop, every passing comment from a stranger, seemed tinged with suspicion. Derek’s shadow loomed large, and the gossip about our so-called alliance had spread like wildfire. I sat in my office, the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the blinds, but even the warmth couldn’t cut through the chill of doubt curling in my chest. My phone buzzed with another notification. Another headline speculating on my loyalty to Ethan and the instability of our Packs. A sharp knock broke through my thoughts. Mia stepped in, her expression a mix of concern and determination. “Liv, we need to talk,” she said, closing the door behind her. I gestured for her to sit, though I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear what she had to say. She didn’t waste time. “You know what people are saying, right? That you’re playing both sides. That