#Chapter 61 – Debrief

Olivia's POV I stepped into the room, trailing after Ethan. I was shaken up and angry with myself for allowing Aiden to get to me, and I wasn’t going to let Ethan keep me out of this meeting. Marlus and Kerrick were already seated, a stack of reports spread across the table. Their expressions were grim, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. I straightened my posture, determined to project calm even as my insides shook with anxiety. Ethan gestured for me to take the seat next to him. In this moment, I hated how drawn to him I was. I was too tired – physical and emotionally – to acknowledge this pull he has on me. And I was distracted by the overwhelming rush of emotion from him. I tried to block it out, but it was no use; I couldn’t help but sense it, the simmering anger and unspoken fear he kept buried deep. My chest tightened, and I quickly refocused, reminding myself to keep my own emotions in check. “We’ve secured the grounds,” Kerrick began, his voice steady