bChapter /bb114 /b

    Olivia

    His eyebrows shot up. “Impressive. Alexander Carter runs a tight ship.”

    “You know him?”

    “We’ve crossed paths,” James said vaguely. “Business circles in LA are smaller than they seem.”

    “And what do you do, Mr. Westbrook?”

    “Please, James,” he corrected. “I run Westbrook Financial. We’re a boutique investment firm.”

    25%

    “By ‘run,‘ he means he’s the CEO and founder,” Emilia said, clearly having recognized him. “Hispany manages something like ten billion in assets.”

    It was my turn to raise my eyebrows. “Keeping tabs on financial CEOs, Em?”

    “I read Forbes,” she shrugged. “Sometimes.”

    James smiled. “Now I’m the one who’s impressed.”

    “Don’t be,” Emilia waved dismissively. “I only remember because you were on their ’40 Under 40‘ listst year.”

    “You have a good memory,” he acknowledged.

    “Selective,” she corrected. “I remember useless trivia and handsome men.”

    “I’m ttered to be in either category,” he said smoothly before turning back to me. “So, Olivia from Carter Enterprises, will you let me buy you that next drink?”

    I hesitated. “I should mention I have a boyfriend.”

    His smile didn’t waver. “Of course you do. A woman like you wouldn’t be single for long.”

    “Is that another line?”

    “Just an observation,” he said. “But the offer of a drink stands. No strings attached. Consider itworking.”

    “Networking over martinis?” I asked skeptically.

    “The best kind,” he winked. “But I understand if you’d rather not.”

    There was something oddly respectful about his easy eptance of my boundaries, even as he left the door open.

    “Maybe another time,” I found myself saying.

    “I’ll hold you to that,” he replied, raising his ss in a small toast before backing away. “Ladies, enjoy your evening.”

    As he walked back to the bar, ire leaned across the table. “Do you know who that was?”

    “James Westbrook, apparently,” I shrugged.

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    25%

    (29)

    “Olivia,” Ariana’s eyes were wide. “That man is practically financial royalty in this city. Hispany handles investments for half of Hollywood.”

    “And he’s worth like, hundreds of millions,” ire added.

    “And he’s single,” Emiliapleted the trifecta of information.

    “And I’m not,” I reminded them. “So it doesn’t matter how much he’s worth.” I couldn’t help but think that Alexander was worth ten

    or even twenty times more than James, if not more than that.

    “Your loss,” Emilia sang, signaling for another round. “He’s definitely interested in you.”

    “Notinterested.”

    Now, weekster, here he was again, standing at our table with the same confident smile.

    James Westbrook hadn’t changed a bit. He was still impably dressed in what was undoubtedly a custom suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and wearing that self–assured expression that probably worked wonders on most women.

    “Olivia Morgan,” he said, his voice carrying that smooth, practiced tone I remembered. “What a delightful surprise.” His eyes drifted to my wedding ring, but he maintained his charming smile.

    I forced a polite smile. “Mr. Westbrook.”

    “Please, I thought we established it’s James.” He nced at Emilia. “It’s nice to see you again, too.”

    Emilia nodded, eyeing him suspiciously. “Small world.”

    “Indeed.” His attention returned to me. “I heard congrattions are in order. Alexander Carter, no less. The photos from your wedding were spectacr.”

    “Thank you.”

    “Allow me to buy youdies a drink to celebrate,” he offered, already signaling a server. “A toast to new beginnings.”

    Emilia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “I’m not sure her husband would appreciate her epting drinks from strange men”

    “We’re hardly bstrangers/b,” James countered smoothly. “We’ve met before. And I’m simply being cordial to a fellow professional. Nothing inappropriate about that”

    “That’s thoughtful, but I’m good with what I have,” I said, raising my half full wine bss /b

    James nodded, epting my refusal with grace “Of course. Another time, perhaps.b” /b

    b“/bbYou /bsaw our wedding photos?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

    “Hard to miss,” he replied with a smallugh. “You two were all over social media. The Carter Morgan wedding was quite the

    event”

    “You follow society weddings? Emilia asked, one eyebrow raised

    b2/4 /b

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    James smiled. “I follow business, and Alexander Carter is certainly that. Your husband moves markets, Olivia. People pay

    attention.”

    “Right,” I said, taking a sip of my wine.

    “You make a striking couple,” he continued. “Though I must admit, I was surprised by the speed of it all. You work fast.”

    There was something in his tone that made me bristle. “When you know, you know.i” /i

    25%

    23

    “Apparently,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Alexander certainly seemed to know quickly. He’s not typically known for hismitment.”

    Before I could respond, a woman’s voice called out from across the bar. “James! There iyou /iare!”

    James turned, raising a hand to a sleek brte making her way toward us. She was stunning, tall and willowy, with sharp features and a designer dress.

    “Duty calls,” he said with a slight bow. “It was lovely seeing you again, Olivia. Congrattions once imore /ion your marriage.”

    “Who’s that?” Emilia asked, nodding toward the approaching woman.

    “Melissa Bet,” James replied. “My business partner. We have a meeting to finish.” He turned to greet the woman, who had reached our table. “Melissa, just wrapping up. This is Olivia Morgan–Carter and her friend…”

    “Emilia,” my friend supplied, studying Melissa with interest.

    Melissa gave us a quick, professional smile. “Nice to meet you both. James, we really need to go over those projections before

    tomorrow.”

    “Of course,” he agreed smoothly. “Ladies, enjoy your evening.” With a final nod, he ced his hand on Melissa’s back and guided

    her toward the exit.

    As soon as they were out of earshot, Emilia leaned across the table. “Business partner, my ass. Did you see how her hand lingered on his arm? And that dress wasn’t saying ‘let’s review quarterly reports.”

    Iughed, shaking my head. “Maybe they’re both.”

    “Nobody looks at their business partner like that.”

    “Well, it’s none of our business,” I said, draining thest of my wine.

    “He seemed very interested in your marriage,” Emilia observed. “And not in a congrattory way.”

    I shrugged, trying to appear nonchnt. “Alexander and James run in the same circles.”

    “Hmm” Emilia wasn’t convinced. “There’s something about him I don’t trust.”

    “You don’t trust any inan who wears a suit that expensive,” I teased.

    “With good reason!” She gged down the server for another round. “Men who spend that much on clothes are usuallypensating for something”

    “Pretty sure Alexander spends that much on suits,” I pointed out.

    b3/4 /b

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    “I’m not sure there will be a next one. Early meeting tomorrow.”

    “Ah,” he nodded sagely. “Corporate America calls.”

    “Something like that.”

    “Where do you work? If you don’t mind my asking.”

    I hesitated. “Carter Enterprises. Marketing department.”

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    23

    Chapter b114 /b

    Olivia

    His eyebrows shot up. “Impressive. Alexander Carter runs a tight ship.”

    “You know him?”

    “We’ve crossed paths,” James said vaguely. “Business circles in LA are smaller than they seem.”

    “And what do you do, Mr. Westbrook?”

    “Please, James,” he corrected. “I run Westbrook Financial. We’re a boutique investment firm.”

    “By ‘run,‘ he means he’s the CEO and founder,” Emilia said, clearly having recognized him. “Hispany manages something like ten billion in assets.”

    It was my turn to raise my eyebrows. “Keeping tabs on financial CEOs, Em?”

    “I read Forbes,” she shrugged. “Sometimes.”

    James smiled. “Now I’m the one who’s impressed.”

    “Don’t be,” Emilia waved dismissively. “I only remember because you were on their ’40 Under 40‘ listst year.”

    “You have a good memory,” he acknowledged.

    “Selective,” she corrected. “I remember useless trivia and handsome men.”

    “I’m ttered to be in either category,” he said smoothly before turning back to me. “So, Olivia from Carter Enterprises, will you let me buy you that next drink?”

    I hesitated. “I should mention ! have a boyfriend.”

    His smile didn’t waver. “Of course you do. A woman like you wouldn’t be single for long.”

    “Is that another line?”

    “Just an observation,” he said. “But the offer of a drink stands. No strings attached. Consider itworking.”

    “Networking over martinis?” I asked skeptically.

    “The best kind,” he winked. “But I understand if you’d rather not.”

    There was something oddly respectful about his easy eptance of my boundaries, even as he left the door open.

    “Maybe another time,” I found myself saying.

    “I’ll hold you to that,” he replied, raising his ss in a small toast before backing away. “Ladies, enjoy your evening.”

    As he walked back to the bar, ire leaned across the table. “Do you know who that was?”

    “James Westbrook, apparently,” I shrugged.

    24%

    “Olivia,” Ariana’s eyes were wide. “That man is practically financial royalty in this city. Hispany handles investments for half of Hollywood.”

    “And he’s worth like, hundreds of millions,” ire added.

    “And he’s single,” Emiliapleted the trifecta of information.

    “And I’m not,” I reminded them. “So it doesn’t matter how much he’s worth.” I couldn’t help but think that Alexander was worth ten or even twenty times more than James, if not more than that.

    “Your loss,” Emilia sang, signaling for another round. “He’s definitely interested in you.”

    “Not interested.”

    Now, weekster, here he was again, standing at our table with the same confident smile.

    James Westbrook hadn’t changed a bit. He was still impably dressed in what was undoubtedly a custom suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and wearing that self–assured expression that probably worked wonders on most women.

    “Olivia Morgan,” he said, his voice carrying that smooth, practiced tone I remembered. “What a delightful surprise.” His eyes drifted to my wedding ring, but he maintained his charming smile.

    I forced a polite smile. “Mr. Westbrook.”

    “Please, I thought we established it’s James.” He nced at Emilia. “It’s nice to see you again, tooi./ii” /i

    Emilia nodded, eyeing him suspiciously. “Small world.”

    “Indeed.” His attention returned to me. “I heard congrattions are in order. Alexander Carter, no less. The photos from your wedding were spectacr.”

    “Thank you.”

    “Allow me to buy youdies a drink to celebrate,” he offered, already signaling a server. “A toast to new beginnings.”

    Emilia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “I’m not sure her husband would appreciate her epting drinks from strange men.”

    “We’re hardly strangers,” James countered smoothly. i“/iWe’ve met before. And I’m simply being cordial to a fellow professional. Nothing inappropriate about that.”

    “That’s thoughtful, but I’m good with what I have,” I said, raising my half full wine bss/b.

    James nodded, epting my refusal with grace. “Of course. Another time, perhaps.”

    “You saw our wedding photos?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

    “Hard to miss,” he replied with a smallugh. “You two were all over social media. The Carter Morgan wedding was quite the

    event.”

    “You follow society weddings?” Emilia asked, one eyebrow raised.

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    James smiled. “I follow business, and Alexander Carter is certainly that. Your husband moves markets, Olivia. People pay

    attention.”

    “Right.” I said, taking a sip of my wine.

    “You make a striking couple,” he continued. “Though I must admit, I was surprised by the speed of it all. You work fast.”

    There was something in his tone that made me bristle. “When you know, you know.”

    24%

    “Apparently,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Alexander certainly seemed to know quickly. He’s not typically known for hismitment.”

    Before I could respond, a woman’s voice called out from across the bar. “James! There you are!”

    James turned, raising a hand to a sleek brte making her way toward us. She was stunning, tall and willowy, with sharp features and a designer dress.

    “Duty calls,” he said with a slight bow. “It was lovely seeing you againi, /iOlivia. Congrattions once more on your marriage.”

    “Who’s that?” Emilia asked, nodding toward the approaching woman.

    “Melissa Bet,” James replied. “My business partner. We have a meeting ito /ifinish.” He turned to greet the woman, who had reached our table. “Melissa, just wrapping up. This is Olivia Morgan–Carter and her friend…”

    “Emilia,” my friend supplied, studying Melissa with interest.

    Melissa gave us a quick, professional smile. “Nice ito /imeet iyou /iboth. James, we really need to go over those projections before

    tomorrow.”

    “Of course,” he agreed smoothly. “Ladies, enjoy your evening.” With a final nod, he ced his hand on Melissa’s back and guided

    her toward the exit.

    As soon as they were out of earshot, Emilia leaned across the table. “Business partner, my ass. Did you see how her hand lingered on his arm? And that dress wasn’t saying ‘let’s review quarterly reports.“”

    ughed, shaking my head. “Maybe they’re both.”

    “Nobody looks at their business partner like that.”

    “Well, it’s bnone /bof our business,” I said, draining thest of my wine.

    “He seemed very interested in your marriage,” Emilia observed. “And not in a congrattory wayb./b”

    A shrugged, itrying /ito appear nonchnt “Alexander and James run in the same circles.”

    “Hmm” Emrulia wasn’t convinced. “There’s something about him I don’t trust

    “You don’t trust ally man who wear a suit that expenave, i tease

    “With good reason!” She igged /idown the server for another round Men who spend that much on clothes bare /busuallypensating for something?

    “Pretty sure Alexander spends that much on suits” I pointed outi. /i

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    Emilia grinned. “And is hepensating for something?”

    I felt my cheeks warm as memories from the ind shed through my mind. “Definitely not.”

    “Ooh, look at you blushing!” She cackled, delighted. “Finally getting some juicy details!”

    “That’s all you’re getting,” I warned, epting a fresh ss of wine from the server.

    “Fine, be stingy with the sex details. But seriously, what’s the deal with James? He seemed very focused on you.”

    b4/4 /b

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    * 24%2

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    Chapter b114 /b

    Olivia

    His eyebrows shot up. “Impressive. Alexander Carter runs a tight ship.”

    “You know him?”

    “We’ve crossed paths,” James said vaguely. “Business circles in LA are smaller than they seem.”

    “And what do you do, Mr. Westbrook?”

    “Please, James,” he corrected. “I run Westbrook Financial. We’re a boutique investment firm.”

    “By ‘run,‘ he means he’s the CEO and founder,” Emilia said, clearly having recognized him. “Hispany manages something like ten billion in assets.”

    It was my turn to raise my eyebrows. “Keeping tabs on financial CEOs, Em?”

    “I read Forbes,” she shrugged. “Sometimes.”

    James smiled. “Now I’m the one who’s impressed.”

    “Don’t be,” Emilia waved dismissively. “I only remember because you were on their ’40 Under 40‘ listst year.”

    “You have a good memory,” he acknowledged.

    “Selective,” she corrected. “I remember useless trivia and handsome men.”

    “I’m ttered to be in either category,” he said smoothly before turning back to me. “So, Olivia from Carter Enterprises, will you let me buy you that next drink?”

    I hesitated. “I should mention ! have a boyfriend.”

    His smile didn’t waver. “Of course you do. A woman like you wouldn’t be single for long.”

    “Is that another line?”

    “Just an observation,” he said. “But the offer of a drink stands. No strings attached. Consider itworking.”

    “Networking over martinis?” I asked skeptically.

    “The best kind,” he winked. “But I understand if you’d rather not.”

    There was something oddly respectful about his easy eptance of my boundaries, even as he left the door open.

    “Maybe another time,” I found myself saying.

    “I’ll hold you to that,” he replied, raising his ss in a small toast before backing away. “Ladies, enjoy your evening.”

    As he walked back to the bar, ire leaned across the table. “Do you know who that was?”

    “James Westbrook, apparently,” I shrugged.

    24%

    “Olivia,” Ariana’s eyes were wide. “That man is practically financial royalty in this city. Hispany handles investments for half of Hollywood.”

    “And he’s worth like, hundreds of millions,” ire added.

    “And he’s single,” Emiliapleted the trifecta of information.

    “And I’m not,” I reminded them. “So it doesn’t matter how much he’s worth.” I couldn’t help but think that Alexander was worth ten or even twenty times more than James, if not more than that.

    “Your loss,” Emilia sang, signaling for another round. “He’s definitely interested in you.”

    “Not interested.”

    Now, weekster, here he was again, standing at our table with the same confident smile.

    James Westbrook hadn’t changed a bit. He was still impably dressed in what was undoubtedly a custom suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and wearing that self–assured expression that probably worked wonders on most women.

    “Olivia Morgan,” he said, his voice carrying that smooth, practiced tone I remembered. “What a delightful surprise.” His eyes drifted to my wedding ring, but he maintained his charming smile.

    I forced a polite smile. “Mr. Westbrook.”

    “Please, I thought we established it’s James.” He nced at Emilia. “It’s nice to see you again, tooi./ii” /i

    Emilia nodded, eyeing him suspiciously. “Small world.”

    “Indeed.” His attention returned to me. “I heard congrattions are in order. Alexander Carter, no less. The photos from your wedding were spectacr.”

    “Thank you.”

    “Allow me to buy youdies a drink to celebrate,” he offered, already signaling a server. “A toast to new beginnings.”

    Emilia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “I’m not sure her husband would appreciate her epting drinks from strange men.”

    “We’re hardly strangers,” James countered smoothly. i“/iWe’ve met before. And I’m simply being cordial to a fellow professional. Nothing inappropriate about that.”

    “That’s thoughtful, but I’m good with what I have,” I said, raising my half full wine bss/b.

    James nodded, epting my refusal with grace. “Of course. Another time, perhaps.”

    “You saw our wedding photos?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

    “Hard to miss,” he replied with a smallugh. “You two were all over social media. The Carter Morgan wedding was quite the

    event.”

    “You follow society weddings?” Emilia asked, one eyebrow raised.

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    James smiled. “I follow business, and Alexander Carter is certainly that. Your husband moves markets, Olivia. People pay

    attention.”

    “Right.” I said, taking a sip of my wine.

    “You make a striking couple,” he continued. “Though I must admit, I was surprised by the speed of it all. You work fast.”

    There was something in his tone that made me bristle. “When you know, you know.”

    24%

    “Apparently,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Alexander certainly seemed to know quickly. He’s not typically known for hismitment.”

    Before I could respond, a woman’s voice called out from across the bar. “James! There you are!”

    James turned, raising a hand to a sleek brte making her way toward us. She was stunning, tall and willowy, with sharp features and a designer dress.

    “Duty calls,” he said with a slight bow. “It was lovely seeing you againi, /iOlivia. Congrattions once more on your marriage.”

    “Who’s that?” Emilia asked, nodding toward the approaching woman.

    “Melissa Bet,” James replied. “My business partner. We have a meeting ito /ifinish.” He turned to greet the woman, who had reached our table. “Melissa, just wrapping up. This is Olivia Morgan–Carter and her friend…”

    “Emilia,” my friend supplied, studying Melissa with interest.

    Melissa gave us a quick, professional smile. “Nice ito /imeet iyou /iboth. James, we really need to go over those projections before

    tomorrow.”

    “Of course,” he agreed smoothly. “Ladies, enjoy your evening.” With a final nod, he ced his hand on Melissa’s back and guided

    her toward the exit.

    As soon as they were out of earshot, Emilia leaned across the table. “Business partner, my ass. Did you see how her hand lingered on his arm? And that dress wasn’t saying ‘let’s review quarterly reports.“”

    ughed, shaking my head. “Maybe they’re both.”

    “Nobody looks at their business partner like that.”

    “Well, it’s bnone /bof our business,” I said, draining thest of my wine.

    “He seemed very interested in your marriage,” Emilia observed. “And not in a congrattory wayb./b”

    A shrugged, itrying /ito appear nonchnt “Alexander and James run in the same circles.”

    “Hmm” Emrulia wasn’t convinced. “There’s something about him I don’t trust

    “You don’t trust ally man who wear a suit that expenave, i tease

    “With good reason!” She igged /idown the server for another round Men who spend that much on clothes bare /busuallypensating for something?

    “Pretty sure Alexander spends that much on suits” I pointed outi. /i

    18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

    Emilia grinned. “And is hepensating for something?”

    I felt my cheeks warm as memories from the ind shed through my mind. “Definitely not.”

    “Ooh, look at you blushing!” She cackled, delighted. “Finally getting some juicy details!”

    “That’s all you’re getting,” I warned, epting a fresh ss of wine from the server.

    “Fine, be stingy with the sex details. But seriously, what’s the deal with James? He seemed very focused on you.”

    b4/4 /b

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    * 24%2

    bfi /b