Olivia

    44%

    (+20)

    I followed Alexander to the front of the house, my curiosity piqued. We hadn’t expected visitors, especially since we’d only just arrived at the estate.

    The massive double doors swung open before we reached them, revealing a sleek ck car parked in the circr driveway.

    Victoria stepped out, dressed in a tailored cream pantsuit that was undoubtedly expensive. Her hair was pulled into a perfect chignon, not a strand out of ce despite the light breeze. She looked like she was heading to a board meeting rather than making a casual visit.

    “Alexander! Olivia!” she called, waving as she approached. Her smile was picture–perfect, but it didn’t reach her eyesb. /bb“I/b‘ ard you were moving in today and thought I’d stop by to see if you needed anything.”

    Alexander stiffened beside me. “Victoria. What a surprise.”

    “The good kind, I hope,” she replied, air–kissing his cheek before turning to me. “Olívia, darling. That outfit is… practical.” Her gaze swept over my jeans and sweater with barely concealed disin.

    “We’re moving, not attending a g,” I replied, forcing a smile. But you look lovely as always.

    “Oh, this old thing?” She waved dismissively at her clearly expensive outfit. “Just something a

    on for meetings today.

    Alexander crossed his arms. “Speaking of which, don’t you have work to go to: The financial markets wait for no one that what Thomas always says?”

    Victoriaughed, the sound like ss tinkling. “I have time. I wanted to personally wee Olivia to the estate” She wme to me. “It can be quite overwhelming at first. All these rooms, the staff, the expectations. It took me months tofortable here, and I grew up with money.“.

    I felt my cheeks heat at the thinly veiled insult. “I’m adaptable.”

    “I’m sure you are,” she replied, her smile sharpening. “Alexander never did like high–maintenance women. Isn’t that right, cousin?b” /b

    “Victoria,” Alexander’s voice held a warning. “If you just came to be condescending, you can leave now. We’re quite busy.”

    She ced a manicured hand on his arm. “Don’t be silly. I’m being friendly.” Her eyes flicked to me. “We’re family now, after all. Which reminds me, I wanted to invite you both to dinner this Sunday.”

    “Dinner?” I echoed, surprised by the invitation.

    “Yes, at my ce. Just family, you two, Thomas, and me.” Victoria’s smile remained fixed. “We hardly had a chance to really talk at the wedding with all those people around.”

    Alexander’s jaw tightened. “We have a lot of pending work. The move, Olivia settling in, and several projects at the office that need my attention.”

    “Surely you can spare one evening,” Victoria pressed. “Family should be a priority, Alexander. Isn’t that what Grandfather always says?”

    I could practically see Alexander’s teeth grinding. “Maybe next weekend.”

    Victoria pouted slightly. “That’s disappointing. I’ve already nned the menu and everything.” She turned to me. “I’d especially love to get to know you better, Olivia. Woman to woman. I’m sure you have so many questions about navigating life as a Carter.”

    15:10 Mon, 25 Aug PP

    “That’s very thoughtful. I said neutrally. “But Alexander’s right. We have a lot going on right now

    Victoria sighed dramatically. “Alright, I can take a hint. Next weekend it is She nced at her watch. “I should be gring anyway. There is a board meeting in thirty minutes”

    “We wouldn’t want to make youte,” Alexander said, already turning toward the door in clear dismissal.

    Victoria seemed unfazed. “Before I go, Olivia, if you need any advice about the house, where to find things, which staff members to trust, or the best ways to redecorate without upsetting Grandfather, please call me.” She reached into her purse and handed me a business card. “My personal number is on the back

    “Thanks,” I said, pocketing the card without looking at it.

    Victoria leaned in for a goodbye hug, catching me off guard. “He’ll get bored, you knowi, /ishe whispered in my ear, so quietly that Alexander couldn’t hear. “They all do eventually,”

    Before I could respond, she pulled back, smiling brightly. “Wee to the family, Olivia! Can’t wait for dinner next weekend.”

    We watched as she climbed back into her car and drove away, the wheels crunching on the gravel driveway

    “What the fuck was that about?“,

    asked once she was out of earshot.

    Alexander shook his head, looking exasperated. “Victoria being Victoria. Marking her territoryi, /ireminding us both that she’s been part of this family longer and knows the estate better.

    “She’s charming,” I muttered.

    “Like a snake,” he agreed, cing his hand on my lower back to guide me inside. “Don’t let

    by you. She wouldn’t have shown up here if she didn’t see you as a threat.”

    The intensity in his eyes made my stomach flutter. I broke eye contact, suddenly uncor ifortable with the way this conversation was heading. “What did she whisper to you just now?” he asked.

    “Nothing important,” I lied, not wanting to repeat Victoria’s words. “Just more wee–to–the–family stuff.”

    Alexander didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press the issue. “We should finish the tour. There’s still the east wing to see, and I want to show you the gardens before we head to your apartment.”

    “Right,” I nodded, grateful for the change of subject. “Lead the way.”

    As we walked through the house, I couldn’t shake Victoria’s words from my mind. He’ll get bored, you know. They all do eventually.

    “What are you thinking about?” Alexander asked as we entered a sunroom filled with tropical nts.

    “Just taking it all in,” I replied, gesturing around us. “It’s a lot to process.”

    “You’ll get used to it,” he said, his hand finding mine. “This is your home now too.”

    I nodded, but Victoria’s visit had left me unsettled. For the first time since signing the contract, I wondered if I was in over my head, not just with the marriage, but with the entire Carter family and all theirplex dynamics.

    Alexander squeezed my hand, drawing my attention back to him. “Don’t let Victoria get in your head. That’s exactly what she

    wantsb./bb” /b

    “I’m fine,” I insisted, straightening my shoulders. “She doesn’t bother me.”

    He studied my face for a moment, then nodded. “Good. Because you belong here now. With me.”

    (VIQIT, &O Puy

    The possessive edge to his voice sent a shiver down my spine, not entirely unpleasant.

    “With you.” I echoed, trying to sound convinced. “In this ridiculous mansion with more rooms than anyone could possibly

    need.”

    Alexanderughed, the tension breaking. “Just wait until you see the garage. I have a feeling that’s going to be your favorite part.”

    “How many cars could you possibly need?”

    “Need? None. Want? That’s a different story.” He tugged me toward a door at the far end of the sunroom. “Come on, Mrs. Carter. Let me show you how the other half lives.”

    Mrs. Carter. The name still felt strange, but as Alexander led me through our new home, his hand warm in mine, I thought maybe I could get used to this after all.

    AD