Olivia

    Victoria stood behind him, her smile smug.

    55 vouchers

    “I led several campaigns that doubled their online engagement and increased conversion

    rates.”

    “Olivia is incredibly talented,” Alexander added, his hand finding the small of my back. “We’re lucky to have her at Carter Enterprises, regardless of our personal rtionship.”

    “How fortunate for everyone,” Victoria interjected. “Though I imagine it must be difficult to navigate the professional–personal boundary. Office romances can be so…plicated.”

    “Not when you’re both adults,” I replied with a pointed look at Victoria. “Communication and mutual respect make everything simpler.”

    Mr. Preston looked between us, clearly sensing the tension. “Well, this has been enlightening. If you’ll excuse me, I should find my wife before the auction closes.”

    As he walked away, Victoria’s smile faded. “Really, Olivia? ‘Communication and mutual respect‘? How very Hallmark card of you.”

    “I find sincerity works better than sarcasm in most situations,” I replied. “But we all have our preferred weapons.”

    Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “You think you’ve won something, don’t you? The ring, the name, the man. You think you’ve secured your ce.”

    “I’m not ying whatever game you think this is,” I said quietly.

    “Aren’t you?” Victoria stepped closer. “You yed your cards perfectly. Junior marketing executive to Mrs. Carter in record time. Quite the career advancement strategy.”

    I felt my temper rising, but kept my voice steady. “You know nothing about my rtionship with Alexander.”

    “I know my cousin,” she replied. “And I know his type.”

    “Victoria,” Alexander’s voice cut through the tension, low and dangerous. “Enough.”

    She straightened, her smile returning as quickly as it had vanished. “Just looking out for the family’s best interests, Alexander. Someone has to.”

    “I think you’ve done enough ‘looking out‘ for one evening,” he replied coldly.

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    Victoria shrugged elegantly. “Have it your way. Enjoy the rest of the g.” She turned to me, her eyes glittering with malice. “And Olivia, dear, do be careful with that ne if Alexander wins it for you. Sapphires can be so… delicate. Much like marriages.”

    With that parting shot, she glided away, leaving a chill in her wake.

    “I’m sorry about that,” Alexander said once she was out of earshot.

    “Not your fault,” I replied, trying to shake off the encounter. “Victoria will be Victoria.”

    “Still, she shouldn’t have—”

    “It’s fine,” I interrupted, forcing a smile. “Let’s not let her ruin the evening.”

    Alexander studied my face for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. Let’s get a drink.”

    We made our way to the bar, where Alexander ordered two sses of champagne. As we waited, I noticed several people ncing our way, whispering behind their hands.

    “Everyone’s staring,” I murmured.

    “Let them,” Alexander replied, handing me a flute of champagne. “They’re just jealous.”

    “Of what?”

    “Of me,” he said simply. “For having the most beautiful woman in the room on my arm.”

    Despite everything, I felt a rush of warmth at his words. “Smooth talker.”

    “Only when it’s true.” He clinked his ss against mine. “To my incredible wife, who handles Victoria more gracefully than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

    Iughed, genuinely this time. “That’s a very specific toast.”

    “But an important one.” His eyes held mine. “Seriously, Olivia. The way you stood up to her without losing yourposure… it was impressive.”

    “I’ve dealt with mean girls before,” I shrugged. “Victoria’s just a more expensive version.”

    Alexanderughed. “That’s one way to put it.”

    We were interrupted by the master of ceremonies announcing the close of the silent auction. “The winning bidders will be notified shortly, and items can be collected at the end of the evening.”

    “Do

    you think you won the ne?” I asked Alexander as we made our way back to our table.

    “I hope so,” he replied. “It would look stunning on you.”

    E55 vouchers

    Harold waved us over as we approached. “There you are. Victoria said you were bidding on something.”

    “A sapphire ne,” Alexander replied, helping me into my seat.

    “For Olivia?” Harold asked, his eyes twinkling. “Good choice. Blue suits her.”

    “That’s what I thought,” Alexander agreed, taking his own seat.

    Julia leaned forward. “Olivia, dear, I wanted to tell you how lovely you look tonight.”

    “Thank you,” I replied, pleasantly surprised by thepliment. “It was Alexander’s choice, actually.”

    “He always did have good taste,” she said with a smile that seemed genuinely warm. “Well, until recently.”

    I blinked, uncertain if I’d been insulted or not.

    “Mother means I’ve outdone myself with you.” Alexander rified. “It’s apliment, albeit a

    backhanded one.”

    “Julia never could give a straightforwardpliment,” Harold said with a fond shake of his head. “Too many years in society circles.”

    Julia waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, hush. I’m perfectly capable of being direct. I think Olivia is lovely, and I’m pleased Alexander found someone with substance rather than another model or socialite.”

    “There,” Harold said triumphantly. “Was that so hard?”

    “Don’t push your luck,” Julia replied, but there was no heat in her words.

    I rxed a bit, enjoying the easy banter between them. For all their formality, there was genuine affection in the Carter family dynamic.

    A waiter appeared at Alexander’s side with a small envelope. “Mr. Carter, your auction results.”

    Alexander took the envelope and opened it. A slow smile spread across his face. “It seems we won the ne.”

    “Wonderful,” Julia eximed. “Let’s see it on Olivia before the evening ends.”

    Alexander nodded and tucked the envelope into his jacket pocket.

    b49 /b

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    The evening continued with speeches from the hospital directors and a video presentation about the children’s wing that the g was supporting. As I watched the footage of sick children receiving treatment, I felt a lump form in my throat. These were the real beneficiaries of tonight’s extravagance.

    Alexander must have noticed my expression because he reached over and squeezed my hand gently. “It’s good work they do,” he murmured.

    “It is,” I agreed softly. “Those kids…”

    “That’s why we’re here,” he reminded me. “Every dor raised tonight helps them.”

    I nodded, feeling a renewed appreciation for the event beyond the mour and social politics.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

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