bChapter /b14.5

    Alexander

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    I spotted James approaching through the crowd, his usual confident smirk firmly in ce. No doubting to gloat about winning the Basquiat sketch.

    “Alexander,” he greeted with practiced ease, champagne ss in hand. “Quite the evening. Though I must say, it’s rare to see you lose a bidding war.”

    I extended my hand, forcing a pleasant smile. “James. Congrattions on the sketch. You certainly wanted it badly.”

    “Not as badly as you did, apparently.” His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Seven hundred thousand seemed to be your breaking point.”

    “The difference between us, James, is that I know when something isn’t worth the cost.” I kept my tone light, as if we were discussing the weather rather than his attempt to publicly one–up me.

    “Always the businessman. Though I wonder if your grandfather would agree with your assessment of worth.”

    “My grandfather understands value better than most.” I ced my hand on Olivia’s back, drawing her slightly closer. “Besides, we can’t win every battle. You should enjoy this small victory while you can.”

    James’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Small victory? Perhaps. But I do seem to be on a winning streaktely. First, the Meridian acquisition-”

    “Which ultimately went to Carter Enterprises,” I interrupted smoothly.

    “Details,” he waved dismissively. “The realpetition is just beginning, Alexander. We’re going to keep crossing paths, you and I.”

    “Looking forward to it,” I replied, matching his false warmth. “Business would be boring without worthy opponents.”

    James’s attention shifted to Olivia, his gaze lingering a moment too long. “Your wife is absolutely stunning tonight.”

    Olivia remained silent beside me, though I felt her posture stiffen slightly.

    “She is,” I agreed, feeling an unexpected surge of possessiveness. “Every day, in fact.”

    James extended his hand toward Olivia. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. James Westbrook.”

    “This is my wife, Olivia,” I said, watching as James took her hand. “Olivia, James is a… business associate of

    mine.”

    “Competitor would be more urate,” James corrected with a smile, holding Olivia’s hand a moment longer than necessary. “Though Alexander prefers euphemisms when discussing rivals.”

    “It’s nice to meet you,” Olivia said politely, withdrawing her hand.

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    James’s eyes remained fixed on her. “The pleasure is entirely mine. I must say, the photos don’t do you justice. You’re even more beautiful in person.”

    “Thank you,” Olivia replied, her tone perfectly bnced between politeness and distance.

    “Alexander’s a lucky man,” James continued. “Though I’m sure he knows that.”

    “I do,” I said firmly, my arm tightening around Olivia’s waist.

    James smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. “Well, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to say hello and remind you about that dinner you promised me.”

    “Dinner?” Olivia nced at me.

    “Just catching up,” I exined. “Old friends and all that.”

    “Friends is generous,” Jamesughed. “But dinner should be interesting. Don’t forget.” He nodded to Olivia. “It was lovely to meet you, Olivia. Perhaps you’ll join us for dinner sometime.”

    “Perhaps,” she replied nomittally.

    With a final nod, James turned and disappeared back into the crowd.

    “Who exactly is James Westbrook?” Olivia asked, her eyes following his retreating figure.

    I took a sip of champagne, considering how to exin theplicated history between us. “An old friend who became a business rival.”

    “He doesn’t seem very friendly,” she observed.

    “We were close once,” I admitted, cing my hand on the small of her back. “Competed for everything: grades, internships, women. After graduation, he joined Westbrook Financial, while I joined Carter Enterprises.”

    “And now you’repetitors.”

    “In some areas. His firm manages investments for half of Hollywood. We asionally target the same acquisitions.” I shrugged. “Most recently, he tried to outbid me for Meridian Properties.”

    “Let me guess, you won?”

    I smiled. “Of course.”

    “And that’s why he paid seven hundred thousand dors for a sketch? To one–up you?”

    “James has always beenpetitive. Especially when he knows I want something.”

    Olivia studied me for a moment. “There seems to be more to it than just business rivalry.”

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    “Ancient history, I assured her, not wanting to delve into the messier aspects of our past friendship. “Nothing worth discussing tonight”

    Olivia opened her mouth to press further, but my mother appeared at our table.

    Alexander, the auction was quite sessful,” Julia said, her eyes bright with approval. “Though that Westbrook boy certainly made a spectacle with his bidding.”

    “He always does,” I replied dryly

    bJulia /bturned to Olivia. “Now, let’s see that ne on you, dear. Alexander has excellent taste in jewelry.”

    I retrieved the box from my jacket pocket and opened it. The sapphire ne caught the light, the deep blue stone surrounded by brilliantly sparkling diamonds.

    “It’s stunning.” Olivia breathed, her fingers hovering over the jewelry.

    “May I” I asked, lifting the piece from its velvet cushion.

    Olivia turned, sweeping her hair aside to expose the elegant curve of her neck. I fastened the sp, my fingers lingering against her warm skin longer than necessary. When she turned back to face me, the sapphire rested just above the swell of her breasts.

    “Perfect, I murmured.

    Julia sped her hands together. “Absolutely beautiful!”

    Thank you,” Olivia said, gently touching the ne. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned.

    “Every Carter woman needs significant jewelry,” Julia dered. “It’s practically a family tradition.

    Olivia smiled, but I noticed a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. Being a “Carter woman” was still new territory for her.

    “Where’s Valentina?” I asked, ncing around. “I haven’t seen her all evening.”

    My father approached just then, champagne in hand. “Your sister sends her regrets. She’s attending a friend’s birthday celebration tonight.”

    “A friend?” I raised an eyebrow. “Or something more?”

    Charles shrugged. “She wasn’t particrly forting with details. You know how she is.”

    “I’m surprised she’d miss a charity g for a birthday party,” Julia remarked. “Especially one this important.”

    “Perhaps she’s finally prioritizing her social life,” I suggested. “About time she had some fun instead of just talking about starting that interior design firm.”

    “Friend or boyfriend, we have no idea,” Charles said, taking a sip of his drink. “She mentioned something about someone named Michael, but you know how private she can be.”

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    I didn’t press the issue. Valentina deserved her privacy, and I wasn’t going to interrogate my parents about her love life at a charity event.

    “Well, I hope she’s enjoying herself,” I said instead.

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