bChapter /bb160 /b

Olivia

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The following morning dawned bright and clear. I was up earlyb, /breviewing my notes on the Thompson Hotels project and mentally preparing for our meeting with Andrew Thompson.

Alexander had arranged for us to meet at The Terraces, an exclusive restaurant in Beverly Hills known for its impable service and discretion.

I carefully selected a navy blue dress that was professional yet ttering. I paired it with modest heels and subtle jewelry, as I wanted to look poised and confident.

“Ready?” Alexander asked, appearing in the doorway of our bedroom. He looked impable in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders.

I nodded, smoothing down my dress onest time.

Alexander’s eyes softened as he approached me. “You look beautiful. And more importantly, you know this project better than anyone. Thompson would be a fool to go with any other proposal.”

His confidence in me was reassuring. “Thanks. Let’s go show him that.”

The drive to The Terraces was quiet, and both of us were lost in our thoughts. The morning traffic moved surprisingly well, and we arrived at the restaurant with time to spare.

The Terraces lived up to its reputation. Lush greenery surrounded elegant outdoor seating areas, while the interior featured soaring ceilings and tasteful artwork. A host immediately recognized Alexander and led us to a private dining area with a view of the gardens.

“Mr. Carter,” Andrew Thompson rose from his seat as we approached, extending his hand. “Punctual as always.b” /b

“Mr. Thompson,” Alexander greeted him with a firm handshake. “Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.b” /b

Andrew turned to me with a warm smile. “Mrs. Carter, lovely to see you again.”

We settled into our bseats/b, and a server immediately appeared to take our drink orders. Andrew and Alexander opted for coffee, while I requested sparkling water.

“I bmust /bsay,” Andrew began once the server had departed, “I was surprised to receive your call yesterday. I thought our discussions with Mrs. Carter’s team had concluded quite sessfully.”

Alexander nodded, his expression professionally pleasant but serious. “That’s precisely why I wanted to speak with you. We understand there’s been a counteroffer presented for the project.”

Andrew’s eyebrows rose slightly. “News travels fast in this city.”

b“/bIt’s our business to bstay /binformed,” Alexander replied smoothly. “Especially when it concerns a client we value.”

17:30 Mon, bSep /bb22 /bN

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The server returned with our drinks, momentarily pausing the conversation. I took the opportunity to study Andrew’s expression. He seemed neither ufortable nor particrly concerned about the situation.

“Yes,” Andrew confirmed after taking a sip of his coffee. “We received an unexpected proposal from Penelope Langford. Quiteprehensive, I might add.”

I kept my face neutral despite the tension building in my shoulders. “I wasn’t aware Ms. Langford’s firm had expertise in hotel marketing.”

“They don’t, traditionally speaking,” Andrew admitted. “But she’s partnered with Horizon Media for this particr project.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “I see.”

“May I ask what prompted you to consider an alternative proposal?” I asked, keeping my tone curious rather than defensive. “I thought our presentation addressed all the concerns you raised during our site visit.”

Andrew set down his cup, meeting my gaze directly. “It did, Mrs. Carter. Your proposal was exceptional. But as a businessman, I’d be remiss not to consider all options presented to me.”

“Of course,” I nodded. “Competitive analysis is part of any good business decision.”

“I should point out,” Alexander interjected, his voice calm but authoritative, “that there are certain legal considerations when changing direction after a project has been initially approved. The contract your team signed with Carter Enterprises includes specifguage about exclusivity.”

Andrew didn’t look concerned. “We haven’t transferred the project to Ms. Langford. We’re simply reviewing options.”

“I understand,” Alexander replied. “But in the interest of transparency, I wanted to discuss this directly.”

Andrew nodded appreciatively. “Always the straight shooter. That’s what I’ve always respected about you.”

He checked his watch before looking up with a slightly apologetic expression. “Actually, I should mention that Penelope will be joining us shortly. I thought it might be productive for all parties to discuss their visions directly. I hope that’s not an issue?”

The question was clearly rhetorical.

“Not at all,” Alexander replied smoothly. “In fact, I wee the opportunity.”

I took a sip of my water, using the moment topose myself. The idea of meeting Alexander’s ex–fiancée while defending my work wasn’t how I’d nned to spend my morning, but I refused to show difort.

any

“Mrs. Carter’s work speaks for itself,” Alexander continued. “The Thompson Hotels rebrand proposal is innovative while respecting the brand’s heritage. Exactly what you indicated you wanted.”

Andrew nodded. “Indeed, it is. Which is why I find myself in a curious position. Two excellent proposals with different approaches.”

Just as he finished speaking, movement near the entrance caught my attention. A woman was being escorted

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to our table by the maitre d‘, and even from a distance, I could tell this must be Penelope Langford.

She glided across the restaurant with practiced elegance, her hair falling in perfect waves around her shoulders. She wore a cream–colored designer suit and stilettos that added several inches to her already impressive height.

My stomach knotted as she approached. This was the woman Alexander had almost married.

“Mr. Thompson,” she greeted him before turning to Alexander. “And Alexander Carter. It’s been too long.”

Alexander stood, his expression perfectly neutral as he greeted her with a polite nod. “Ms. Langford. What a surprise.”

Her eyes lingered on him longer than necessary. “You haven’t changed much. Still as handsome as ever.” Her

flicked dismissively over me before returning to Alexander. “Marriage suits you.”

gaze

“It does,” Alexander replied. “Ms. Langford, this is my wife, Olivia.”

Penelope’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she finally acknowledged my presence. “Charmed, I’m sure.” She turned immediately back to Andrew. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

“Not at all,” Andrew replied, gesturing to the empty chair. “Please join us. We were just discussing the project.”

Penelope settled into the seat next to Andrew, directly across from me. “Excellent. I’ve been looking forward to sharing more details about our proposal.”

“I wasn’t aware this would be a joint meeting,” Alexander said, his voice betraying only the slightest edge.

Andrew had the grace to look slightly ufortable. “I thought it might be productive to hear both perspectives.”

“Of course,” Alexander agreed smoothly. “Transparency is always beneficial.”

Penelope signaled to a waiter, who rushed over immediately. “Sparkling water with lime, please.” She turned her attention back to the table. “Mr. Thompson was quite impressed with our presentation. Weren’t you, Mr. Thompson?”

“Both proposals have merit,” Andrew replied diplomatically. “That’s why I wanted to discuss them further.”

I sat up straighter, determined not to be overshadowed. “I’m curious, Ms. Langford. What made you suddenly interested in this project? Your firm typically focuses on retail and consumer products.”

Monb, /bbSep /b