Olivia

    Under the table, Alexander’s hand slid higher on my thigh, dangerously close to the hemline of my dress. I shot him a warning look, which he answered with an innocent smile that didn’t fool me for a second.

    “So, Alexander,” Harold said as dessert was served, “how serious is this rtionship? Olivia seems like a fine young woman.”

    The table fell silent. Victoria leaned forward slightly, not bothering to hide her interest in Alexander’s answer.

    “Very serious, Grandfather, Alexander replied, his hand finding mine on the table. “Olivia is… special.”

    The way he said ‘special‘ sent a flutter through my stomach that had nothing to do with nerves.

    “Special enough to marry?” Harold pressed, never one to beat around the bush.

    “Harold!” Margaret scolded. “Don’t embarrass the poor girl.”

    “It’s a fair question,” Harold insisted. “The boy’s thirty–three. High time he settled down.”

    “We’re taking things one day at a time,” I said, finding my voice. “But I care deeply for Alexander.”

    The words came out sounding sincere because, rmingly, they were. When had that happened?

    “Well, I think you’re lovely,” Margaret said warmly. “It’s about time Alexander found someone with substance.”

    Victoria set down her fork with a delicate clink. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Alexander’s track record with rtionships isn’t exactly promising.”

    “Victoria,” Charles warned.

    “What? I’m just being realistic,” Victoria said with a shrug. “Remember Penelope? Natasha? Or Caroline? Or Elise? All ‘special‘ until suddenly they weren’t.”

    Alexander’s jaw tightened. “This is different.”

    “Howb?/bb” /bVictoria challenged. “Because she works for you? That’s a new twist, I’ll grant you.”

    “Victoria, that’s enough,” Margaret said firmly.

    “I’m just looking out for Olivia,” Victoria insisted with fake concern. “After all, how can she be sure Alexander will stay with her after marriage? His attention span for women is notoriously short.

    The table fell into ufortable silence. I felt heat rising to my cheeks, partly from embarrassment and partly from anger. Who did Victoria think she was?

    “I think that’s for Alexander and Olivia to figure out,” Harold said unexpectedly. “The rest of us can mind our own business.”

    “Exactly,” Margaret agreed. “Let’s bsee /bhow it goes. They seem well–suited.”

    “Thank you, Alexander said, his grip on my hand tightening. “We areb./bb” /b

    To prove his point, he leaned over and pressed a kiss to my temple. The gesture was so natural and intimate that I forgot we were putting on a show for a moment. I leaned into him instinctively, my body responding to his proximity.

    b8:06 /bbpm /b

    Victoria’s eyes narrowed, but she said nothing more.

    As the dessert concluded, Harold gestured for Alexander to join him in his study. The rest of us moved to a sitting room for coffee, an awkward arrangement that left me alone with the Carter women while the men disappeared behind closed doors.

    “More wine, dear?” Margaret offered, motioning to a server.

    “Just a small amount, thank you,” I replied, settling onto an antique sofa that was probably expensive.

    “So, Victoria said, dropping into a chair across from me, “junior marketing executive. Ambitious.”

    “I enjoy my work,” I said simply.

    “I’m sure you do,” Victoria smiled, all teeth and no warmth. “And dating the CEO must make it so much more… enjoyable.”

    “Victoria,” Julia sighed. “Must you?”

    “What? I’m making conversation.” Victoria turned back to me. Tell me, Olivia, was it love at first sight when you met Alexander? Before you joined thepany, of course.”

    “Not exactly,” I replied honestly. “He was… intimidating.”

    Margaretughed. “All Carter men are, dear. It’s in their DNA.”

    “Alexander more than most,” Julia added, surprising me. “He’s very much his grandfather’s grandson.”

    “Stubborn and demanding?” Margaret suggested with a fond smile.

    “Determined and focused,” Julia corrected diplomatically.

    “On business, certainly,” Victoria interjected. “On rtionships? Not so much.”

    I set down my wine ss before I could give in to the temptation to throw it at her. “People change. Maybe Alexander has.”

    “For you?” Victoria’sugh was sharp. “That would be a first.”

    “Sometimes it just takes the right person,” Margaret said, patting my hand. “I think you might be good for him, Olivia. He seems… lighter with you.”

    “Lighter?” Victoria scoffed. “He’s practically glued to her side.”

    “Jealousy doesn’t be you, Victoria,” Margaret said mildly.

    Victoria flushed. “I’m not jealous. I’m concerned. For thepany.”

    “Of course you are, dear,” Margaret said in a tone that made it clear she didn’t believe a word.

    The men rejoined us, and Alexander immediately came to my side. His hand settled on the small of my back, warm and possessive.

    “Everything okay?” he murmured.

    “Fine,” I replied. “Just girl talk.”

    Terrifying,” he said with a small smile.

    Harold wheeled himself into the center of the room. “Well, it’s been a pleasant evening. Olivia, it was a pleasure to meet

    you.”

    Likewise, bMr. /bCarter.”

    “Harold, please,” he insisted. “You’re practically family now.”

    Victoria nearly choked on her wine.

    “Thank you, Harold,” I said, feeling Alexander’s arm tighten around my waist.

    “You’lle again next Sunday,” Harold said, making it a statement rather than a question. “Both of you.”

    “We’d be delighted,” Alexander replied smoothly.

    As we said our goodbyes, Margaret pulled me into a surprising hug. “Don’t let Victoria get to you,” she whispered. “She’s always been jealous of Alexander.”

    “I won’t,” I promised, touched by her concern.

    Victoria offered a cool handshake. “Until next time.”

    “Looking forward to it, I lied with a smile that matched hers in insincerity.

    Outside, the night air felt refreshing after the tension of dinner. Alexander guided me to his car, his hand never leaving the small of my back.

    “Well?” he asked as we pulled away from the estate. “What do you think?”

    “Your grandmother is lovely,” I said honestly. “And your grandfather is intense.”

    Alexanderughed. “That’s putting it mildly.”

    “Victoria hates me.”

    “Victoria hates everyone who threatens her ns,” he corrected. “It’s not personal.”

    “It felt pretty personal when she questioned whether you’d stay with me after marriage.”

    Alexander’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Victoria’s desperate. She knows I’ve found the perfect solution.”

    The perfect solution. Not the perfect woman. I tried not to let that sting.

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