Olivia

    “You were amazing in there,” he continued, oblivious to my thoughts. The way you handled Victoria and talked about your work… my grandfather was impressed.”

    i“/iReally?”

    “He doesn’tpliment people often. Trust me, calling you a ‘fine young woman‘ is high praise from Harold Carter.”

    I smiled despite myself. “Your grandmother hugged me goodbye.”

    “Another good sign. Margaret’s very protective of the family.”

    “She told me not to let Victoria get to me.”

    Alexander nced over, his expression softening. ‘Smart advice. Victoria’s all bark and no bite.”

    “Those friends of hers had plenty of bite, I muttered, remembering Madison and Ste at the bar.

    “They won’t bother you again,” Alexander said, his voice hardening. I’ve made sure of it.”

    Something in his tone sent a shiver down my spine. I changed the subject. So what did your grandfather want to discuss in private?”

    Alexander’s mouth quirked. “You, actually. He wanted to know if I was serious about you.”

    “And what did you tell him?”

    “The truth.” At my rmed look, he rified. “That I’m very serious about our rtionship.”

    Relief washed over me. “And he believed you?”

    ‘He believes what he sees,” Alexander said. “And what he saw tonight was two people who care about each other.”

    I turned to look out the window, processing his words. We had yed our parts well – perhaps too well. The hand–holding,

    he intimate touches, the kiss at the temple… it had all felt so natural. Like we were actually a couple in love, not two people bound by a business arrangement.

    You’re quiet,” Alexander observed after a few minutes.

    Just tired,” I lied. “It’s been a long day.”

    You were perfect tonight,” he said softly. “Thank you.”

    The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I looked over at him, his profile illuminated by the dashboard lights. Strong jaw, straight nose, those intense eyes focused on the road ahead. He was beautiful in a way that almost hurt to look at.

    “Just doing my part,” I said, trying to sound casual. “We have a deal, after all.”

    Alexander’s expression flickered with something I couldn’t quite read. “Right. The deal.”

    We drove in silence for a while, the city lights blurring past my window. I thought about the evening: the opulent mansion,

    the family dynamics, the way Alexander had defended me against Victoria’s barbs. It all felt like ia /istrange dream. I wondered

    if I would wake up and find myself back in my tiny apartment with my marketing reports and instant coffee.

    “You know,” Alexander said suddenly, ‘my grandmother doesn’t hug just anyone. She must really like you.”

    “I liked her too,” I admitted. “She reminds me a little of my mom. Different worlds, but that same… I don’t know, strength.”

    Alexander smiled. “Margaret Carter built thatpany alongside my grandfather. She just did it without the title or recognition.”

    “The woman behind the man?”

    “More like the woman beside the man, though few people realized it.” He nced at me. “She sees that potential in you.”

    “Potential for what?”

    “To be more than just a wife. To be a partner.”

    The word “partner” hung between us, loaded with implications neither of us was ready to explore.

    I turned back to the window, watching the city pass by and wondering how I had gotten myself into this situation. More worryingly, I was beginning to realize that part of me was starting to enjoy it.

    “You’re very quiet,” Alexander said, his voice cutting through the hum of the engine.

    bI /bshrugged, keeping my eyes fixed on the passing streetlights. Just processing everything.”

    ‘My family can be overwhelming.” he acknowledged, turning onto a quieter street. “But you handled them beautifully.”

    ‘Victoria hates me.”

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

    I turned to face him. “She looked at me like I was something she’d scraped off her designer shoe.”

    “That’s just her face,” Alexander said with a small smile. “Even as children, she looked at everyone that way. My grandmother says she was born scowling.”

    Despite my mood, Iughed. “Your grandmother is surprisingly nice.”

    ‘She likes you. That’s rare.”

    We fell into silence again as he navigated through the city. The events of the evening yed on repeat in my mind: the scrutiny, the probing questions, Victoria’s thinly veiled hostility. And yet, there had been moments when it felt almost real. The way Alexander’s hand had found mine under the table. The proud look in his eyes when I’d talked about my work. The gentle kiss he’d pressed to my temple.

    All for show, I reminded myself firmly. Just acting.

    “Your ce or mine?” Alexander asked suddenly, breaking into my thoughts.

    I blinked, startled by the question. “What?”

    “Your ce or mine?” Alexander repeated, his eyes still on the road. “Should I drop you at your apartment, or would you prefer toe back to the penthouse?”

    1 hesitated, my mind racing. Going back to my empty apartment meant facing my thoughts alone, overthinking every moment of this evening, everyment Victoria had made, every look Harold had given me. But going to Alexander’s penthouse meant… well, I wasn’t entirely sure what it meant.

    1.I nced down at my emerald dress, running my fingers over the expensive fabric. “My ce, I guess? I don’t have any clothes at your penthouse.”

    “You could borrow something from the closet,” he suggested casually, changingnes. “Or nothing at all.”

    Heat rushed to my face. “Alexander!”

    His lips curved into a smile. Just offering options.”

    I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past. The thought of returning to my quiet apartment suddenly felt depressing. At least at Alexander’s ce, I wouldn’t be alone with my spiraling thoughts.

    “Actually,” I said before I could change my mind, “your ce is fine.”

    Alexander’s eyebrow raised slightly, but he nodded and took the next turn toward his penthouse. “Any particr reason for the change of heart?”

    “Don’t read itoo /imuch into it,” I said quickly. “I just don’t feel like being alone right now.”

    Alexander’s lips curved into that infuriating smirk that made my stomach flip. “Whatever you say, Liv.”