bChapter /bb127 /b

    Olivia

    He leaned down, his lips brushing against mine in a gentle kiss that quickly deepened. His hands traced the bare skin of my back, sending shivers down my spine.

    “If we keep this up,” I whispered against his mouth, “we’ll miss our reservation.”

    “Worth it,” he murmured, but he reluctantly stepped back. “You’re right. Get ready. I’ll shower in the guest bathroom.”

    An hourter, we were dressed and ready. Alexander looked devastatingly handsome in a charcoal suit that fit him like ba /bglove. I’d paired the red dress with simple diamond studs and the silver bracelet he’d given me, my hair swept up in an elegant updo.

    “Ready?” he asked, offering his arm.

    “Ready,” I confirmed, taking it.

    Providence was even more spectacr than I’d imagined. The restaurant was dimly lit and intimate, with tables spaced far enough apart for private conversation. The hostess led us to a secluded corner table, and Alexander ordered champagne before I’d even opened my menu.

    “To your first day as Senior Marketing Strategist,” he said, raising his ss once the champagne arrived. “The first of many sesses.”

    I clinked my ss against his. “Thank you. For everything.”

    “You earned it,” he insisted. “Your work speaks for itself.”

    “Not everyone thinks so,” I said, taking a sip of the crisp champagne. “I overheard some people in the break room today. Apparently, I only got the promotion because I’m ‘sleeping with the boss.b“/bb” /b

    Alexander’s jaw tightened. “Give me names. I’ll have them transferred or fired by morning.”

    “No,” I said firmly, setting down my ss. “That would only make things worse. I need to prove myself through my work, not have you fight my battles.”

    “It’s disrespectful,” he argued. “To both of us.”

    “It’s predictable,” I countered. “And I can handle it. Michelle gave me the Thompson Hotels ount specifically so I could silence the doubters. And I will.”

    He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. But the offer stands if you change your mind.”

    “I appreciate that. But I’ve been dealing with office politics since before I met you. I can manage this.”

    “Alright. But remember, you’re a Carter now. You don’t have to fight alone anymore.”

    beasy /bconversation

    The sentiment was unexpectedly sweet, warming me from the inside. We ordered our meals and fell into about work and ns for the weekend. The food was exquisite; I savored every bite of my seared scallops and sea bass, while Alexander demolished a perfectly cooked steak.

    “Have you thought about Thompson Hotels‘ strategy yet?” he asked, taking a sip of his wine.

    “I have some initial concepts,b” /bI admitted. “They need to maintain their luxury identity while appealing to younger

    b7:58 /bbpm /bP

    demographics. I’m thinking of a campaign highlighting their heritage but with a modern twist

    Alexander’s eyes lit up. “That’s exactly what they need. Their CEO mentioned struggling with that bnce,”

    “Michelle gave me an excellent team to work with. I’m meeting with them tomorrow.”

    “You’ll knock it out of the park,” he said with surprising confidence.

    As we drove back to the estate, Alexander nced over at me. “So, have you decided about the car situation?”

    I sighed, looking out at the passing streetlights. “I suppose I could take something from your collection, though it feels

    excessive.”

    “Nothing in that garage suits you,” he replied firmly. “You need something that’s yours, not a hand–me–down from me.”

    “You’re being ridiculous. Those are hardly ‘hand–me–downs‘ when they cost more than most people’s houses.”

    Alexander chuckled. “Still. I want you to have something new, something that’s just yours.”

    “Fine,” I relented, too tired to argue. “But nothing ostentatious.”

    “Define ostentatious,” he challenged with a smirk.

    “No Lamborghinis, no Ferraris, nothing that screams ‘look at me, I married a billionaire.””

    “Spoilsport,” he teased. “What about a nice Porsche? Practical but luxurious.”

    “That might work,” I admitted. “But I get final say.”

    “Of course. We can go tomorrow after work. I know the perfect dealership.”

    “Okay,” I agreed, surprised at how easily I’d capitted. Just a few months ago, I would have fought tooth and nail against such an extravagant gift. Now it felt almost… normal.

    We pulled through the estate’s gates, and I felt a strange sense of homing as the mansion came into view, its lights glowing warmly in the darkness.

    “Home sweet home,” Alexander murmured, as if reading my thoughts.

    Inside, the house was quiet. Alfred had left a smallmp on in the foyer and another in the living room, creating pools of golden light in the otherwise darkened space.

    “Nightcap?” Alexander offered, heading toward the bar.

    “Just water for me,” I replied, kicking off my heels with a sigh of relief. “These shoes are gorgeous but deadly.”

    He poured himself a scotch and brought me a ss of water with lemon, just the way I liked it. We settled on the sofa, my feet tucked under me, his arm stretched along the back cushions behind me.

    “Today was a good day,” he said, taking a sip of his drink.

    “It was,” I agreed. “Despite the office gossip.”

    “They’lle around when they see what you’re capable of.”

    I turned to look at him, curiosity getting the better of me. “Did you really give me the promotion because you thought I

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    b7:58 /bbpm /bPD

    deserved it? Or was it just part of our deal?”

    Alexander set his ss down and shifted to face me. “Olivia, you were already on the shortlist for advancement before we ever made our arrangement. Michelle had your name gged for the next opening. Our marriage just sped up the timeline:

    “Really?” I couldn’t hide my surprise.

    “You impressed me during that presentation,” he said, his fingers absently ying with a strand of my hair. “The way you handled those questions and the depth of your market research was exceptional work.”

    “Thank you,” I said softly, oddly touched by his professional assessment.

    His eyes held mine, and I felt that familiar pull of attraction. “You’re wee.”

    The moment stretched between us, charged with possibility.

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