Olivia

    …

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    Apuse filled the room as James epted congrattions from those around him. He caught my eye briefly and nodded in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to his tablepanions.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, our final item of the evening: a luxury ski weekend at the exclusive Montage Deer Valley. This package includes private jet transportation, a three–bedroom mountainside vi, lift tickets, and private ski instruction. Bidding starts at twenty thousand

    dors.”

    “Twenty–five,” called a woman from a table near ours.

    The bidding escted quickly, with several interested parties driving the price up. Victoria entered the fray at forty thousand, clearly keen on winning this particr prize.

    “Fifty thousand,” she called, giving Alexander a smug look.

    “Sixty,” countered a man near the back.

    Victoria frowned but quickly raised her paddle again. “Seventy thousand.”

    The other bidders dropped out one by one until only Victoria remained. The auctioneer was about to close the bidding when James Westbrook’s voice rang out.

    “One hundred thousand.”

    Victoria’s head whipped around, her expression incredulous. She seemed to waver, then reluctantly lowered her paddle in defeat.

    “Sold to Mr. Westbrook for one hundred thousand dors!”

    Alexander chuckled quietly. “He’s showing off now.”

    “Isn’t that what all of you are doing?” I whispered back.

    He raised an eyebrow. “Touché,”

    The auction concluded with an announcement of the total funds raised, over three million dors for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Dr. Porter returned to the stage to thank everyone for their generosity and received a standing ovation.

    As guests began to mingle again, Alexander excused himself to speak with some board members. I found myself alone at the table with Victoria, an awkward situation I would have

    preferred to avoid.

    :

    “Olivia,” she said, her voice dripping with false warmth. “Enjoying the g?”

    “Very much,” I replied politely. “The foundation does incredible work.”

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    “Indeed.” She sipped her champagne delicately. “Alexander seems quite taken with you. I’m trying to understand the attraction.”

    I refused to take the bait. “The feeling is mutual.”

    Victoriaughed lightly. “How diplomatic. However, I must say, I’m surprised you’re sofortable in these settings already. It can take years to learn the social dynamics of this world.”

    “I’m a quick study.”

    “Clearly.” Her eyes traveled over me assessingly. “Tell me, what exactly does a junior marketing executive bring to a rtionship with one of the city’s most eligible bachelors? Besides the obvious, of course.”

    My cheeks burned, but I kept myposure. “I’d be happy to discuss my professional qualifications if you’re interested in Carter Enterprises‘ marketing strategies. Otherwise, I think my rtionship with Alexander is between us.”

    “Actually, I’m not interested in junior marketing executives‘ strategies,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

    “I’m not a junior marketing executive anymore,” I replied, keeping my voice level. “I was promoted to Senior Marketing Strategist.”

    “Howi… /iconvenient. Right after

    you married my cousin.”

    “The promotion was based on my work,” I said. “The campaign exceeded revenue projections. But I’m sure you read the quarterly reports, so you already knew that.”

    Alexander returned just then, his timing impable as always. He slid into the seat beside me, his hand resting possessively on my knee,

    “Sorry about that,” he said, pressing a kiss to my temple. “What did I miss?”

    “Just catching up with your lovely wife,” Victoria said sweetly. “Congratting her on her… promotion.”

    Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Olivia’s promotion was well–deserved and long overdue..”

    I felt a flush of gratitude toward Alexander for his support.

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    “Of course,” Victoria replied, taking a delicate sip of champagne. “I’m sure her work speaks for itself.”

    “Thank but I can fight my own battles,” I murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.

    you,

    His lips twitched with amusement. “I know you can. That’s one of the many things I love about you.”

    Victoria watched our exchange with barely disguised irritation. “Well, this has been fascinating, but I see Senator waving me over.” She stood, smoothing her emerald gown. “Do try to enjoy the rest of the evening. The silent auction ends in twenty minutes, in case you’re interested in bidding on anything worthwhile.”

    As she sauntered away, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

    “You handled her well,” Alexander said, his voice warm with approval.

    I smiled despite myself. “I’m learning that the best defense against Victoria is to not let her see she’s gotten to me.”

    “Exactly,” he chuckled, reaching for his champagne. “She’s like a shark; she can smell fear.”

    “And blood in the water,” I added.

    “Speaking of blood,” Alexander leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Did you know you bite your lower lip when you’re angry? It’s incredibly distracting.”

    I felt my cheeks warm. “I do not.”

    “You absolutely do. You’re doing it right now.”

    I immediately released my lip, embarrassed to be caught in the act.

    “Don’t stop on my ount,” he murmured, his eyes darkening. “I find it rather… enticing.”

    The master of ceremonies tapped the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, the silent auction will close in fifteen minutes. Please make your final bids.”

    “Want to check it out?” Alexander asked, standing and offering me his hand.

    “Sure,” I replied, letting him guide me toward the auction disys.

    The items were disyed on tables around the perimeter of the ballroom, each with a bid sheet beside it. Luxury watches, designer handbags, vacation packages, and artwork were all donated for the charity.

    We paused at a disy of a sapphire ne that caught my eye, a stunning piece with

    diamonds surrounding a central blue stone.

    “Beautiful,” Alexandermented, noticing my interest.

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    I examined the bid sheet. The current bid was at fifteen thousand dors. “Maybe a bit out of my price range,” I joked.

    Alexander reached for the pen. “Not out of mine.”

    “Alexander, you don’t have to-”

    “I want to,” he said simply, writing down twenty thousand dors and his name.

    “That’s very generous of you,” said a familiar voice behind us.

    I turned to find Victoria standing there with an older gentleman in a tuxedo.

    “Mr. Preston, have you met my cousin Alexander and his new wife, Olivia?” Victoria said, her voice dripping with sweetness.

    “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” the man replied, extending his hand to Alexander. “Jonathan Preston.”

    “Alexander Carter,” my husband replied, firmly shaking the man’s hand. “And my wife, Olivia.”

    “Charmed,” Mr. Preston said, taking my hand briefly. “Victoria was just telling me about your whirlwind romance. Quite the fairy tale, from employee to Mrs. Carter in just a few months.”

    I felt my smile freeze in ce.

    “Love doesn’t follow a schedule,” I replied lightly. “When you know, you know.”

    “Indeed,” Mr. Preston nodded, though his expression suggested skepticism. “And what was it exactly that you did at Carter Enterprises before your… promotion?”

    The slight pause spoke volumes.