bChapter /b146

    Alexander

    Harold wheeled himself over to our group. “What are we discussing so seriously over here?”

    “Valentina’s absence,” Julia exined. “She’s at a friend’s birthday party.”

    “Good for her,” Harold dered, surprising us all. “The girl works too hard. Needs to live a little.”

    “That’s riching from you,” I said with augh. “Mr. Work–Is–Everything himself.”

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    Harold’s eyes twinkled. “I’ve learned a few things in my old age. One of them is that all work and no y makes for a dull life and even dullerpany.” He looked pointedly at me. “Something you might remember yourself, Alexander.”

    Olivia bit back a smile.

    “I believe I’m bncing things better these days,” I replied.

    “Yes, marriage seems to agree with you,” Harold observed, his shrewd eyes missing nothing. “You look happier than I’ve seen you in years.”

    I nced down at Olivia, who was fighting a smile at my grandfather’sment. “It does,” I agreed, surprising myself with how genuine the words felt. “Olivia has been… a revtion.”

    “A revtion?” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite thepliment, Mr. Carter.”

    “Just stating facts, Mrs. Carter.” I squeezed her hand gently.

    Harold watched our exchange with open curiosity. “Well, whatever she’s doing, tell her to keep it up. You’re less of a grumpy bastard these days.”

    “Grandfather!” I tried ito /isound scandalized, but couldn’t helpughing.

    “What? It’s true. You used to walk around with a face like you’d been sucking lemons.” He turned to Olivia. “Before you came along, we were taking bets on whether he’d ever smile again.”

    “I wasn’t that bad,” I protested.

    “You absolutely were,” my mother chimed in. “All work and no y. It was exhausting just watching you.”

    Oliviaughed. “I had no idea I was performing such a public service.”

    “Trust me, dear,” my mother said, patting Olivia’s hand. “You’ve done the entire family a favor by making him human again.”

    b“/bI was always human,” I muttered.

    “Debatable,” Harold shot back. “There were times bI /bwondered if we should check for circuit boards.”

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    Everyone at the tableughed, and I joined in despite being the target of their humor. There was something different about tonight, a lightness I hadn’t felt at family gatherings in years.

    “Speaking of family,” Harold continued, turning his attention back to Olivia, “when can we expect some great- grandchildren? I’m not getting any younger.”

    I nearly choked on my champagne while Olivia’s eyes widened slightly.

    “Grandfather,” I said, recovering. “Give us some time.”

    “Time is something I don’t have in abundance,” he replied. “And I’d like to meet my great–grandchildren before I kick the bucket.”

    “Stop being morbid.” Mom scolded. “They’ll have children when they’re ready.”

    Olivia squeezed my hand under the table, and I could feel a slight tremor in her fingers.

    “We haven’t really discussed children yet,” she said diplomatically. “But when we do, you’ll be the first to

    know.”

    “Smart girl,” Harold nodded approvingly. “Better to enjoy being newlyweds first. Though not for too long.” He winked at me. “Carter men are notorious for dragging their feet on important matters.”

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    Victoria, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. “I’m sure Alexander is in no rush to share Olivia’s attention. He’s always been rather possessive of his… belongings.”

    I felt Olivia stiffen beside me at Victoria’s deliberate pause.

    “My wife isn’t a belonging, Victoria,” I said, keeping my tone light despite the anger ring inside me. “She’s my partner.”

    “Partner,” Victoria repeated, lips curving into a cold smile. “How progressive of you.”

    “Enough, Victoria,” my father interjected. “This is a charity event, not a family therapy session.”

    “I was simply making conversation,” Victoria replied innocently. “No need to be so sensitive.”

    “Yes, you’re always so thoughtful that way,” my mother interjected, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Perhaps iwe /ishould change the subject to something less intrusive.”

    Victoria’s smile remained fixed, but I caught the slight narrowing of her eyes. She never did handle being called out well, especially by my mother.

    “Of course, I was merely expressing interest in the newlyweds‘ future ns.” She turned to Olivia with manufactured sweetness. “No pressure intended, dear.”

    I ced my hand protectively on Olivia’s back. “We should get going. It’s been a long evening.”

    “So isoon/i?” Grandfather looked disappointed. “The night is still young.”

    “I have an early meeting tomorrow,” I exined, which wasn’t entirely untrue. “And Olivia’s had a long day.”

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    My father nodded in understanding. “The markets wait for no one. We should be heading out soon ourselves.”

    We said our goodbyes, and Mother gave Olivia a warmer hug than I had expected. Grandfather sped my shoulder firmly.

    “Don’t be a stranger,” he ordered. “And bring your wife by more often. She’s good for you.”

    “I will,” I promised.

    Victoria approached as we were about to leave, air–kissing Olivia’s cheek. “Remember, dinner next weekend. I won’t take no for an answer.”

    “We’ll check our schedules,” I replied nomittally.

    Her smile turned brittle. “Family obligations should take priority, Alexander. Isn’t that what Grandfather always says?”

    “Goodnight, Victoria,” I said firmly, guiding Olivia away before my cousin could say anything else.

    Once we were safely in the car, Olivia expelled a long breath. “Your cousin is…”

    “A nightmare?” I supplied, starting the engine. “A vindictive social climber? Satan in designer clothing?”

    “I was going to say ‘intense,‘ but your descriptions work too.”

    “She’s always beenpetitive with me,” I exined as we pulled away from the venue. “Ever since we were kids. But it got worse after Grandfather’s announcement about the shares.”

    “She really wanted control of thepany, huh?”

    “Victoria’s wanted Carter Enterprises since she was old enough to understand what it was.” I navigated through downtown traffic, but the streets were still busy despite thete hour. “She studied business, married a financial analyst, and has spent years cultivating rtionships with board members. All for this.”

    “And then you swooped in and married,” Olivia said softly.

    “Exactly.” I nced at her. “Making you her new favorite target. I’m sorry about that.”

    “I can handle Victoria,” Olivia replied with surprising confidence. “She’s not the first mean girl I’ve encountered.”

    “Just the richest,” I quipped.

    “Probably,” she agreed with a smile. “But money doesn’t make her barbs any sharper.”

    The drive back to the estate took about forty minutes, giving us afortable silence to dpress from the evening.

    Olivia gazed out the window, the city lights ying across her face, highlighting her delicate features. The sapphire ne caught the light whenever she moved, drawing my attention to the elegant curve of her neck and the swell of her breasts beneath her gown.

    I forced my eyes back to the road.