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.”

Really?”

“He doesn’t compliment 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 glanced 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 Stella 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 alarmed look, he clarified. “That I’m very serious about our relationship.”

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 played our parts well – perhaps too well. The hand–holding,

natural. Like we were actually a couple in love,

Alexander observed after a few

tired,” I lied. “It’s been a

perfect tonight,” he said softly.

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

trying to sound casual. “We have a deal,

something I

while, the city lights blurring past

Victoria’s

myself back in my tiny

1/3

Chapter 78

Alexander said suddenly, ‘my grandmother doesn’t hug just anyone. She must really

me a little of my

company alongside my grandfather. She

behind

realized

“Potential for what?”

just a wife. To be

us, loaded with implications neither of us was ready

watching the city pass by and wondering how I had gotten myself into this situation. More worryingly, I was beginning to realize

Alexander said, his voice cutting through the hum of the

keeping my eyes fixed on the passing streetlights. Just

onto a quieter street. “But you handled

‘Victoria hates me.”

her plans,” he corrected.

to face him. “She looked at me like I was something she’d scraped off

her face,” Alexander said with a small smile. “Even as children, she looked at everyone that way. My

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