Chapter 144

Olivia

Victoria stood behind him, her smile smug.

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“I led several campaigns that doubled their online engagement and increased conversion

rates.”

“Olivia is incredibly talented,” Alexander added, his hand finding the small of my back. “We’re lucky to have her at Carter Enterprises, regardless of our personal relationship.”

“How fortunate for everyone,” Victoria interjected. “Though I imagine it must be difficult to navigate the professional–personal boundary. Office romances can be so… complicated.”

“Not when you’re both adults,” I replied with a pointed look at Victoria. “Communication and mutual respect make everything simpler.”

Mr. Preston looked between us, clearly sensing the tension. “Well, this has been enlightening. If you’ll excuse me, I should find my wife before the auction closes.”

As he walked away, Victoria’s smile faded. “Really, Olivia? ‘Communication and mutual respect‘? How very Hallmark card of you.”

“I find sincerity works better than sarcasm in most situations,” I replied. “But we all have our preferred weapons.”

Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “You think you’ve won something, don’t you? The ring, the name, the man. You think you’ve secured your place.”

“I’m not playing whatever game you think this is,” I said quietly.

“Aren’t you?” Victoria stepped closer. “You played your cards perfectly. Junior marketing executive to Mrs. Carter in record time. Quite the career advancement strategy.”

I felt my temper rising, but kept my voice steady. “You know nothing about my relationship with Alexander.”

“I know my cousin,” she replied. “And I know his type.”

“Victoria,” Alexander’s voice cut through the tension, low and dangerous. “Enough.”

“Just looking out for

enough ‘looking out‘

Chapter 144

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your way. Enjoy the rest of the gala.” She turned to me, her eyes glittering with malice. “And Olivia, dear, do be careful with that necklace if Alexander wins it for you. Sapphires can be

shot, she glided away, leaving a chill in her

Alexander said once

shake off the encounter. “Victoria will be

“Still, she shouldn’t have—”

interrupted, forcing a smile. “Let’s not let her

moment, then nodded.

Alexander ordered two glasses of champagne. As we waited, I noticed several people glancing our

“Everyone’s staring,” I murmured.

Alexander replied, handing me a flute of champagne. “They’re just

“Of what?”

said simply. “For having the most beautiful woman in the room

everything, I felt a rush of warmth at his words.

against mine. “To my incredible wife, who handles Victoria more gracefully than

laughed, genuinely this time. “That’s a very

“Seriously, Olivia. The way you stood up to her without losing your

before,” I shrugged. “Victoria’s just a more expensive

“That’s one way

“The winning bidders will be notified shortly, and items

“Do

the necklace?” I asked Alexander as

Chapter 144

“It would look

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waved us over as we approached. “There you are. Victoria said

Alexander replied, helping me into

his eyes twinkling. “Good choice.

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