Chapter 176

Alexander

The trip back to the office was faster than the drive out, but my mind raced the entire way. The Hudson Development deal was practically in the bag, but rather than feeling satisfied, I found myself distracted.

“Mr. Carter, we’ve arrived.” Jessica said as the car pulled to a stop outside Carter Enterprises.

“Thank you.” I straightened my tie. “Have legal prepare those documents and send them to me for review before they go out tomorrow morning.”

“Already in progress. You have a budget meeting in thirty minutes with the executive team.”

I nodded. “I’ll be there.”

As we walked through the lobby, employees nodded respectfully. The Carter name carried weight; I’d worked hard to build on that foundation. My grandfather might think I was just a playboy, but my business results spoke for themselves.

Jessica kept pace beside me, scrolling through her tablet. “Victoria Blackwood called while you were in the meeting. She wants to discuss the family foundation gala next month.”

“Tell her I’ll call her back this afternoon.” I had no intention of doing so. Victoria could wait.

We stepped into the elevator, and Jessica pressed the button for the executive floor.

“Also, your dinner reservation at Nobu is confirmed for seven–thirty,” she added.

“Cancel it. I’m having dinner at home tonight.” Spending the evening with Olivia was far more appealing than a business dinner.

Jessica raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she made the notation on her tablet.

The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor, and I stepped out. “That’s all for now, Jessica.”

documents on your

I passed. Olivia was still in the conference room, now standing beside Dylan, her

carried even through

closed the door and

our European division. The numbers were solid, showing growth across

deep in analysis when

budget meeting starts in five minutes,”

you. I’ll be

boardroom, forcing my

led the executive team through budget projections, capital allocations, and strategic initiatives. We were in solid financial shape, with strong growth forecasts for the

today,” I said, closing my folder.

none. My team

Let’s reconvene next week to

the meeting dispersed, my phone buzzed with

late tonight. Don’t wait

frowned. Was she avoiding me? After last night’s run–in with

I texted back.

Me: Everything okay?

Just busy with the Thompson campaign. Meeting with creative team

Want me to bring you

before her

That would be

What are you in

You know what I

did know

and signing off on proposals. By six o’clock, I’d cleared enough of my schedule to

“Mr. Carter, do you need anything else before I

all for today.

She smiled.

and headed toward the marketing department. The main office area was mostly empty, but light

stood at the head of the table, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly disheveled. Around her sat three members of the creative team, all looking exhausted. The table was covered with

rapping

looked up, a tired smile

was a hardworking

from Sugarfish. The delicious smell wafted through

Olivia said, coming around the table

on a clear spot on the table. “I figured you could all

Food always did that

a young woman said, eyes wide. “That’s really

plenty of rolls, sashimi,

she said

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