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.”

have those documents on your desk within

glancing toward the marketing department as I passed. Olivia was still in the conference room, now standing beside Dylan,

said. The sound carried even through

reached my office, I closed the door and sat down at

numbers were solid, showing growth across all sectors. Our expansion into the German market was proceeding

in analysis

Carter, the budget meeting starts in five minutes,” Jessica

you. I’ll be

boardroom, forcing my focus back to business.

led the executive team through budget projections, capital allocations, and strategic initiatives. We were in

our agenda for today,” I said,

none. My team was well–prepared, as

reconvene next week to

meeting dispersed, my phone buzzed with

Don’t wait

me? After last night’s run–in with her ex, I’d expected her

I texted back.

Me: Everything okay?

Just busy with the Thompson campaign. Meeting with creative

me to

was a pause before her response

That would

you

You know what

know what she liked

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

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

all for today. Good work with

She smiled. “Have

my laptop and headed toward the marketing department. The main office area was mostly empty, but light still spilled from the office

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

I said, rapping lightly on the

up, a tired smile breaking

a hardworking

bags from Sugarfish. The delicious smell wafted through the room, and I saw the creative team

said, coming around the table

bags on a clear spot on

looked at me with something approaching reverence. Food always did that to

Mr. Carter,” a young woman said, eyes

making sure everyone got something. I had ordered a variety pack with plenty of rolls, sashimi, and appetizers. When I handed Olivia her container, our fingers brushed, and her eyes met

you,” she said

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