Chapter 203

Olivia

The jet descended through wispy clouds as Paris materialized below us, a sprawling tapestry of Haussmann architecture and winding streets. Morning light glinted off the Seine, and I pressed my face closer to the window, catching my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower rising above the cityscape.

“There it is.” I breathed.

Alexander looked up from his laptop, a smile playing at his lips. “First time seeing it?”

“In person? Yes.” I couldn’t tear my eyes away. “Pictures don’t do it justice.”

“Wait until you see it at night. The whole thing lights up.”

The jet touched down smoothly at Le Bourget, Paris’s private aviation hub. Within minutes, we were through customs and settling into the back of a Mercedes waiting on the tarmac. No lines, no crowds, just seamless efficiency that still felt surreal.

“Bonjour, Monsieur Carter, Madame Carter,” the driver greeted us in accented English. “Welcome to Paris. We go to Le Bristol now, yes?”

“Oui, merci,” Alexander replied, his French flawless.

Of course, he spoke French.

The drive into the city center was everything I’d imagined. Elegant buildings with wrought iron balconies lined wide boulevards. Cafés spilled onto sidewalks where Parisians sipped espresso and smoked cigarettes. The Arc de Triomphe loomed ahead, traffic circling it in controlled chaos.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, watching Paris unfold outside my window.

Alexander’s hand found mine, squeezing gently. “It is.”

Le Bristol Hotel sat on the prestigious Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, its pale stone facade exuding understated elegance. A doorman in a crisp uniform opened my car door before we’d fully stopped.

“Bienvenue, Madame Carter,” he said with a slight bow.

The lobby was a masterclass in French luxury. Marble floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers. Fresh flowers the size of small trees occupied massive urns. Oil paintings in gilded frames lined silk-papered walls.

manager materialized instantly, hand extended. “What a pleasure to have you back. And with Madame Carter this time. Congratulations on

replied, shaking his hand.

of course. The Imperial Suite, as requested. And the roses you ordered have been placed

at Alexander, surprised. He’d ordered

head up

elevator that opened directly into the suite. I

“Holy shit,” I whispered.

stretched before us, decorated in soft creams and golds. Antique

bedroom is through here, Madame,” the butler said, gesturing

him, Alexander trailing behind with that amused expression he wore when watching

canopy bed dominated the space, draped in silk. And on every available surface,

turned to him, genuinely touched. “You did

shrugged, suddenly looking almost bashful. “Thought you might like

to the nearest arrangement,

rest of the suite? The bathroom, the office, the

said,

tub big enough to swim in. The office had a mahogany desk and built-in bookshelves. The

butler departed with promises that anything we needed would be provided

announced. “People actually

tie. “I have meetings starting at two. That gives us a

my phone. Just after nine in the morning. “Explore. Definitely explore. I’m

might say that.” He pulled out his phone, typing quickly. “I’ll have the

the city center. The driver navigated with practiced ease through narrow streets lined

Chapter 203

going?” I asked as we crossed a bridge over

“You’ll see.”

55 vouchers

1

shops and cafés surrounded a central fountain

croissants in Paris,” he declared, holding the door

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