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.

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

Alexander replied, shaking his

as requested. And the roses you ordered have

at Alexander, surprised.

We’ll head up

to a private elevator that opened directly into the suite.

“Holy shit,” I whispered.

enormous living room stretched before us, decorated in soft creams and golds. Antique furniture

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

followed him, Alexander trailing behind with that amused expression he

more spectacular. A canopy bed dominated the space, draped in silk.

I turned to him, genuinely

bashful. “Thought you might

nearest arrangement, breathing in their perfume. “Thank

his throat delicately. “Shall I show you the rest of the suite? The bathroom, the

please,” I said, reluctantly leaving

a mahogany desk and built-in bookshelves. The dining room seated ten comfortably. There was even a kitchen, which seemed excessive for a hotel

anything we needed would be provided immediately, I flopped onto a cream

insane, I announced. “People

said, loosening his tie. “I have meetings starting at two. That gives us a few hours. Want to explore or

nine in the

his

Mercedes, this time heading toward the city center. The driver navigated with practiced ease

Chapter 203

we going?” I asked as we crossed

“You’ll see.”

55 vouchers

1

central fountain where

he declared, holding

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255