Chapter 197

Olivia

Alexander was quiet for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was thoughtful. “What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

The question caught me off guard. “I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it in those terms.”

“Think about it now.”

I considered his question, my eyes still on the illuminated manuscript. “Something that matters, I guess. Something that helps people or makes the world slightly better.”

“That’s admirably vague.”

I elbowed him gently. “What about you? What’s your legacy going to be? Carter Enterprises expanding into new markets?

“That’s my grandfather’s legacy, not mine.” He paused. “I’m still figuring out what mine will be.”

There was something vulnerable in his admission, a crack in his usual confidence. I turned to face him, surprised by the contemplative expression on his face.

“We have time to figure it out,” I said, not entirely sure why I’d said “we” instead of “you.”

Alexander’s eyes met mine, something unreadable passing between us. The moment stretched, charged with an intensity that had nothing to do with ancient artifacts.

“Should we see the reading room?” he asked finally, breaking the spell.

“Definitely. Lead the way.”

The reading room was breathtaking, a circular space with towering bookshelves and a magnificent domed ceiling. Natural light filtered through windows high above, casting everything in a warm glow.

“This is gorgeous,” I whispered, spinning slowly to take it all in.

“No shouting in the British Library,” Alexander teased.

“I’m whispering!”

“Barely.”

We found a quiet corner and sat on one of the benches, simply enjoying the space. Other visitors moved quietly around us, their footsteps muffled on the polished floors.

“Thank

you

I said after a few

“For what?

14:29 Tue, Oct 21

Chapter 197

:

65 vouchers

do

interlacing with my own. “I’d rather be here with you than

sincerity in his voice. “Careful, Mr. Carter. That almost

I’m practicing for when we

“Right. Practice.”

he looked at me suggested it wasn’t entirely practice. And the way my heart raced suggested I didn’t mind

the museum, eventually finding ourselves in the ancient civilizations wing where Alexander pointed

pattern on that column?” he said, leaning close to point. “That’s from centuries of people touching it in the exact same

slightly depressing when

are.”

“Getting philosophical again?”

that to me. All this permanence makes you realize how fleeting

interlacing with my own. “Then we should

surprisingly deep

multitudes,” he said

started its

as we stepped onto the

All that culture worked up an

place nearby. Authentic

“Lead the way.”

streets lined with historic buildings, the city transitioning from business hours to evening

covered in dark wood and etched glass. The sign above the door read

14:29 Tue, Oct 21

Chapter 197

warm a

the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Dark wood paneling covered the walls, and the bar was lined with brass fixtures that had been

been here since the 1700s,” Alexander said as we found a corner table. “Supposedly Shakespeare drank here, but every pub in

believe it. This place looks

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