Chapter 132
Olivia
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As the workday wrapped up, I felt a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. The Thompson team had dispersed with their assignments, and my inbox was finally under control. I was just shutting down my computer when Alexander appeared in my doorway, his suit jacket draped over one arm and sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms.
“Ready to go car shopping, Mrs. Carter?” He leaned against the doorframe, a playful smile on his lips.
“Do I have a choice?” I asked, gathering my purse.
“Always,” he replied. “But I think you’ll enjoy this more than you expect.”
We rode the elevator down in comfortable silence, but as we walked through the parking garage, I felt a small flutter of excitement. I’d never owned a new car, let alone a luxury vehicle.
“So where are we going?” I asked as Alexander held the passenger door open for me.
“Beverly Hills. I have an arrangement with Prestigio Motors.” He slid into the driver’s seat. “They’ll stay open late for us.”
“Of course they will,” I muttered. “Because normal business hours don’t apply to Alexander Carter.”
“One of the perks of being me.” He winked as he started the engine. “Hungry?”
“Starving, actually.”
“We’ll grab something after. Or they might have something at the dealership. These places like to pamper their high–end clients.”
I snorted. “With tiny sandwiches and champagne?”
“More likely espresso and imported chocolates, but you’re on the right track.”
The drive to Beverly Hills was quicker than expected, with Alexander expertly navigating through traffic. When we pulled up to Prestigio Motors, the showroom lights were still blazing despite the “Closed” sign on the door.
“This feels weird,” I admitted as we approached. “Like we’re going to a private shopping appointment.”
“That’s exactly what it is.” Alexander placed his hand on the small of my back. “I called ahead. They’ve prepared a selection based on what I think you might like.”
A tall man in an impeccable suit opened the door before we even reached it. “Mr. Carter! So
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wonderful to see you again.”
“Marco.” Alexander shook his hand. “This is my wife, Olivia.”
“Mrs. Carter.” Marco bowed slightly. “It’s a pleasure. Please, come in.
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The showroom was eerily quiet, with no other customers in sight. Gleaming vehicles sat under perfect lighting, each one more luxurious than the last.
“Can I offer you anything? Espresso? Water? Champagne?” Marco asked.
I shot Alexander an amused look. “Told you,” I whispered.
“Water is fine,” I said to Marco.
“I’ve selected several models that might interest Mrs. Carter,” Marco said, leading us deeper into the showroom. “Based on Mr. Carter’s specifications.”
“And what specifications were those?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at Alexander.
“Elegant but not flashy. Powerful but not ostentatious. Safe but fun to drive,” Alexander replied smoothly.
Marco gestured to a sleek silver sedan. “The Mercedes S–Class. A classic choice, refined and understated with all the luxury features.”
It was beautiful, but somehow too… expected.
“Next, we have the Porsche Panamera.” Marco led us to a stunning dark blue four–door sports car. “Sporty but practical, with room for passengers.”
“This is more interesting,” I admitted, running my hand along the smooth finish.
“Or perhaps something more unique?” Marco suggested, moving toward a sleek white vehicle. “The Aston Martin DBX. Their first SUV, very exclusive.”
I studied the vehicle. It was gorgeous, but… “Too much like your car,” I said to Alexander. “I don’t want to be a carbon copy.”
He nodded approvingly. “Good point.”
Marco led us through several more options: a BMW, a Jaguar, even a Maserati that made Alexander’s eyes light up more than mine.
“None of these feels right,” I said finally.
“I have one more option,” Marco said. “Just arrived yesterday. Not officially on display yet.” He led us to a separate area where a single car sat under dramatic lighting.
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I stopped in my tracks. “What is that?”
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“The new Porsche Taycan,” Marco said proudly. “Fully electric. Zero to sixty in 2.6 seconds. Over 300 miles of range.”
The car was gorgeous, sleek, modern lines in a deep metallic green that shifted between emerald and teal depending on how the light hit it.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathed.
“And environmentally conscious,” Alexander noted with a knowing smile. “No emissions.”
I circled the car slowly. “Can I sit in it?”
“Of course.” Marco opened the driver’s door with a flourish.
I slid into the buttery soft leather seat and wrapped my hands around the steering wheel. The interior was futuristic without being gimmicky, with screens that came to life as I settled in.
“What do you think?” Alexander asked, leaning down to peer at me through the open door.
“I think I’m in love,” I admitted.
“Would you like to test drive it?” Marco offered.
Twenty minutes later, I was navigating the Taycan through Beverly Hills, feeling the incredible power beneath my feet. Alexander sat beside me, watching my reactions with amusement.
“Having fun?” he asked as I accelerated out of a turn.
“This is…” I shook my head, grinning. “I’ve never driven anything like this.”
“It suits you,” he said. “Elegant, powerful, unexpectedly bold.”
I glanced at him. “Was that a compliment?”
“An observation,” he replied with a small smile.
When we returned to the dealership, Marco was waiting expectantly. “Well?”
I looked at Alexander. “It’s incredible, but I’m sure it’s ridiculously expensive.”
“Let me worry about that,” Alexander said. “Do you want it?”
“I’d be crazy not to,” I admitted.
“We’ll take it,” Alexander told Marco. “With all the available safety features. And I want it delivered to our home tomorrow.”
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“Excellent choice, Mrs. Carter,” Marco beamed. “Let me prepare the paperwork.”
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While Marco disappeared into an office, I turned to Alexander. “Are you sure about this? This car must cost well over a hundred thousand dollars.”
“One hundred and fifty–five thousand, with the options I specified,” Alexander corrected casually. “And yes, I’m sure.”
“Alexander! That’s insane!”
“It’s a good investment. Electric is the future, and you deserve something special. Besides, the look on your face when you drove it was worth every penny.”
My stomach chose that moment to growl loudly.
Alexander laughed. “Let’s sign the papers and go get some dinner. I know a great place nearby.”
Thirty minutes later, we were seated at a cozy table in a restaurant I’d never have found on my own. The lighting was soft, the menu was in Italian, and the wine list was thicker than some books I’d
read.
“I can’t believe I just got a $155,000 car,” I said, still slightly dazed.
“You didn’t. I did.” Alexander sipped his wine. “Consider it a wedding present.”
“Normal people get toasters and blenders as wedding presents.”
“We’re not normal people,” Alexander said simply. “Not anymore.”
The waiter arrived with our appetizers, something involving truffles that smelled divine.
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AD