Chapter 163
Olivia
The sports car roared to life, its engine growling aggressively as Penelope peeled away from the curb, nearly clipping another vehicle in her dramatic exit.
“That was quite the performance,” I muttered, still staring at the headline on my phone. The article featured not just unflattering photos but direct quotes from “sources close to the couple” describing me as a calculating social climber who had strategically positioned myself to catch Alexander’s eye.
“This is absolute garbage journalism. Not a single fact–checked statement in the entire piece.”
“Do you think Penelope could be behind this?” I asked, watching his reaction carefully. “The timing seems suspicious.”
“It’s possible,” he replied, starting the car. “But let’s not jump to conclusions.”
I chewed my lip, considering the possibilities. “What about Victoria?”
Alexander pulled smoothly into traffic, his expression hardening. “Victoria certainly has the connections. And she’s never been shy about using them.”
“The article mentions my ‘suspiciously timed promotion‘ and ‘overnight rise through company ranks.”
“Don’t worry about this,” Alexander said, his voice calm but firm. “I’ll get this sorted out. We’ll have these articles removed and take legal action against the outlet. My team will find whoever is behind this.”
“I’m not worried,” I replied, though the knot in my stomach suggested otherwise. “I’m just wondering who would go to such lengths. It feels personal.”
Alexander’s hand left the steering wheel to squeeze mine reassuringly. “That’s because it is personal. Someone’s trying to get under your skin.”
“Well, it’s working,” I admitted. “I’ve never been called a gold digger before. At least not in a headline.”
“Welcome to life as a Carter,” Alexander said with a wry smile. “The tabloids have been inventing stories about my family since before I was born.”
I scrolled through the comment section, wincing at the vicious remarks. “Look at these comments. She must be amazing in bed to land a billionaire. From marketing drone to Mrs. Carter in record time, I need her playbook!”
“Stop reading that trash, Alexander said, taking the phone from my hands and dropping it into the center console. “You’re giving them exactly what they want: your attention and emotional energy.”
“But what about the people at work? Everyone will have seen this by now.”
“Let them see it. Anyone who matters knows your worth has nothing to do with who you married.”
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I leaned back against the leather seat, suddenly exhausted. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one being called a social climbing seductress with ‘mysterious methods‘ of securing a Carter.”
Alexander’s lips twitched. “Mysterious methods? That’s actually somewhat impressive. Makes you sound like a femme fatale from a spy DaisyNovel.”
Despite myself, I snorted. “Yes, very mysterious. Like working seventy–hour weeks and having actual marketing talent.”
“Don’t forget your other mysterious methods,” Alexander added, his voice dropping suggestively as his hand found my knee.
I swatted his hand away, but couldn’t help smiling. “You’re terrible.”
“I’m trying to make you laugh. Is it working?”
“Maybe a little,” I admitted.
Alexander navigated through traffic with practiced ease, his expensive watch catching the sunlight as he turned the steering wheel. “You know what we should do?”
“What?”
“Have dinner at Spago. Very visible table. You looking gorgeous, me looking smitten. Show everyone this garbage article didn’t affect us in the slightest.”
I considered this. “You want to fight back with a photo op?”
“I want to show whoever did this that their little plan failed. Nothing gets under their skin more than seeing you unbothered.”
“Is that the Carter approach? When attacked, order the most expensive wine and look fabulous?”
“Precisely,” Alexander grinned. “It’s in the family handbook, right after ‘Never show weakness at board meetings‘ and before ‘Always tip obscenely well.”
I laughed despite myself. “Fine. Spago it is. But I’m ordering the most expensive thing on the menu out of spite.”
“That’s my girl,” Alexander said approvingly. “Now you’re thinking like a Carter.”
We headed back to the office, my mind still churning over our encounter with Penelope and the nasty article. Alexander drove with one hand on the wheel, occasionally glancing at me with concern.
“You’re quiet,” he observed as we pulled into the parking garage beneath Carter Enterprises.
“Just thinking about all the ways I’d like to put Penelope in her place,” I admitted, gathering my purse as he parked in his reserved spot.
“Her time will come. The Thompson account was just the beginning.”
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The elevator ride was quick. Before the doors opened, Alexander squeezed my hand. “Try not to worry about that article. I’ve already got our legal team working on it.”
“I’ll try,” I promised. “See you tonight?”
“Spago at eight,” he confirmed with a wink. “Wear something spectacular.”
When I arrived, the floor was buzzing. Nova spotted me immediately, her expression a mix of sympathy and curiosity.
“Girl, have you seen what they’re writing about you?” she whispered, falling into step beside me.
“Unfortunately, yes,” I replied, keeping my head high as I walked past several colleagues who suddenly found their computer screens fascinating. “Total garbage.”
Nova nodded vigorously. “Absolute trash. Everyone with a brain knows you’re qualified for your position.”
“Thanks, Nova.” I appreciated her loyalty, even if the whispers from other corners of the office suggested not everyone shared her opinion.
I settled at my desk, grateful for the mountain of work waiting for me. The Thompson Hotels project would require my full attention, which was exactly what I needed to distract myself from the gossip.
A few hours into detailed market analysis, my phone buzzed with a text from Alexander.
Alexander: Articles being removed as we speak. Legal traced it to an anonymous source, but we have our suspicions.
I texted back.
Me: Victoria or Penelope?
Alexander: Working on confirming. Focus on Thompson. We’ll discuss tonight.
Me: OK. Thanks for handling this.
I set my phone aside and returned to work, throwing myself into the Thompson Hotels rebranding with renewed determination. If people wanted to question my qualifications, I’d simply have to deliver results so impressive they couldn’t be denied.
Around six, Dylan knocked on my door. “Mrs. Carter? The team’s headed out for drinks to celebrate landing the Thompson account. Would you like to join us?”
I was touched by the invitation. “Thanks, Dylan, but I have plans tonight. Rain check?”
“Absolutely,” he nodded. “Oh, and the mock–ups you requested for the Thompson logo redesign just came in. Want me to leave them on your desk?”
“Please. I’ll review them first thing tomorrow.”
After Dylan left, I spent another hour refining my strategy document for the Thompson account before
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packing up. I needed time to go home and get ready for our strategic dinner at Spago.
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At home, I rifled through my closet, eventually settling on a deep sapphire blue dress that hugged my curves without being too revealing. It was sophisticated yet sexy, perfect for making a statement. I paired it with strappy heels and the diamond earrings Alexander had surprised me with after our wedding.
I was applying the finishing touches to my makeup when Alexander arrived home. He leaned against the bathroom doorway, watching me with appreciation.
“You look stunning,” he said, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror.
“That’s the idea,” I replied, applying a final coat of mascara. “How did the rest of your day go?”
“Productive. The legal team managed to get most of those articles removed.”
“And the suspected culprits?”
Alexander loosened his tie. “Still investigating, but I have a hunch it’s Penelope. The timing is too convenient.”
“My money’s on Victoria,” I countered. “She’s been gunning for me since day one.”
“Could be both,” Alexander suggested. “They’d make quite the vindictive team.”
I grimaced at the thought. “Now that’s a terrifying alliance.”
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