Chapter 176
Chapter 176
Alexander
The trip back to the office was faster than the drive out, but my mind raced the entire way. The Hudson Development deal was practically in the bag, but rather than feeling satisfied, I found myself distracted.
“Mr. Carter, we’ve arrived.” Jessica said as the car pulled to a stop outside Carter Enterprises.
“Thank you.” I straightened my tie. “Have legal prepare those documents and send them to me for review before they go out tomorrow morning.”
“Already in progress. You have a budget meeting in thirty minutes with the executive team.”
I nodded. “I’ll be there.”
52
As we walked through the lobby, employees nodded respectfully. The Carter name carried weight; I’d worked hard to build on that foundation. My grandfather might think I was just a playboy, but my business results spoke for themselves.
Jessica kept pace beside me, scrolling through her tablet. “Victoria Blackwood called while you were in the meeting. She wants to discuss the family foundation gala next month.”
“Tell her I’ll call her back this afternoon.” I had no intention of doing so. Victoria could wait.
We stepped into the elevator, and Jessica pressed the button for the executive floor.
“Also, your dinner reservation at Nobu is confirmed for seven–thirty,” she added.
“Cancel it. I’m having dinner at home tonight.” Spending the evening with Olivia was far more appealing than a business dinner.
Jessica raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she made the notation on her tablet.
The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor, and I stepped out. “That’s all for now, Jessica.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll have those documents on your desk within the hour.”
I walked toward my office, glancing toward the marketing department as I passed. Olivia was still in the conference room, now standing beside Dylan, her assistant, as they showed something to the team on a tablet.
She laughed at something someone said. The sound carried even through the glass, and I found myself smiling in response.
When I reached my office, I closed the door and sat down at my desk.
I began reviewing the quarterly reports for our European division. The numbers were solid, showing growth across all sectors. Our expansion into the German market was proceeding ahead of schedule.
I was deep in analysis when my intercom buzzed.
17:18 Wed, Oct 1
Chapter 176
“Mr. Carter, the budget meeting starts in five minutes,” Jessica reminded me.
“Thank you. I’ll be right there.”
2
06 vouchers
I gathered my notes and headed to the boardroom, forcing my focus back to business. For the next two hours,
I led the executive team through budget projections, capital allocations, and strategic initiatives. We were in solid financial shape, with strong growth forecasts for the coming year.
“That concludes our agenda for today,” I said, closing my folder. “Any questions?”
There were none. My team was well–prepared, as always.
“Excellent. Let’s reconvene next week to finalize the quarterly projections.”
As the meeting dispersed, my phone buzzed with a text.
Olivia: Working late tonight. Don’t wait up for dinner.
I frowned. Was she avoiding me? After last night’s run–in with her ex, I’d expected her to be more communicative.
I texted back.
Me: Everything okay?
Olivia: Just busy with the Thompson campaign. Meeting with creative team running long.
Me: Want me to bring you dinner?
There was a pause before her response came through.
Olivia: Sure. That would be nice.
Me: What are you in the mood for?
Olivia: Surprise me. You know what I like.
I smiled at that. I did know what she liked in many ways.
Back in my office, I tackled the remaining work on my desk, reviewing contracts and signing off on proposals. By six o’clock, I’d cleared enough of my schedule to justify leaving.
Jessica appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Carter, do you need anything else before I go?”
“No, that’s all for today. Good work with Hudson.”
“Thank you, sir.” She smiled. “Have a good evening.”
I packed up my laptop and headed toward the marketing department. The main office area was mostly empty, but light still spilled from the office room where Olivia was working.
17:18 Wed, Oct 1
Chapter 176
27-5570uchers
I stopped in the doorway, taking in the scene. Olivia stood at the head of the table, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly disheveled. Around her sat three members of the creative team, all looking exhausted. The table was covered with mockups, sample boards, and empty coffee cups.
“Knock knock,” I said, rapping lightly on the doorframe.
Olivia looked up, a tired smile breaking across her face. “Hey”
“I heard there was a hardworking team in need of dinner.”
I held up two large bags from Sugarfish. The delicious smell wafted through the room, and I saw the creative team perk up immediately.
“You’re a lifesaver,” Olivia said, coming around the table to meet me.
“I got enough for everyone,” I said, placing the bags on a clear spot on the table. “I figured you could all use a break.”
The creative team looked at me with something approaching reverence. Food always did that to people who’d been working for hours.
“Thank you, Mr. Carter,” a young woman said, eyes wide. “That’s really generous.”
I started distributing the food, making sure everyone got something. I had ordered a variety pack with plenty of rolls, sashimi, and appetizers. When I handed Olivia her container, our fingers brushed, and her eyes met
mine.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“My pleasure.” I hesitated, then added, “Don’t work too late.”
She nodded. “We’re almost done. Just finalizing the concept boards for tomorrow.”
“Big presentation?”
“Thompson wants to see our initial creative direction.”
I nodded. “You’ll knock it out of the park. Your ideas for the campaign were brilliant.”
Olivia’s cheeks flushed slightly at the praise. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Mr. Carter,” one of the creative team members said, “would you like to see what we’re working on? Mrs. Carter’s concept is really innovative.”
I glanced at Olivia, who nodded. “I’d love to.”
For the next fifteen minutes, Olivia and her team walked me through their concept. It was impressive, sophisticated yet accessible, blending traditional luxury with modern convenience.
“This is excellent work,” I said when they finished. “Thompson would be fools not to go with this direction.”
17:18 Wed, Oct 1
Chapter 176
“That’s what I keep telling them,” Olivia said, smiling at her team. “They’ve been amazing.
I checked my watch. “I should let you get back to it. Do you need a ride home when you’re done?”
“Don’t know exactly when we’ll wrap up.”
“Text me when you’re on your way,” I said. “I’ll wait up.”
Her eyes softened. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.”
The moment stretched between us, charged with something I couldn’t quite name. One of the team members cleared his throat, reminding us we weren’t alone.
“Right,” I said, stepping back. “I’ll see you later then. Good luck with the presentation.”
“Thanks for dinner,” Olivia said.
I nodded to the team and left, feeling oddly reluctant to go. The drive home to the estate was quiet. Alfred greeted me at the door.
“Good evening, Mr. Carter. Will Mrs. Carter be joining you for dinner?”
“Not tonight, Alfred. She’s working late.”
“Very good, sir. Shall I have something prepared for you?”
“No thanks. I already ate. I’ll just be in my study.”
“As you wish, sir. There’s a package that arrived for you. I’ve placed it on your desk.”
I thanked him and headed to my study, curious about the package. It was a small box wrapped in brown paper, with no return address. Inside was a vintage Patek Philippe watch and a note.
“Alexander – Found this at auction and thought of you. Dad had one just like it. – Harold”
I turned the watch over in my hands, surprised by the gesture from my grandfather. It was an olive branch, perhaps. An acknowledgment of our shared history beyond the business.
I set it aside and opened my laptop to catch up on emails. But my mind kept wandering back to Olivia, wondering how her meeting was going. Whether she was impressing them with her intellect and creativity. Whether she’d be too tired when she got home.