Chapter 177

Chapter 177
Olivia
I stifled a yawn, staring at my computer screen while stretching my arms above my head. My back cracked in three distinct places as I twisted side to side. After hours of tweaking, our concept boards were polished to perfection.
“And we’re officially finished, I announced, saving the file one last time.
Dylan pumped his fist in the air. “Thank god. I was starting to forget what sunlight looks like.”
Ava closed her laptop with a dramatic thud. “If I had to adjust that logo placement one more time, I might have thrown myself out the window.”
“Top floor,” Marcus reminded her, gathering his sketches. “You’d definitely die. And then who would make our presentations look pretty?”
“Someone less talented and twice as expensive,” Ava replied, flashing a tired grin.
I checked the time on my phone, 9:37 PM. We’d been at it for nearly fourteen hours straight.
The team began gathering their belongings, moving with the slow, dazed movements of people who’d been staring at screens for too long.
“Anyone want to grab a drink?” Brandon suggested halfheartedly.
A chorus of groans answered him
“My bed is calling,” Ava declared. “And it’s saying very dirty things about how good it’ll feel to collapse into it.”
“TMI, Ava,” Marcus laughed, slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder.
One by one, they said their goodbyes and filed out of the conference room until only Dylan remained, hovering near the door.
“Do you need me to stay and help clean up?” he asked, clearly hoping I’d say no.
“Go home, Dylan. You’ve done enough.” I waved him off. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Great work today.”
Relief washed over his face. “Thanks, Mrs. Carter. You’re the best.”
After he left, I sat alone in the silent conference room, taking a moment to breathe. The quiet felt good after hours of discussion and debate. I gathered the scattered printouts and coffee cups, tossing them into the recycling and trash bins.
With everything tidied, I collapsed back into my chair and pulled out my phone to text Alexander.
Me: Finally finished. Team just left. Presentation ready for tomorrow.
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Chapter 177
His reply came almost instantly,
Alexander: Congratulations. Still at the office?
Me: Yep. About to head out.
Alexander: I’ll come get you. Don’t drive yourself when you’re this tired..
Me: I’m fine to drive. I have my car.
Alexander: I insist. Wait for me. 15 minutes.
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I stared at his text, torn between appreciation and annoyance at his commanding tone. My Porsche was in the parking garage, perfectly capable of getting me home. But the thought of Alexander coming to pick me up sent a warm flutter through my chest.
Me: Okay. See you soon.
I gathered my things and headed down to the lobby, waving goodnight to the security guard who looked as tired as I felt.
“Working late again, Mrs. Carter?” he asked.
“Big presentation tomorrow,” I explained, settling into one of the plush chairs in the waiting area.
“The boss making you work overtime?” he joked.
I laughed. “Technically, yes. But I volunteered for this one.”
Outside, the night air hit me with a refreshing chill that was far cooler than I had anticipated. I stood alone at the curb, taking a moment to breathe in the crispness of the evening, my senses heightened by the quiet of the night.
The gentle rustle of leaves from a nearby tree accompanied the distant hum of traffic, each car’s headlights slicing through the darkness in a brilliant flash as they glided smoothly past on the street.
My phone buzzed with a text from Emilia.
Emilia: Drinks tomorrow? Girls’ Night.
I winced, recalling last night’s chaos at O’Malley’s: Ryan’s confrontation, James stepping in, and Alexander showing up unexpectedly with his revelation about having security follow me.
Me: Can we do the day after tomorrow instead? And maybe somewhere other than O’Malley’s?
Her response came quickly.
Emilia: No worries! I’ll find us someplace new and fancy. Maybe that rooftop bar you’ve been wanting to try?
Me: Perfect. Just text me the details.
Chapter 177
Emilia: Will do! Btw, how did things end with Alexander last night? You two seemed… intense.
I smiled at her not-so-subtle fishing for details.
Me: I’ll tell you everything the day after tomorrow. Promise.
Emilia: Fine, keep your secrets. For now.
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I slipped my phone into my purse and checked the time. Alexander had said fifteen minutes, and it had been nearly twenty. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, suddenly feeling awkward standing alone outside the office building this late.
The sound of an engine purring caught my attention. Alexander’s sleek black Aston Martin pulled up to the curb, the window rolling down to reveal his face.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he called out.
I walked over to the car. “No problem. I was just enjoying the fresh air.”
“Fresh air in downtown LA?” Alexander raised an eyebrow as he got out to open my door. “That’s an optimistic perspective.”
“It’s all about lowering your standards,” I quipped, sliding into the passenger seat.
The leather interior enveloped me in its warmth and the subtle scent of Alexander’s cologne. He closed my door and walked around to the driver’s side, giving me a moment to appreciate how his suit jacket stretched across his shoulders.
“Hungry?” he asked, settling behind the wheel.
“Starving. That sushi you brought was hours ago.”
Alexander pulled away from the curb, merging seamlessly into the late evening traffic. “I know just the place.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” he replied, a mysterious smile playing at his lips. “Just trust me.”
I leaned back in my seat, watching as we turned onto Mulholland Drive. The city lights spread below us like scattered diamonds on black velvet.
His hand moved to rest on my knee, the casual touch sending warmth up my leg.
We drove for another fifteen minutes, winding along the iconic road until Alexander turned onto a narrow lane I’d never noticed before. The car climbed higher, passing through an unmarked gate that opened automatically as we approached.
“Okay, now I’m wondering if you’re secretly taking me to your hidden lair where you keep all your victims.”
“If I were, would I tell you?” He raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes.
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Chapter 177
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“Fair point. At least I’m wearing comfortable shoes for running.”
The path opened to a small clearing with a single sleek building perched on the edge of the hill. Floor-to- ceiling windows reflected the moonlight, giving the structure an ethereal glow.
Alexander parked and came around to open my door. “Welcome to the Overlook.”
“The Overlook? Wasn’t that the hotel in The Shining?” I stepped out, immediately struck by the panoramic view of Los Angeles sprawling before us.
“Different overlook. Less homicidal, more romantic.” He offered his hand, which I took without hesitation.
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