CHAPTER THIRTEEN : Unraveled

The moment Dimitri Stavros strolled away, leaving behind a lingering presence that felt almost tangible, Olivia Carter remained frozen in place. Her hands were clenched into small fists at her sides, her breath shallow. Her heart was still hammering inside her chest, a wild, untamed rhythm that she couldn't control.

What was that?

She had never felt this before—not for any man. Not in all her years of being courted by powerful, charming suitors who had tried to win her favor. But Dimitri… he was different. He unsettled her, shook something loose inside her. It wasn't just his arrogance, or the way he wielded power like a weapon. It was him. The way he looked at her. The way his deep, piercing blue eyes seemed to strip her bare without even touching her.

A sharp exhale left her lips.

Get a grip, Olivia.

Snatching her clutch from the bar counter, she made her way toward the exit. She had no reason to stay at the party any longer. Her business here was done. Whatever networking she had planned had already been overshadowed by one singular encounter.

By the time she reached her car, the night air did little to cool the heat still coursing through her veins.

—

When Olivia finally arrived at her modern yet cozy estate, she was met with the usual silence. The house was large, elegant but minimalistic, with a grand staircase in the center and floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed the moonlight to filter in.

Her staff greeted her politely as she entered, but she waved them off, needing to be alone with her thoughts. She kicked off her heels, unzipped her dress, and threw on a silk robe before sinking into the plush armchair in her bedroom.

Yet, Dimitri's voice still echoed in her head.

"Careful, Olivia. You might enjoy the chase more than you think."

She shivered—not from cold, but from something far more dangerous.

Olivia wasn't used to feeling this way. She wasn't used to a man affecting her this much. It frustrated her. It excited her.

With an annoyed sigh, she stood and decided to push everything aside. She had more important things to focus on. Like her family.

Tomorrow was the festive holiday, and she had planned to spend the day at her parents' house. Maybe that was exactly what she needed—to be around people who grounded her.

—

The next morning, Olivia drove the short mile to her parents' grand estate, an expansive white-brick mansion nestled behind wrought-iron gates. The driveway was lined with lush gardens, and the scent of fresh pine filled the air.

Inside, the warmth of home welcomed her immediately.

"Liv!" Savannah was the first to greet her, pulling her into a tight hug. Olivia smiled as she embraced her eldest sister, then turned just in time for Avery to do the same.

"Look at you," Avery teased, stepping back to admire Olivia. "Still the best-dressed one in the family."

Olivia rolled her eyes but laughed. "I have to keep up my reputation."

Their parents, Mikeson and Charlotte Carter, were in the living room, smiling as their three daughters reunited. The air was filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals, and the sound of children laughing as they ran through the halls.

It was chaos. It was home.

For hours, the family ate, talked, and laughed. Olivia played with her nieces and nephews, caught up with her sisters, and for a while, she forgot about everything else.

—

After dinner, as everyone retired for the night, Olivia found herself restless. Instead of heading to bed, she slipped outside onto the balcony, where she found her father, standing silently, gazing at the midnight sky.

Mikeson Carter was a man of wisdom and strength. Even in his sixties, he held an air of authority. His once-dark hair had grayed at the edges, but his sharp eyes were as piercing as ever.

"You never change," Olivia said softly, stepping beside him. "You always loved staring at the stars."

Her father chuckled. "And you always loved finding me here when something was on your mind."

She smiled at that. He knew her too well.

"How's everything going?" he asked after a moment.

She sighed, folding her arms. "Business is… business. Deals. Contracts. Negotiations."

"And?"

She hesitated before finally adding, "Stavros made an offer. He wants to buy Carter Wave Solutions."

Her father turned his head slightly, studying her. "And what did you say?"

Olivia straightened her spine. "I refused."

Mikeson was silent for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "Good."

She exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"I built that company for my daughters," he continued. "And I trust you to protect it. You've done an excellent job so far, Olivia. I hope you know that."

The rare moment of praise warmed her.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Her father nodded, then turned his gaze back to the sky. Olivia stood there a moment longer, letting his quiet presence soothe her.

After a few more minutes, she finally said, "Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

And with that, she turned and walked back inside, feeling just a little bit stronger than before.