From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 173

Olivia Bennett: "..."

Adelina Lane: "..."

Naomi Barton: "..."

His looks and charm were obvious to everyone, but after he said that, the whole group went quiet.

It was like a chilly autumn breeze had swept through the room, knocking all the leaves to the ground.

Sometimes silence says more than words.

Carlson Baker glanced around at them. "What? You all disagree?"

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Wow. Modest as ever, aren’t you?"

"I'm just confident in my looks." Carlson smirked, raising a brow. "My whole life, people have said I take after you. So when I compliment myself, really, I’m just complimenting you."

Naomi snorted. "Nice try. I know I’m good-looking, but at least I have the decency not to brag about it."

Then, realization hit her. "Wait, what are you getting at? Do you even know what I’m planning?"

Carlson met her gaze. "You want to set me up with Olivia."

Naomi smacked his arm, exasperated. "No, genius, I’m trying to find you a girlfriend. If you know that, then go upstairs and change already!"

Carlson didn’t budge. "Relax. There’s no way I’m meeting someone tonight."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

He gently steered her to the couch, nudging her to sit. "It’s your birthday—just enjoy it. Quit worrying about me for once."

Naomi softened a little, looking up at him. "Look, it’s not like I expect you to find The One tonight. But come on, at least make an effort, will you? If you meet someone who clicks, just give it a shot."

"Not gonna happen," Carlson replied immediately, dead serious.

Naomi frowned, about to protest, but Adelina cut in first. "Carlson, is there someone you already like?"

He hesitated, eyes flicking to Adelina before nodding.

With that, she turned away from Carlson, looking to Adelina and Olivia. "Let’s go down and see who’s arrived."

Adelina and Olivia both nodded, happy to escape the conversation.

Carlson called after them, "Not even gonna ask if I’m coming?"

Naomi didn’t even look back. "I don’t care what you do."

And with that, she led Adelina and Olivia downstairs.

Carlson let out a long, quiet sigh, then followed behind them.

The banquet hall was huge—tables everywhere loaded with hors d'oeuvres, sparkling cider, and trays of mini cheesecakes and brownies. The guests were dressed to the nines: men in sharp suits, women in elegant cocktail dresses, everyone mingling and laughing in small groups.

As soon as Naomi and Adelina stepped into the room, a crowd swarmed them—friends and family, all eager to wish Naomi a happy birthday.

Olivia hung back a little, not really interested in the spotlight.

Carlson, too, kept his distance. Watching Olivia, he called over to Adelina and Naomi, "Hey, Mom, Adelina, you guys have fun catching up. I’m gonna grab Olivia some food."