From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 174

He led the way, and both Adelina Lane and Naomi Barton looked relieved.

Naomi leaned in with a smile, “Make sure you keep an eye on Olivia, okay?”

“Yeah, I got it,” Carlson Baker replied, glancing at Olivia Bennett. “Olivia, let’s go.”

Olivia gave a small nod.

Clearly, she was much more interested in grabbing a quiet bite to eat than mingling with strangers.

As soon as the two of them stepped away, the group around Adelina and Naomi burst into whispers.

“Wait, who’s Aileen?” someone asked, eyeing the unfamiliar face.

But Carlson just called her Olivia. Anyone he called by their first name had to be someone important.

Adelina grinned. “That’s my Olivia.”

That was all it took for the whole group to fall into stunned silence.

It was a long moment before one woman finally found her voice. “Wait—did Ethan get married?”

Adelina nodded. “He did.”

There was a round of shocked looks, quickly followed by beaming, congratulatory smiles. “No wonder she has such a presence! That’s your Olivia? You’re so lucky!”

“She’s gorgeous, too…”

…

Meanwhile, none of that mattered to Carlson and Olivia.

Carlson looked at her. “What are you in the mood for, Olivia?”

She’d already spotted the dessert table when they walked in. “Maybe something sweet.”

“Sounds good.”

Carlson led her toward the dessert spread, chatting as they went. “Any idea when Ethan’s coming back?”

Olivia hesitated. Ethan Carter had been especially busy lately. They’d only managed to talk a couple of days ago, and she’d mentioned she’d be at this dinner party.

She shook her head. “No clue. Probably a few more days.”

He walked off, and Carlson and Olivia picked out a few treats before finding a quiet corner to sit.

“Want something to drink?” Carlson asked.

Olivia glanced at the drinks table—wine, cocktails, champagne everywhere.

“Just water’s fine,” she said softly.

Carlson nodded, grabbed a bottle, twisted off the cap, and handed it to her. “Seriously, Olivia, if there’s anything you need, just let me know. Don’t be shy.”

She smiled politely. “You really don’t need to fuss over me. I’ll be fine here by myself. If you need to go mingle, go ahead.”

Carlson sighed, exasperated in a familiar way. “What would I even do out there? You know exactly why my mom throws these parties. Honestly, I’d rather just hang out here.”

Olivia’s lips curved up in a grateful smile.

Not far away, Lavinia Bennett snapped a quick photo and sent it off to Daniel Gill. The second she did, Claire Camp grabbed her arm, eyes wide with disbelief.

“Lavinia—is that your Olivia? Olivia Bennett?”