From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 202

Mason Bennett pressed his lips together and turned to Carmen Gates. “Where’d you put the stuff?”

Carmen answered, “I had the housekeeper pack it up in a box yesterday. Didn’t want it getting lost, so I left it in the study.”

Mason nodded and said, “Go fetch it, will you?”

“Sure thing,” Carmen replied and headed out of the room.

Mason turned his attention back to the others, his tone turning warm and inviting. “It’s freezing out there. Mr. Carter, Olivia, why don’t you make yourselves comfortable? Have a seat, warm up with some tea while you wait.”

Olivia didn’t even glance at him. “No, thanks.”

Mason’s smile faltered. “Olivia, I know Ethan’s always looked out for you, but you can’t keep acting like this. Ethan just got here—he shouldn’t have to stand around in the hall.”

His voice took on a harder edge.

Ethan Carter’s face darkened. “I’ll do whatever she wants.”

Just a few words, but they said everything.

Mason’s expression tightened as he realized just how much Olivia mattered to Ethan.

He forced a gentle smile. “No offense meant. I just don’t want you both catching cold—and you’re family. No need to stand on ceremony.”

Olivia’s face stayed blank, silence stretching between them.

Mason shifted awkwardly.

Lavinia Bennett, who couldn’t stand Olivia’s aloof attitude, silently cursed her cousin and tugged Daniel Gill by the arm. “Come on, let’s go sit down.”

Mason shot Lavinia a sharp look, narrowing his eyes.

Lavinia hesitated, muttering under her breath, “So, just because she won’t sit, we’re not allowed to? Daniel’s a guest, too.”

Daniel shrugged. “I’m fine. I sit all day at Carter Industries. Standing’s a nice change.”

Mason quickly added, “You hardly ever come by. Why not stay a bit? Carmen even had dinner planned. No rush—eat with us first.”

Carmen chimed in, “Yeah, the chef’s already in the kitchen. Dinner will be ready in an hour. Why don’t you sit, have some fruit? I had fresh strawberries and apples delivered this morning.”

Olivia replied, “I’m allergic to strawberries, he’s allergic to apples.”

Carmen faltered. “Oh. Really?” She forced a laugh. “I’ll have them take those away and bring out something else.”

Olivia shot her a look, pure sarcasm in her eyes.

Twenty years, and this was the first time Carmen had ever tried to be nice.

Olivia turned away, slipping her hand into Ethan’s, and headed for the door.

Mason’s eyes widened in alarm. He rushed to block their way, plastering on a smile. “Don’t be in such a hurry. We’re family, after all. Mr. Carter, this is your first time visiting since the wedding. Like a proper homecoming—you should at least stay for a meal.”

Olivia looked him straight in the eye, a cold, mocking smile on her lips. “Funny. After Grandma passed, you told me I wasn’t family anymore. You know as well as I do: if it weren’t for this box, I never would’ve set foot in this house again.”