From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 238

What an embarrassment—Olivia Bennett had totally spaced out staring at Ethan Carter again.

At least Ethan took pity on her this time and didn’t tease her. He just went upstairs to change clothes.

Downstairs, Adelina Lane and Lily George had already headed out.

Olivia glanced at her phone, absentmindedly replaying the evening in her head.

Honestly, she hadn’t really lost. Like Lily and Adelina said, she’d been winning the most at the start anyway. So even when Ethan swooped in and won a bunch back, all she really did was break even.

Besides, it was just a family game night—no one was keeping serious score. The lighthearted trash talk was all part of the fun.

Carlson Baker was lounging on the couch, watching her with a half-smirk. “So, how much did you lose?”

Olivia arched a brow, grinning. “You’re not actually gonna Venmo me, are you?”

Carlson just nodded, his tone casual but sincere. “Of course. I keep my word.”

Olivia’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Feeling generous tonight, huh? Why don’t you show me your big-shot energy and Venmo me, say, fifty grand?”

“Sure,” Carlson replied, pulling out his phone. “Text me your account.”

She laughed, realizing he might actually do it. “Wow, must be nice to be Ms. Bennett—fifty grand, just like that.”

Carlson shot her a look. “You think I’d do that for just anyone? If you weren’t my Olivia, and I wasn’t worried you’d cry about losing, you think I’d send you a dime?”

She shot him a glare, indignant. “Cry? You think I’m that soft?”

He gave her a lazy smile. “No, you don’t cry over losing at poker. Only when you can’t figure out your homework.”

Olivia froze, then groaned, fighting the urge to strangle him.

“I’m twenty-two! Are you seriously bringing up my embarrassing childhood moments?”

Of all her regrets, the biggest was letting Carlson see her cry over homework when she was a kid. He’d never let her live it down.

Carlson waved his phone. “Venmo me five bucks and I’ll forget all about it.”

She rolled her eyes. “Do I look stupid to you?”

Every now and then, Beatty would come over too—she tended to stick to Olivia like glue. Beatty had her struggles, but she was so sweet and funny that Olivia always found herself laughing around her. Knowing what Beatty had been through, Olivia enjoyed their time together all the more.

Before they knew it, the holidays were just around the corner.

One afternoon, Adelina suggested a trip to the mall. Olivia had nothing better to do and tagged along.

Adelina browsed all sorts of things, but she always just told the staff to have them delivered to the house. By the end, their hands were still empty.

Adelina looked at Olivia with gentle concern. “You tired?”

Olivia shook her head. “I’m good.”

They’d barely walked half the mall, and there were plenty of cozy spots to sit and rest in each store.

Adelina checked her watch. “Ethan said he’d pick us up after his meeting, but he’ll be a little while yet. Want to check out the baby stuff?”

Olivia’s eyes lit up. “Definitely!”

They set off towards the baby stores, but before they’d gone more than a few steps, a commotion broke out nearby.