From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 293

Lance Carter fiddled with the invitation in his hand, glancing at Mason Bennett with a raised brow. “You want me to just walk in holding this?”

Mason blinked, finally catching on. He took the invitation from Lance and handed it to the usher with a polite nod. “Right this way, Mr. Carter. Please, go ahead.”

With that, the group headed inside.

The reception hall was already buzzing with people, the air thick with laughter and the clink of champagne glasses. Carmen Gates had been greeting guests near the entrance, but as soon as she spotted them, she hustled over—her eyes freezing on Olivia Bennett.

She stared, then blinked, looking Olivia up and down as if trying to make sure she wasn’t seeing things.

The usual small-talk she had prepared seemed to catch in her throat. Her mouth opened, but all that came out was a hesitant, “You’re… pregnant?”

Olivia’s expression didn’t budge. “Is that a problem?”

Before Carmen could stammer out a reply, Mason swooped in, his voice brisk. “Come on, Carmen. Can’t you see Olivia’s not feeling well? Let’s get her seated first. We all know you care, but let her sit down before you start the third degree.”

That snapped Carmen out of it. She plastered on a warm smile, suddenly the picture of a doting aunt. “Of course, Olivia! Here, come sit up front. It’s wonderful news, I’m just surprised, that’s all.”

Her voice was all honey, but Olivia had long since gotten used to their double-faced hospitality. She wasn’t here to bond with anyone.

“No need. I’d rather sit in the back,” Olivia replied coolly.

Mason tried to usher them toward seats right up front by the dance floor. “It’s better up here, you’ll see everything.”

“The front’s too loud. I’d like some peace and quiet,” Olivia insisted.

Ethan Carter jumped in, “We’ll just sit here, thanks.”

Mason sighed, giving in. “Alright, suit yourselves. As long as you’re here, that’s what matters.”

As Ethan helped Olivia into her seat, Mason hurried to pull out a chair for Lance Carter as well.

Carmen, oblivious to his thoughts, finished pulling out the chair and stepped aside quietly.

Mason put on a professional smile. “Mr. Carter, you folks relax here. I’ve got some things to handle. If you need anything, just ask my wife.”

He nodded at Carmen. “Take good care of our guests, okay?”

Carmen nodded dutifully. “Of course.”

As Mason walked away, Carmen glanced at Olivia’s group, opening her mouth to say something, but Olivia cut her off. “We just want to enjoy the wedding quietly. We don’t need anything. You can go.”

Carmen’s smile twitched, but she kept it up. “Alright then, just let me know if you need anything—I’ll be around.”

Olivia nodded curtly.

As Carmen walked away, the smile dropped from her face the moment she turned around.