From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 316

Adelina Lane leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Your mom’s not here, Carlson. Come on, spill the beans. I promise, I won’t tell her.”

Carlson Baker glanced at her, looking a little uneasy. He cleared his throat. “She’s a bit young. I haven’t really told her yet. I’m just… waiting for the right time.”

Adelina raised her brows, her voice teasing. “How young? Don’t tell me she’s still underage.”

Carlson’s eyes widened in alarm. “No way! She’s already graduated college.”

“How long ago did she graduate?”

“Not that long ago,” he said, fidgeting.

Adelina nodded knowingly. “So, she’s pretty young then.”

She did some quick mental math. College grads were usually 21, maybe 22. Maybe even a little younger.

Carlson was the same age as Ethan Carter—28.

That was a pretty big age gap.

Ethan shot Carlson a wry look. “Robbing the cradle, aren’t we?”

Carlson huffed in disbelief. “Oh, like you’re one to talk.”

Olivia Bennett piped up, “We’re only four years apart. That’s not even close.”

Carlson grumbled, “You two always team up. I can’t win. And it’s not like the gap’s that huge.”

Adelina, still in full gossip mode, leaned forward. “So, how many years apart are you, really?”

Carlson took a deep breath, clearly eager to change the subject. “Hey, it’s Olivia’s birthday today. Let’s not talk about me. I need to use the restroom—carry on, I’ll be back.”

He got up and made a hasty exit, his quick steps betraying his desire to escape the interrogation.

Olivia couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She looked over at Ethan. “You’re terrible.”

Ethan just shrugged, looking completely innocent. “Hey, he needed something to do.”

At least it kept the conversation lively.

Lily George looked over the spread and nodded in approval. “Damian, you really outdid yourself!”

Damian smiled modestly. “Just some home cooking. Glad you like it.”

Lance Carter pulled out a chair for Lily. “Please, have a seat.”

Lily flashed him a grateful smile and sat down without protest. The rest of the group quickly found their places.

No sooner had they started eating than the compliments started flying.

Damian beamed, glancing at Olivia with warmth in his eyes. “Since it’s Olivia’s birthday, I won’t get all emotional. I just hope my little girl has a happy, safe life, and I’m grateful to all of you for looking out for her. So, here’s to you all.”

He raised his glass.

Lance, sitting right beside him, clapped Damian on the back and grinned. “No need for thanks between family. Today’s a day to celebrate. Cheers, everyone!”

Everyone raised their glasses—wine, soda, milk—clinking them together in the air.

Olivia, with her glass of milk, took a small sip. She couldn’t help but feel a warm, sunny glow spreading through her chest. Today, everything just felt right.