The CEO's Secret Obsession-Chapter 144: Historical Rivals

[Reid Mansion — Late Morning]

The sitting area was bathed in soft sunlight, the kind that made everything feel slower and calmer than it actually was.

Margaret sat in her usual armchair, a porcelain cup balanced perfectly in her hand.

Pauline occupied the sofa across from her, elegant as ever, while Alexander leaned against the armrest beside Evelyn, listening more than speaking.

It was one of those rare, quiet moments.

Pauline broke the silence first.

"You should stay for lunch," she said to Evelyn gently. "I have asked the kitchen to make something light."

Evelyn smiled apologetically. "I wish I could but I really have to leave."

Pauline tilted her head. "Work?"

Before Evelyn could answer, Alexander spoke.

"We both have to go," he said easily. "We are picking her grandmother up from the airport."

The effect was immediate.

Margaret’s cup paused halfway to her lips as her brows drew together in a way that was unmistakable.

"Ursula Carter," she said flatly.

Evelyn blinked. "Yes? Grandma Ursula."

Margaret took a slow sip of her tea before setting the cup down with deliberate care.

"So," she murmured, "she has finally decided to come back."

Alexander glanced between them, mildly amused.

Evelyn, however, was now openly confused.

"Do you know my grandmother?" Evelyn asked cautiously.

Margaret let out a short huff. "Know her? That woman and I—"

Pauline laughed suddenly, a soft, knowing sound that cut Margaret off mid-thought.

"Oh, darling," Pauline said, reaching out to pat Evelyn’s hand, "let’s just say your grandmother and mother have a history."

Margaret shot Pauline a look. "That is a very polite way of putting it."

Evelyn’s eyes widened. "What kind of history?"

"The competitive kind," Margaret replied coolly. "The kind that involves bridge games, charity galas and a disagreement over who hosted the better New Year’s dinner back in ’92."

Pauline smiled serenely. "Your grandmother accused Margaret of using store-bought desserts."

Margaret sniffed. "They were imported."

Alexander pressed his lips together, clearly fighting a smile.

Evelyn stared between them, stunned. "You are telling me this has been going on for decades?"

"Generations," Margaret corrected.

Pauline leaned back, amused. "Don’t worry. They tolerate each other very well now."

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "That’s debatable."

Evelyn laughed despite herself. "I had no idea."

"Well," Pauline said warmly, standing up, "it seems the wedding is bringing together more than just two families."

Margaret looked at Alexander then, her expression softening just a touch. "Make sure you are on time. Your grandmother has never liked waiting."

Alexander nodded obediently. "Yes, Grandma."

Evelyn stood as well, slipping her hand into Alexander’s instinctively.

"We will see you later," she said, still smiling in disbelief.

As they walked toward the door, Margaret called after them, dry as ever, "And Evelyn?"

She turned back.

"If Ursula comments on the house," Margaret added, "remind her that taste is subjective."

Pauline laughed again as the door closed behind them.

And for the first time that morning, the mansion felt like it was bracing itself for another strong Carter woman entering its walls.

....

[On the Way to the Airport]

The city slid past the windows in a blur of morning traffic and muted sunlight.

Evelyn sat curled slightly toward the passenger-side window, one hand resting on the door and the other absently tracing patterns on her lap.

Alexander drove one-handed, relaxed but attentive and the radio playing softly in the background.

She broke the silence first.

"So," she said, glancing at him sideways. "About yesterday."

He smiled faintly. "I was wondering how long it would take you to bring that up."

Evelyn laughed. "Lucas grabbing Patricia’s hand like his life depended on it?"

"That," Alexander agreed. "Yes."

"And the woman who appeared out of nowhere and looked like she could buy the mall if she wanted to."

"That would be Helen Hart, Lucas’ mother," he said calmly.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "I figured that the moment I saw her. The resemblance was obvious."

Alexander chuckled. "Unfortunately for Lucas."

She shifted in her seat, fully facing him now. "Okay, explain because Patricia looked like she was one wrong word away from fainting."

Alexander sighed, the kind of sigh that came with long familiarity.

"Lucas is the only son of the Hart family with old money and obsessive parents, especially his mother."

"Of course," Evelyn murmured.

"Helen has a very structured vision for her son’s life," Alexander continued. "Education, career, marriage — preferably to one of her friends’ daughters."

"And let me guess," Evelyn guessed, "Lucas did not appreciate that."

"Not even a little," he said dryly. "He ran the moment he could. Built his own firm, made his own name. But he is still the heir, technically, but he keeps his distance."

Evelyn smiled softly. "So every time his mother sees him—"

"She tries to set him up," Alexander finished. "Aggressively."

"That explains the hand-holding," Evelyn said, amused. "Poor Patricia."

"She was the closest available shield," he said. "Lucas panicked."

Evelyn laughed again, shaking her head. "She played along surprisingly well."

"She did," Alexander agreed. "Though I don’t think she enjoyed it."

"She was terrified," Evelyn corrected fondly. "But also kind of proud. In a ’why is this happening to me’ way."

Alexander glanced at her briefly. "You liked the chaos."

"I did," she admitted. "It was refreshing."

They fell quiet again for a moment.

"I am sure it wasn’t easy for Lucas," she sighed. "Leaving everything and starting a new thing."

"Of course it wasn’t," he answered. "But he is doing very well now and I am very sure his wallet is fatter than mine.

Evelyn chuckled.

"But I am proud of him," Alexander smiled. "I am sure his parents are too."

She looked back out the window, warmth settling in her chest.

"Lucas is lucky," she said after a moment. "He has you."

Alexander smiled faintly. "And I have him. We balance each other out."

The airport sign came into view ahead.

Evelyn straightened slightly, nerves flickering under her calm.

"And now," she said, "we pick up my grandmother."

Alexander’s mouth twitched. "Ursula Carter."

"Yes."

"And apparently," he added, remembering Margaret’s expression, "She is my grandmother’s historical rival."

Evelyn laughed softly. "I am starting to think my family comes with footnotes."

Alexander reached over briefly, squeezing her hand once before returning it to the wheel.

"Good," he said. "So does mine."

The car slowed as they approached the terminal, the air shifting subtly from teasing and warmth to anticipation.

Whatever history was waiting at the airport, they would face it together.

....