Page 107 of His To Unravel
Olivia turns toward him, offering a polite smile. “That’s right. Ashby’s a small town, but I’ve always liked its quiet charm.”
“And your family?” he continues, his fork resting neatly against the edge of his plate. “Tell me about them.”
Olivia doesn’t hesitate. “It’s just me, my parents, and myyounger twin brothers. They keep me on my toes. My family runs a diner—it’s been in the family for years.”
I keep my expression neutral, though my grip tightens around my knife. She says it with such ease. But I know my father, and I brace myself for a dismissive remark or veiled critique.
“A family business,” my father says after a pause, leaning back in his chair. “That’s admirable. It takes a certain discipline to manage something like that. And you’ve made it to Halford—also an admirable achievement.”
The approval in his tone surprises me. I glance at him, trying to discern any hidden meaning in his words, but his expression remains impassive.
Olivia offers a small smile. “Thank you. It wasn’t easy, but Halford has definitely been worth the effort.”
My father inclines his head slightly, a rare acknowledgment.
I exhale slowly through my nose, a flicker of relief coursing through me. Whatever he thinks of her modest background, Olivia’s poise manages to shift his perspective, at least for now.
“Halford has always maintained rigorous standards,” he continues, his tone steady but probing. “Especially for its scholarships. If I’m not mistaken, you’re on one, aren’t you?”
Olivia nods. “That’s correct. I was fortunate enough to be awarded one.”
“Fortunate, yes,” my father says, his gaze unwavering. “But also well-earned. The selection process is thorough; I’ve been on the board long enough to know that.”
Her posture remains composed, her expression polite yet confident. “I’ve certainly learned a lot during my time there. It’s been an incredible opportunity.”
I watch the exchange closely, my focus split between her calm demeanor and my father’s reactions. He isn’t an easy man to impress, but there’s a faint trace of respect in his tone now.
“And what do you plan to do after Halford?” he asks, shiftingthe conversation. “The world opens up considerably for those with its name behind them.”
Olivia doesn’t miss a beat. “I’m pursuing management consulting,” she replies.
“A competitive field,” he remarks. “Have you done any internships?”
“Yes,” she says. “I’ve had the chance to intern with Boston Consulting Group and Castor & Wyatt. Both experiences were invaluable, though I’m leaning toward Castor & Wyatt for the long term.”
“Both are excellent firms,” my father acknowledges. “Castor & Wyatt has a reputation for its selectivity, doesn’t it? What makes you lean toward them?”
Olivia meets his gaze directly. “Their focus on innovation and strategic problem-solving aligns closely with my interests. I admire how they emphasize understanding the unique challenges of each client rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.”
My father is quiet for a moment, then nods. “A discerning perspective. It speaks well of your judgment.”
Pride swells in my chest as I watch her, but the sensation is quickly tempered by a sense of indignation. While she handles his scrutiny well, I hate that he feels entitled to examine her like she’s another business acquisition.
My father isn’t finished—not with her, and certainly not with me.
I can feel it in the way he leans back in his chair, his expression measured, the deliberate pause before he speaks again. Charles Caldwell never engages in idle conversation—there is always a calculated purpose in every exchange.
His gaze shifts between Olivia and me before settling on her once more. “It seems Nathaniel has chosen well.”
Olivia, ever composed, merely offers a polite smile, but Istiffen at the wording.Chosen well.As if she was a stock investment, something to be analyzed for long-term viability.
“I wonder what Alexander would’ve thought of you, Olivia,” my father continues, swirling the dark amber liquid in his glass. “He had such a keen sense of people’s character. He would’ve admired someone as poised as you.”
The air freezes in my lungs.
Of course he would bring up Alexander now. My father’s approval—even when granted—always comes with a price.
Olivia tilts her head, unruffled. “That’s very kind of you to say, Mr. Caldwell.”
