From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 39

“Mm-hmm.”

“At lunch, Susan will stop by with your meal, and I’ll swing by to pick you up after work. If anything comes up, just give me a call.”

Ethan Carter’s lips curled into a gentle, easy smile.

It wasn’t a big grin, but somehow it just put people at ease.

Olivia Bennett unbuckled her seatbelt, half-laughing as she replied, “I know, Mr. Carter, you literally just told me all this.”

Ethan Carter arched an eyebrow. “Did I?”

“Yes, you did,” Olivia insisted, hopping out of the car and flashing him a bright smile. She waved. “Bye, Mr. Carter! Drive safe!”

She turned and hurried off.

Ethan’s dark eyes softened as he watched her go. He was just reaching for the ignition when he saw Olivia pause at the studio door and wave back at him from across the lot.

He couldn’t help but chuckle, waving in return, a little more enthusiastically this time.

Only when he saw Olivia disappear inside did he finally pull away.

Inside the studio, Olivia found Helen Adams and three others already waiting.

“Olivia! You’re here!” Helen called out, hurrying over with her usual burst of energy.

The other three stood up as well. Since they were a bit older than Olivia, they didn’t echo Helen’s casual greeting. Hill, the more reserved one, nodded politely. “Ms. Bennett.”

They’d all been chatting online over the past week, so Olivia felt pretty comfortable with them by now.

She glanced around, matching names to faces.

There were two makeup artists—Fannie Parker and Davina Ford—and the photographer, Bonnie Main. All of them had that classic, wholesome Aileen look.

With a warm smile, Olivia handed out four little envelopes. “First day on the job—everyone gets a welcome bonus.”

Helen let out a relieved sigh. “Phew, good. I wasn’t sure if it was for real—it’s the first time someone’s dropped off lunch for you! I almost thought it was a scam, but figured I’d double-check before kicking her out.”

Helen grinned, sticking out her tongue. “Anyway, you go eat! Fannie, Bonnie, and I are heading out for lunch too.”

There was a café right next door, and Olivia always covered part of their meals.

They could bring a packed lunch if they wanted, but honestly, everyone was too lazy for that. Usually, they just popped over to the café, which had big windows and always smelled like fresh bagels and coffee—no worries about hygiene.

“Sounds good.”

Olivia headed out to the front.

Susan was waiting at reception with that warm, motherly smile. “Olivia!” she called out.

The others didn’t really know Olivia’s personal situation, so only Helen, who’d followed her out, paused curiously in the doorway.