The CEO's Secret Obsession-Chapter 145: Ursula Carter

[International Airport — Arrivals Hall]

The sliding doors opened with a soft hiss and Evelyn spotted her instantly.

Ursula Carter stood just beyond the barrier with her coat draped elegantly over one arm, sunglasses perched on her head and her posture relaxed but unmistakably commanding.

Silver threaded through her dark hair like intent rather than age and her eyes—sharp, amused—were already scanning the crowd.

Then they landed on Evelyn.

"Well," Ursula drawled, lips curving into a smile, "you took your time."

Evelyn laughed, relief and excitement flooding her all at once. "You just landed."

"Yes and yet I have already been standing here long enough to judge everyone’s fashion choices," Ursula replied dryly before pulling Evelyn into a tight hug. "You look good, happy and you already have the bridal glow."

Evelyn smiled against her shoulder. "I missed you."

"I know," Ursula said easily. "I am unforgettable."

She pulled back, hands resting on Evelyn’s shoulders, studying her face with careful attention—not prying, just observing. Whatever she saw seemed to satisfy her.

Then her gaze shifted and stopped.

Alexander.

Ursula arched a brow slowly, interest sparking immediately. "Ah, you must be the Reid boy."

Alexander stepped forward instinctively, polite but composed. "Mrs. Carter."

Ursula looked him up and down—thoroughly, unapologetically—then hummed softly.

"So," she said, turning back to Evelyn, "this is the man who made you sound insufferably content on the phone."

Evelyn groaned. "Grandma—"

"I like him," Ursula interrupted, extending her hand to Alexander. "You look like someone who understands responsibility and restraint."

Alexander shook her hand, a faint smile appearing. "I try."

"Good," she replied. "This family does not survive on charm alone."

Evelyn blinked. "That was fast."

Ursula smirked. "Please. I formed opinions about people in under five seconds long before you were born."

She looped her arm through Evelyn’s. "Now, take me home."

"Of course," Evelyn smiled.

As they started walking toward the exit, Ursula leaned closer to Alexander and murmured, just loud enough to be heard for Evelyn to hear it too.

"And tell Margaret Reid that I have arrived."

"So you remember her?" Evelyn asked.

Ursula’s smile turned sharper. "Oh, darling. How could I forget?"

Alexander glanced between them, sensing history but wisely choosing silence.

Ursula straightened, slipping her sunglasses back on as the automatic doors opened.

"This wedding," she added lightly, "is going to be very entertaining."

.....

[Carter Mansion — Afternoon]

The car rolled through the familiar iron gates of the Carter mansion, gravel crunching softly beneath the tires.

Evelyn glanced at Ursula through the rearview mirror.

Her grandmother sat comfortably in the back seat with sunglasses perched on her nose and her posture relaxed like she had never left this place for more than a weekend.

Alexander parked the car and stepped out first, moving around to open the back door.

"Home already? I thought it would take longer," Ursula said dryly, peering out. "I swear this driveway gets longer every year."

Evelyn laughed as she stepped out beside her. "You are just less patient."

"No," Ursula corrected calmly. "I am just older and less impressed."

Alexander offered his arm and she eyed it for half a second before accepting it with a small, approving nod.

"Still a gentleman," she remarked. "Good. I was worried Evelyn picked one of those emotionally unavailable disasters."

Evelyn groaned. "Grandma."

Ursula patted Alexander’s arm. "Relax, darling. If you were one, I would have known already." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The front doors opened before they reached the steps.

Gregory and Melissa were already there.

"Mom," Gregory said warmly, stepping forward. "You are right on time."

"Of course I am," she replied smoothly. "I raised my son better than to keep people waiting."

She let go of Alexander and embraced Gregory briefly.

"You look well," she added. "Still brooding, still serious. Some things don’t change."

Gregory smiled faintly. "Neither do you."

Melissa stepped in next, pulling Ursula into a longer hug.

"It’s so good to see you," Melissa said genuinely. "You must be exhausted."

Ursula pulled back, studying her daughter-in-law with mock seriousness. "Please. I survived raising Gregory. A flight is nothing."

Evelyn laughed. "She has been roasting people since baggage claim."

"As I should," Ursula said calmly. "Jet lag makes me honest."

Alexander stood slightly to the side, watching the exchange with quiet amusement.

Ursula turned to him again, assessing him properly now—head to toe, unhurried.

"So," she said.

Alexander straightened instinctively. "Yes, ma’am."

She smiled. It was warm but discerning.

"Hm. Good posture, calm eyes and you didn’t flinch once today." She nodded once. "I approve."

Evelyn blinked. "That’s it? That’s all he has to do?"

"For now," Ursula replied lightly. "We will see how he handles the rest of the family."

Gregory chuckled under his breath.

"Come inside," Melissa said, gesturing toward the door. "You must be hungry."

"I am," Ursula agreed. "And I want tea before Margaret hears I have arrived and decides to pretend she is not delighted."

"Are you delighted?"

Ursula smiled faintly. "Of course. Old rivals keep life interesting."

Alexander caught Evelyn’s eye and mouthed, "Good luck."

She rolled her eyes but she was smiling as they stepped inside together.

.....

As soon as the group entered the house, Alexander checked his watch and exhaled softly.

"I really hate leaving like this," he said, already reaching for his coat. "But the board insisted. I have to be there."

Ursula waved him off with a knowing smile. "Go. If you are late, they will think you are weak. Powerful people love punctuality almost as much as control."

Alexander chuckled despite himself. He leaned down and pressed a brief kiss to Evelyn’s temple. "I will call you once I am done."

"I know," Evelyn said softly. "Go."

Gregory cleared his throat. "I will head out as well. Stayed longer than I planned."

He turned to Ursula. "Rest, you must be tired."

"Tired, not fragile," Ursula replied dryly. "Don’t worry about me."

Gregory smiled, then left with Alexander, the sound of footsteps fading down the corridor.

Melissa clapped her hands lightly. "Alright then. I will check on lunch before it turns into a disaster."

She squeezed Ursula’s shoulder affectionately, gave Evelyn a quick look and disappeared toward the kitchen.

The house suddenly felt quiet, too quiet.

Evelyn shifted slightly, suddenly aware that she was alone with her grandmother.

Ursula studied her for a long moment—not critically, not unkindly—but with the sharp, assessing gaze of a woman who had survived decades of power games.

"Sit," Ursula said, gesturing to the couch.

And Evelyn obeyed.

....