Chapter 17 - THE FIRST MILLIONCarter & North crossed $5 million annual revenue in year four.
Olivia’s personal wealth passed first million again.
Then second.
Not overnight.
Not lottery.
No billionaire rescuer.
Contracts.
Payroll.
Mistakes.
A disastrous hire.
One client who didn’t pay for four months.
A campaign that failed and cost her sleep.
Success had texture.
She bought a four-bedroom home outside Chicago.
Not mansion.
Bright.
Warm.
Chloe chose yellow bedroom.
Olivia insisted house be in her name.
Not because marriage traumatized her into never trusting.
Because she earned it.
At closing, she remembered first house.
$360,000 check.
Lorraine saying:
“Mark needs to feel ownership.”
This time no one needed feel anything.
Title said:
Olivia Carter.
She smiled.
That evening Chloe ran through empty rooms.
“Is this ours?”
Olivia answered:
“Yes.”
Chloe:
“Can Grandma Lorraine come?”
Olivia paused.
“No.”
“Okay.”
Children adapt faster than adults.
Then Chloe asked:
“Can I paint my room purple?”
Olivia laughed.
“Unfortunately.”
That night Olivia opened wine alone.
Not lonely.
May you like
Alone.
Important difference.
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