Chapter 183: Chapter 183: An Unexpected Guest

**Olivia POV

I was surprised when the mayor called me directly.

“Mrs. Peterson!” His jovial voice boomed in my ear as I cradled Hope in my lap. “It is the Mayor. How are you?”

“Mr. Mayor,” I said, unable to hold in my shock. “I am very well, and you?”

“Everyday is a blessing,” he commented. “Listen, I want to thank you so much for putting up with me keeping Ellis so busy over the past year.”

“Oh, it was nothing,” I said politely.

“I and the city are grateful for all the work that Ellis has put in and so I think that it is time we hosted a gala in his honor. What do you think?”

I was speechless for a moment before I excitedly agreed. Plans had to be made well in advance. There were challenges but they were clear and manageable. It was an honor really, Ellis’s reputation suffering little from his pending charges.

“So, we are definitely using the mansion,” I said, reviewing the note in his office.