The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 21

I took another deep breath. “Yes, I accept your proposal.”

“May I ask what changed your mind?”

“My father,” I admitted. “He needs that heart surgery, and the waiting list for the affordable option is eighteen months long. The doctors don’t think he has that long. With your money, I can get him into the best cardiac center in the country next month.”

Alexander nodded, his expression serious. “Family is important. I respect your dedication to yours.”

“It’s not just the money,” I added, needing him to understand. “My dad raised three kids. He worked two jobs to put food on the table but never complained, even when things were tight. He deserves better than dying on a waiting list because insurance won’t cover the procedure he needs.”

“You don’t need to justify your decision to me, Olivia. We all have our reasons for the choices we make.”

“What’s yours?” I asked before I could stop myself. “Why go through all this trouble? Surely there are easier ways to keep control of your company.”

A brief flash of vulnerability crossed his features, vanishing so swiftly I wondered if I had imagined it.

“My grandfather built Carter Enterprises from nothing. My father expanded it. Now it’s my responsibility to expand and protect that legacy.” His jaw tightened. “Victoria would dismantle it within a year, sell off the profitable divi- sions, and leave thousands unemployed.”

“So this is about protecting jobs?”

“It’s about honoring a legacy and preventing my cousin from destroying something that took generations to build.”

I nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility he carried.

“I understand,” I said softly. “And I… I want to thank you for selecting me. For the money, especially.” My voice caught slightly. “You have no idea how much this helps me. My—”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Alexander interrupted, his expression softening. “This arrangement benefits us both.”

“Still, there were other candidates. You didn’t have to choose me.”

was steady, unwavering. “You’re intelligent, capable, and understand business. And there’s…”

creep up my neck. “Is that

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you call it?” His lips curved

my throat, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me flustered. “A

he added, his voice dropping to that dangerous octave that made my insides

“You’re incorrigible.”

“And you’re blushing.”

trying to regain

Meet

“That’s fast.”

leaned forward slightly. “After that, we’ll need to go on several dates to estab- lish our relationship publicly. Form a bond. We can’t look awkward in front of my

love.” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm

can happen in a few weeks,” he continued, ignoring my tone. “Or at least an engagement, depending on

just about signing a contract. I would be meeting his family, planning a wedding, saying vows in front of witnesses, living with this man, and sharing

I said, my voice smaller than I

studied me for a moment, then stood and walked towards

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

react, he pulled me into a hug.

need to get comfortable

let myself relax into his embrace. His body was warm and solid against mine, his arms strong around my waist. I tentatively placed my hands on his

he said, his breath tickling my

had hardened against his chest. Could he feel

pulled back slightly but kept his hands on my waist.