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.”

gaze was steady, unwavering. “You’re intelligent, capable, and understand

neck.

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His lips

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

benefits,” he added, his voice dropping to that dangerous octave that

“You’re incorrigible.”

“And you’re blushing.”

trying to regain my composure.

my lawyer prepare the final contract by this evening. Meet me at my office

“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

couldn’t keep the sarcasm from my

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

agreeing to suddenly hit me full force. This wasn’t just about signing a contract. I would be meeting his

my voice smaller than I

walked towards me. He extended his hand to me.

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

react, he pulled me into a hug. I stiffened in

he murmured against my hair. “We need to get

relax into his embrace. His body was warm and solid against mine, his arms strong around my waist. I

Not so terrible,” he said, his breath tickling

my nipples had hardened against his chest. Could he feel

but kept his hands on my waist. “We’ll need to practice more intimate