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.”

the best option.” His gaze was steady, unwavering. “You’re intelligent, capable, and

my neck. “Is that what

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would you call it?” His lips curved

refusing to give him the

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

“You’re incorrigible.”

“And you’re blushing.”

trying to regain

lawyer prepare the final contract by this evening. Meet me at my office at 6

“That’s fast.”

go on several dates to estab- lish our relationship publicly. Form

in love.” I couldn’t keep the sarcasm from my

an engagement, depending on my parents’ and grandfather’s decisions. They’ll want to be involved in

I was agreeing to suddenly hit me full force. This wasn’t 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

walked towards me. He extended his

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

to my feet. Before I could react, he pulled me into a

need to get comfortable with

his arms strong around my waist. I

Not so terrible,” he said, his breath tickling my

trying to ignore how my nipples had hardened against his chest. Could he feel them? The thought

kept his hands on my waist. “We’ll need