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.”

His gaze was steady, unwavering. “You’re intelligent, capable, and understand business. And there’s…” He paused, his eyes darkening

felt heat creep up my neck.

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16:44

call it?” His

my throat, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me

voice dropping to that

“You’re incorrigible.”

“And you’re blushing.”

to regain my composure. “So what happens

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

“That’s fast.”

man.” He 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 family. We need to

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

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

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 his

voice smaller

studied me for a moment, then stood and walked towards me. He extended his hand to me. “Stand

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

in his and rose to my feet. Before I could react, he pulled me into a hug. I stiffened in surprise, my breasts pressing against his hard chest.

my hair. “We need to get comfortable with physical contact. My family

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

he said, his breath tickling my

guess not,” I admitted, trying to ignore how my nipples had hardened against his chest. Could he feel

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