Chapter 23

Olivia

“That’s literally all it was,” I insisted. “He had questions about the presentation.”

“For an hour?” Alice asked.

“He’s thorough,” I replied, feeling my cheeks heat at the double entendre.

“I bet he is,” Nova waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Thorough in all the right places.”

“Oh my god, stop!” I laughed despite myself.

“Come on, Liv,” Vivian pressed. “You can tell us if something’s going on.”

“There’s nothing going on,” I said firmly. “I barely know the man.”

“Well, you should get to know him,” Alice suggested. “He’s single, rich, and looks at you like he wants to eat you alive.”

“I’m not interested,” I lied. “Besides, I just broke up with Ryan. I’m not looking to jump into anything new.”

“Fuck Ryan,” Nova said bluntly. “That cheating asshole doesn’t deserve another thought. You should be out there get- ting under someone new to get over him.”

“And that someone should be Alexander Carter,” Vivian added with a grin.

“You’re all impossible,” I groaned. “Go to happy hour without me.”

“Fine, but you’re missing out,” Alice said, grabbing her jacket. “Last chance?”

I shook my head. “I really need to finish this.”

“Your loss,” Nova called over her shoulder as they headed for the elevator. “Don’t work too late!”

As soon as they were gone, I let out a long breath. Alone at last.

most employees had left for the day. Alexander’s secretary was still

she greeted me with a polite smile. “Mr. Carter is expecting you.

once

was at his desk, focused on a stack of papers. He didn’t look up immediately, giving me a moment to study his profile, the sharp jawline, the

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16:44

Chapter 23

he finally said, setting down his pen and looking up.

waiting,” I replied, trying to sound casual despite my racing

gestured to the chair across from his desk.

perched on the edge of the seat,

thick document across

contract

laid out in meticulous detail. I’d receive $300,000 immediately upon signing, and another $700,000 would be transferred on our wedding day. If Alexander canceled the arrangement before

$5 million. If the contract extended beyond one year, I’d receive

I murmured, flipping

in fair compensation,” Alexander

We would share a bedroom. We would engage in “physical

in here,” I noted,

voice was firm.

posts. There were clauses about confidentiality, prenuptial agreements, and even how

thorough,” I said, flipping to

leave anything to

mind racing. “And if I sign

you leave

deep breath. “The estate… will your family be living

lips quirked. “Curious about our living arrangements

know if I’ll

My parents have

nodded, trying to imagine the size of the

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