The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 36

I nodded, swallowing hard. “And the cost?”

“Don’t worry about that right now.”

“Nick.”

He sighed. “Insurance will cover part of it, but there’s a significant out–of–pocket. Plus the recovery, medications, follow–up care… it adds up.”

“My company will take care of it,” I said firmly.

Nick’s eyebrows shot up. “Carter Enterprises has that kind of health coverage?”

“It’s… complicated. But yes, we’ll have the money.”

He studied my face, clearly wanting to ask more questions but too tired to push. “If you say so. Where’s Ethan?”

“He’s not here yet?”

“Probably still on his way. I left him a message.”

I checked my phone. No texts from our younger brother. “I’ll try him again.”

Before I could dial, Mom returned with two cups of coffee. She handed one to me.

“Thank you.” I took a sip of the bitter hospital brew. “Has anyone called Aunt Cynthia?”

“I’ll do it once we know more,” Mom said, sitting back down. “No sense worrying her until we have actual news.”

We settled into the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, the three of us forming a small island in the quiet hallway. A nurse came by to check on us, promising updates soon. Time stretched and contracted in the strange way it does in hospitals, minutes feeling like hours.

“Oh!” Mom suddenly exclaimed, turning to me with wide eyes. “I almost forgot with everything happening. I saw your picture in the news yesterday.”

clenched.

to overhear. “The CEO of your company? The article said

head swiveled toward me. “You’re dating Alexander Carter?

I’d planned to have this conversation. I glanced

said carefully. “We were going to tell everyone next week

for him,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with concern.

briefly before I joined Carter Enterprises,” I explained,

1/3

of timing issues.”

before,” Nick

“When I got the job at Carter, I decided to keep it professional and not mention our

connections.”

expression softened. “That makes sense. You’ve

nodded, relieved she was accepting the explanation. “We reconnected recently at a company event,

in his chair, studying me. “So the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world just happens

laugh. “Life is strange

Mom added, reaching for her phone. “Look, there are pictures of you two

same photos I’d already seen–Alexander and me leaving Maison Laurent, his hand possessively at

in on the image.

my cheeks warm. “Can we maybe talk about this later? I’m more concerned about Dad

now.”

sobered. “Of course. Sorry, it was

we’ll have a real conversation

someone special, and Alexander Carter doesn’t seem like

the real

on Dad?” I asked, more sharply than I

flashing across her face. “Of

I didn’t mean to snap. I’m

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