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.”

stomach clenched. “My

She lowered her voice, though no one was nearby to overhear. “The CEO of your company? The

me. “You’re

choked on my coffee. This was not the time or place I’d planned to have this conversation. I glanced at my mother’s expectant face,

were going to tell everyone next

him,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with

a few seconds to organize my thoughts. “We actually dated briefly before I joined Carter

1/3

of timing issues.”

before,” Nick pointed out,

before it got serious,” I replied, keeping my voice even. “When I got the job at Carter, I decided to keep it professional and not mention our history. I wanted to be judged on my

connections.”

makes sense. You’ve always been so focused

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

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

laugh.

her phone.

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

beautiful, honey,” Mom said, zooming in on the image.

cheeks warm. “Can we maybe

now.”

“Of course. Sorry, it was just

I promise we’ll have a real conversation about it soon. I was planning to tell you all

“I think it’s wonderful. You deserve someone special, and Alexander Carter doesn’t seem like the kind to cheat. He could

she only knew the real terms

can we please focus on Dad?” I

flashing across her face. “Of

guilty. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean

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