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.

nearby to overhear.

me. “You’re dating Alexander Carter?

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

going to tell

you work for him,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with concern. “Isn’t that

actually dated briefly before I joined Carter Enterprises,” I explained, reciting the cover story Alexander

1/3

of timing issues.”

him before,” Nick pointed

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

connections.”

sense. You’ve always been so focused on your

explanation. “We reconnected recently at a company event, and…

one of the biggest companies in the world just happens to be your ex, and now you’re

a laugh. “Life is strange

news,” Mom added, reaching for her phone.

leaving Maison Laurent, his

look beautiful, honey,” Mom said, zooming in on the image. “That dress

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

now.”

expression immediately sobered. “Of course. Sorry,

have a real conversation about it soon. I was planning to

You deserve someone special, and Alexander Carter doesn’t seem like the kind to cheat.

only knew the real terms

on Dad?” I asked,

her face. “Of course,

felt guilty. “No, I’m sorry. I

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