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. “My

though no one was nearby to overhear.

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

was not the time or place I’d planned to have this conversation. I

said carefully. “We were going to tell

said, her brow furrowing with concern.

briefly before I joined Carter Enterprises,” I explained, reciting the cover story Alexander and I had agreed upon. “It

1/3

of timing issues.”

him before,” Nick pointed out, crossing

got the job at Carter, I decided to keep it professional and not mention our history. I wanted

connections.”

makes sense. You’ve always been so focused on

the explanation. “We reconnected recently at a company

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

forced a laugh. “Life is

all over the news,” Mom added, reaching for her phone. “Look,

me leaving Maison Laurent, his hand possessively at my waist, my face partially obscured

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

“Can we maybe talk about this

now.”

“Of course. Sorry, it was just

conversation about it soon. I was planning to tell you all

my hand. “I think it’s wonderful. You deserve someone special, and Alexander Carter doesn’t seem like

only knew the real terms

please focus on Dad?” I asked, more sharply than I

across her face.

guilty. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to

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