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

nearby to overhear. “The CEO of

me. “You’re

or place I’d planned to have this conversation. I

recent,” I said carefully. “We were going to tell everyone

him,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with concern. “Isn’t

actually dated briefly before I joined Carter Enterprises,” I explained, reciting the cover story Alexander and I had agreed upon. “It didn’t work out then

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of timing issues.”

him before,” Nick pointed out, crossing

job at Carter, I decided to keep it professional and not mention our history. I wanted to be judged on my work, not my

connections.”

softened. “That makes sense. You’ve

at a company event, and… well, we realized

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

laugh.

all over the news,” Mom added, reaching for her phone. “Look, there are pictures of you two at that fancy restaurant

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

in on the image. “That dress

I mumbled, feeling my cheeks warm. “Can we maybe talk about this later? I’m more

now.”

course. Sorry, it

real conversation about it soon. I

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

she only knew the real

we please focus on Dad?” I asked,

her face. “Of course, sweetheart.

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

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