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

one was nearby to overhear. “The CEO of your company? The article said you two

“You’re dating Alexander Carter?

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

recent,” I said carefully. “We were going

him,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with

dated briefly before I joined Carter Enterprises,” I explained, reciting

1/3

of timing issues.”

dating him before,” Nick pointed out, crossing his

“When I got the job at Carter, I decided to keep

connections.”

expression softened. “That makes sense. You’ve always

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

in the world just happens to be your ex,

a laugh.

now it’s all over the news,” Mom added, reaching for her phone.

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

said, zooming in on

maybe talk about

now.”

immediately sobered. “Of course. Sorry, it was

promise we’ll have a real conversation

Carter doesn’t seem like the kind to cheat. He could have anyone, so

the real terms of

please focus on Dad?” I asked, more sharply

hurt flashing across her face. “Of course,

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I’m

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255