The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 41

Olivia

Alexander met my brother’s gaze steadily. “To make her happy. To build a life together. The usual things a man wants with a woman he cares about.”

“And the fact that she works for you doesn’t complicate things?” Nick pressed.

“It did at first,” Alexander admitted. “But we’ve worked through it. Olivia reports to the marketing director, not directly to

me.”

“How convenient,” Nick muttered.

“It is,” Alexander agreed pleasantly. “Full house, by the way.” He laid down his cards, and Ethan groaned.

“That’s the third hand in a row,” Ethan complained. “Are you counting cards?”

“I don’t need to,” Alexander replied, gathering the pretzels. “Your face gives everything away.”

An hour into their game, the waiting room door opened, and a nurse appeared. We all froze, and cards suspended mid–air.

“Morgan family?” she said with a reassuring smile. “Dr. Weaver asked me to update you. The surgery is going well. They’ve completed two of the three bypasses with no complications.”

Mom let out a long breath. “Thank you. Do you know how much longer it will be?”

“Probably another two hours, but that’s just an estimate. Dr. Weaver will come to speak with you when it’s finished.”

“Thank you,” Mom said, her voice steadier than I expected.

After the nurse left, Alexander stood. “I should get going. I have some calls to make, and you should have family time.”

“You don’t have to leave,” Mom protested. “You’re practically family now.”

Alexander smiled politely. “That’s very kind, Eleanor, but I do have some work matters to attend to. I’ll check in later if that’s alright.”

“Of course,” Mom nodded. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot to Olivia.”

me. “Walk

ignoring Nick’s raised eyebrow as

the elevators. “I meant what I

I promised. “And thank you again for Dr. Weaver. I know you pulled strings to

world–class medical care was a

insisted. “It was…

then reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my

tender.

1/3

if you can,” he said softly.

said sarcastically. “Just what a

of his mouth. “Even exhausted, you’re

out. Before I could respond, Alexander leaned in and

you later,” he

waiting elevator with a

there for a moment, my forehead tingling where his lips had touched. This was getting complicated. The

room, three pairs of eyes turned to me

said, breaking the

said cautiously.

searched for the right word.

“He is,” I agreed.

nice,” Mom added. “Very polite. And he

okay? We can discuss my love

back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Actually, we have

on the wall. “Dad’s in surgery, and you want to interrogate me about

pointed out. “Might as well talk about something else. Like how you

this wait until Dad’s out of surgery?” I

my hand. “It might help pass

Ethan chimed in, shuffling the cards. “You never mentioned dating Alexander Carter. Or anyone, really. Then suddenly, you’re bringing

this conversation. “Fine. If you must know, I dated Alexander for a while before I met Ryan. Then Ryan and I got together, and a few months ago,

up straighter. “You dated two men and

secret,” I protested weakly. “I just didn’t broadcast