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.”

turned to me. “Walk

raised eyebrow as

meant what I said. I’ll check

promised. “And thank you again for Dr. Weaver.

medical care was a minor favor. “It was

I insisted. “It was… it

reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was

tender.

1/3

you can,” he said softly. “You

“Just what a girl wants

corner of his mouth. “Even exhausted, you’re

out. Before I could respond, Alexander leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my

you later,” he

stepping into the waiting elevator with a final nod

getting complicated. The lines between our arrangement and something real were

to the waiting room, three

breaking the silence.

I said

Nick searched for the right

“He is,” I agreed.

“Very polite. And he

swallowed hard. “Let’s focus on Dad, okay? We can discuss my love life

in his chair, crossing his arms. “Actually, we have some doubts

Now?” I glanced at the clock on the wall. “Dad’s in surgery, and you want to

“Might as well talk about something else. Like how you suddenly have a CEO boyfriend you

this wait until Dad’s out of

patted my hand. “It might help pass the time,

cards. “You never mentioned dating Alexander Carter. Or anyone, really. Then suddenly, you’re bringing him

while before I met Ryan. Then Ryan and I got together, and a few months ago, he cheated on me with my friend. Alexander

“You dated two men and kept it completely

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