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 me

nodded, ignoring Nick’s raised eyebrow as we

hallway, Alexander pulled me into a quiet alcove near the elevators. “I meant what I said. I’ll check in later. Text me when your father is out

will,” I promised. “And thank you again for Dr. Weaver. I

medical care was a minor

nothing,” I insisted. “It was… it

moment, then reached out to tuck a strand of

tender.

1/3

some rest if you can,” he said softly. “You look

said sarcastically. “Just what

of his

Before I could respond, Alexander leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss

later,” he murmured against my

he was gone, stepping into the waiting elevator with

my forehead tingling where his lips had touched. This was getting complicated. The lines between our arrangement and something real were blurring, and I wasn’t sure

three

the

I said cautiously. “That’s

seems…” Nick searched for

“He is,” I agreed.

Mom added. “Very polite.

okay? We

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

I glanced at the clock on the wall. “Dad’s in

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

wait until Dad’s out

might help pass

chimed in, shuffling the cards. “You never mentioned dating Alexander Carter. Or

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, he cheated on me with my friend. Alexander and

Mom said, sitting up straighter. “You dated two men and kept it

secret,” I protested