The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 56

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Olivia

The yacht was even more impressive inside, with gleaming wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, and floor–to–ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the harbor. Dozens of guests in formal attire mingled, champagne flutes in hand.

“Drink?” Alexander asked, snagging two glasses from a passing server.

“Please,” I said, accepting the champagne gratefully. “I think I need it.”

“Relax,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “You look like you’re facing a firing squad.”

“I feel like I am. Everyone’s staring.”

“They’re staring because you’re stunning.” His eyes met mine, intense and sincere. “And because they’re wondering how I got so lucky.”

Before I could respond, a tall man with silver hair approached, clapping Alexander on the shoulder.

“Carter! Good to see you, my boy. It’s been too long.”

“Senator Williams,” Alexander shook his hand. “Allow me to introduce Olivia Morgan. Olivia, this is Senator James Williams.”

I shook the Senator’s hand, trying not to look as intimidated as I felt. “It’s an honor to meet you, Senator.”

“The pleasure is mine, my dear. I was just telling my wife that Alexander here seems to have finally found himself a keeper.” He winked at me. “Don’t let this one get away, Carter. She’s far too pretty for you.”

Alexander laughed. “I’m well aware, Senator.”

After the Senator moved on, we were approached by a steady stream of guests: CEOs, celebrities, and politicians, all seeming eager to meet Alexander’s new girlfriend. I smiled until my cheeks hurt, trying to remember names and connections.

“You’re doing great,” Alexander whispered during a brief lull. “Ready to see the rest of the yacht?”

yes,” I said, relieved at the

a door and up a staircase to the upper deck. Here, the crowd

he asked as we found a quiet spot near

deep breath of the cool ocean air. “How do you do this all the time? The small talk, the networking,

he shrugged. “And knowing it’s necessary

you’re good at it.

power, connections.” His voice held a hint of cynicism. “It’s rarely about the

his profile in the fading light. “That sounds

surprising me with

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Chapter 56

“It’s not?”

you a break from everything you’ve been dealing with. Your father’s health, work stress, our arrangement… I thought you could use a night to clear

by his thoughtfulness. “That’s… thank you.”

thank me yet,” he said, checking his watch. “The formal dinner starts in twenty minutes, and you’ll be

hear about investment strategies over my

“I’ll rescue you if

the food was exquisite, with five courses of gourmet cuisine paired with fine wines. Alexander kept his hand on my knee under the table, a casual gesture

dinner came speeches about ocean conservation, followed by a charity

as the wealthy attendees bid hundreds of thousands of dollars for items like

at the exclusive Carter Mountain Lodge in Aspen,

sat back, watching

“For three hundred and seventy–five thousand dollars

older woman stood to

of money for a weekend

“And Eloise can afford it. Her late husband left her with a fortune in

band took the stage, and couples began moving to the