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?”

at the prospect of

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

found a quiet spot near

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

“And knowing it’s necessary for

you’re good at it. Everyone loves

His voice held a hint of cynicism. “It’s rarely about

profile in the fading light. “That sounds

admitted, surprising me with

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Chapter 56

“It’s not?”

dealing with. Your father’s health, work stress, our arrangement… I thought you could use a night to

his thoughtfulness. “That’s… thank

in twenty minutes, and you’ll be seated

to hear about investment

“I’ll rescue you if he starts discussing his

actually less tedious than I’d expected. The hedge fund manager turned out to be surprisingly funny, and the food was exquisite, with five courses of gourmet

speeches about ocean conservation, followed by a charity

of thousands of

auctioneer announced, “a special item donated by Carter Enterprises. A weekend for two at the exclusive Carter Mountain Lodge in Aspen, including private jet

Alexander sat back, watching with

declared. “For three hundred and seventy–five thousand dollars to Mrs. Eloise

as an elegant older

money for a weekend in Aspen,” I whispered

“And Eloise can afford it. Her late husband

a band took the stage, and couples began