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?”

I said, relieved at the prospect of escaping the

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

we found a quiet spot near the

ocean air. “How do you do this all the time? The

“And knowing

you’re good at it.

money, power, connections.” His voice held

his profile in the

admitted, surprising me with his candor. “That’s why tonight isn’t

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Chapter 56

“It’s not?”

“Tonight is about giving you a break from everything you’ve been dealing with. Your father’s health, work stress, our

his

thank me yet,” he said, checking his watch. “The formal dinner starts in twenty minutes, and you’ll be seated next to California’s most boring hedge fund

I groaned. “Can’t wait to hear about investment

you if he starts discussing his

hedge fund manager turned out to be surprisingly funny, and the food was exquisite, with five courses of gourmet cuisine paired with fine

dinner came speeches about ocean conservation, followed by a charity

of thousands of dollars for items like

for two at the exclusive Carter Mountain Lodge in Aspen, including private jet

and quickly escalated. Alexander sat back, watching with amusement as two bidders

auctioneer finally declared. “For three hundred and seventy–five thousand dollars

as an elegant older woman stood

money for a weekend in

can afford it. Her late husband left

a band took the stage, and couples began