The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 57

Olivia

We slipped away from the main party and headed toward the yacht’s stern. Alexander nodded to a crew member, who opened a door for us, revealing a private staircase.

“Should we be going this way?” I asked nervously.

“I arranged it earlier,” Alexander assured me. “Trust me.”

The staircase led to a secluded deck at the very back of the yacht. It was empty except for a comfortable–looking lounge area with cushions and blankets. The space was lit only by strings of fairy lights and the moon above, reflecting off the dark

water.

“What is this place?” I asked, gazing around in wonder.

The owner’s private retreat,” Alexander explained. “I asked if we could borrow it for a while.”

“And they just said yes? Because you’re Alexander Carter?”

“Because I donated a significant amount to their foundation. And yes, because I’m Alexander Carter.”

I laughed. moving to the railing to look out at the twinkling lights of Los Angeles in the distance. The yacht had moved away from the harbor while we were dancing, and now we floated in calm waters, the city a glittering backdrop.

“It’s beautiful.” I breathed.

“Yes, it is,” Alexander agreed.

Thank you for bringing me here tonight. It’s been unexpected.”

“In a good way. I hope.” He moved to stand beside me at the railing.

“Definitely. I’ve never been to anything like this before.”

“Get used to it,” he said, his shoulder brushing mine. “As Mrs. Carter, you’ll attend dozens of these events each year.”

The remainder of our arrangement brought me back to reality. “Right. For appearances‘ sake.”

Alexander turned to face me, his expression serious in the dim light. “Olivia, I want you to make the most of this arrangement. Not just for appearances, but for yourself.”

“What do you mean?”

mean these events, these connections can benefit you professionally. The people in that

want me to network?

You’re talented and intelligent, and now you have access to people who can help you advance. It would be

I know

it part of

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Chapter 57

+23)

understand his motives. “Why would you do

successful wife reflects well on me,” he said pragmatically.

shiver in my sleeveless gown. Alexander

hands lingering on my

nodded, inhaling the subtle scent of his cologne that clung to the fabric. “But

dryly. “I’m not the one wearing a dress

dress,” I

my choice. You look stunning

party drifted faintly

I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

bring me here

the question. “I told you, to give you

doesn’t

time with you outside of our usual contexts. Get to know the woman who’s going

if it’s just

limited time together, Olivia. I’d like to make the most of

that I tried desperately to ignore. This was business for him, I reminded

like a corporate team–building exercise?” I joked, trying to lighten the suddenly heavy

that’s how you want to see it. Though I’ve never wanted to

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

interrupted smoothly. “I remember our agreement. No

back slightly, creating space between us. “We

toward the