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?”

these connections can benefit you professionally. The people in that ballroom have the power to open doors, fund projects, and create

his words. “You want me to network? For

now you have access to people who can help you advance. It would be a waste not to take

sure I know how,” I

help you. Consider it part of

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Chapter 57

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studied his face, trying to understand his motives. “Why would

reflects well on me,” he said

me shiver in my sleeveless gown. Alexander immediately shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over

hands

of his cologne that clung

the

dress,” I

I stand by my choice. You

party drifted faintly from below, but up here, it felt like

you something?” I said

“Of course.”

really bring me

told you, to give

arrangement doesn’t require you to

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

it’s just

said quietly. “We have limited time

sent a flutter through my chest that I tried desperately to ignore. This was business for him, I reminded myself. A

team–building exercise?” I joked, trying

to see it. Though I’ve never wanted to kiss anyone

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

interrupted smoothly. “I remember

creating space between us. “We

nodded, reluctantly following as he led me back toward the staircase.