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?”

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

“You want me to

and intelligent, and now you have access to people who can help you advance. It would be a waste

not sure I know how,” I

you. Consider it

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Chapter 57

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face, trying to understand his

reflects well on me,” he said pragmatically.

respond, a cool breeze swept across the deck, making me shiver in my sleeveless gown. Alexander immediately shrugged out of his

his hands lingering on my

inhaling the subtle scent of his cologne that clung to the fabric. “But now you’ll

said dryly. “I’m not the one

dress,” I

my choice. You look stunning

the moonlight dance on the water. The sounds of the party drifted faintly from below, but up here, it felt like we were in

I ask you something?” I said

“Of course.”

you really bring me here tonight? The

you, to give

arrangement doesn’t require you to

to spend time with you outside of our usual contexts. Get to know the

if it’s

he said quietly. “We have limited time together, Olivia. I’d

words sent a flutter through my chest that I tried desperately to ignore.

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

“If that’s how you want to see it. Though

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

worry, he interrupted smoothly. “I remember our agreement.

slightly, creating space between us. “We should head back soon. People will

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