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?”

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

words. “You want me to

intelligent, and now you have access to people who can help you advance.

not sure I know how,” I

you. Consider it part of our

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Chapter 57

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face, trying to understand his motives.

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

in my sleeveless gown. Alexander immediately

hands lingering on my

of his cologne that clung to the fabric. “But now

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

this dress,” I reminded

choice. You

The sounds of the party drifted faintly from below, but up here,

you something?”

“Of course.”

did you really bring me here

considered the question. “I told you, to give you a

doesn’t

fully. “Perhaps I wanted to spend time with you outside of our usual contexts. Get to know the woman who’s going to be my

if it’s just

said quietly. “We have limited time together, Olivia. I’d like to make the

to ignore. This was business for him, I reminded myself.

like a corporate team–building exercise?” I joked, trying to

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

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

smoothly. “I remember our agreement.

creating space between us. “We

back toward the staircase. Just before we reached