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 ballroom

“You want me to

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

sure I know how,”

you. Consider it part of our

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Chapter 57

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his face, trying to understand his motives. “Why would you do

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

a cool breeze swept across the deck, making me shiver in my sleeveless

his hands lingering

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

“I’m not the one wearing a

picked this dress,”

I stand by my choice. You look stunning

fell into a comfortable silence, watching the moonlight dance on the water. The sounds of the party drifted faintly

you something?” I said

“Of course.”

bring me here

question. “I told you, to give you

arrangement doesn’t require

“Perhaps I wanted to spend time with you outside of our usual contexts. Get to know the

if it’s

temporary,” he said quietly. “We have limited time

desperately to ignore. This was

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

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

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

worry, he interrupted smoothly. “I

us. “We should head back

back toward the staircase. Just before we reached the