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?”

connections can benefit you professionally. The people in that ballroom have the power to

considered his words. “You want

talented and intelligent, and now you have access to people who can help you advance. It would be a waste not to take advantage of

not sure I know

it part of

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Chapter 57

+23)

understand his

on me,” he said pragmatically. “And

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

his hands

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

said dryly. “I’m not the one wearing a dress with no

dress,” I

I stand by my choice. You look stunning in

moonlight dance on the water. The sounds of the party

ask you

“Of course.”

did you really bring me here

considered the question. “I told you, to give

arrangement doesn’t require you to be

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

if it’s

have limited time together, Olivia. I’d like to

my chest that I tried desperately to ignore.

I joked, trying to lighten

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

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

worry, he interrupted smoothly. “I

stepped back slightly, creating space between us. “We should head back soon. People will notice we’re

me back toward