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?”

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

“You want

can help you advance. It

sure I know

it part

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Chapter 57

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to understand his motives. “Why would you do

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

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

his hands lingering

I nodded, inhaling the subtle scent of his cologne that clung to the fabric. “But now

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

this dress,” I

choice. You look stunning

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

ask you something?” I said

“Of course.”

really bring me here tonight? The

told you, to give you a break from

why? Our arrangement doesn’t require

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

if it’s

it’s temporary,” he said quietly. “We have limited time together, Olivia. I’d like

I tried desperately to ignore. This was business for him,

exercise?” I joked, trying to lighten the suddenly heavy

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

My breath caught. “Alexander-”

smoothly. “I remember our agreement.

creating space between us. “We should head back

as he led me back toward the staircase.