The CEO's Contractual Wife

“I need another drink,” I announced, draining the last of my wine. The warmth of the alcohol was helping me forget my problems, at least temporarily.

“Coming right up,” Emilia waved at the bartender. “Hey! Another round over here!”

Claire leaned forward, her words slightly slurred. “So what’s the plan for this weekend? Any fancy dates with Mr. CEO?”

I groaned. “I thought we agreed not to talk about Alexander.”

“No, you agreed,” Ariana corrected with a smirk. “We just nodded politely.”

“You guys are the worst friends ever,” I laughed, reaching for my newly arrived wine glass.

“The best,” Emilia corrected. “We’re the best friends ever because we care enough to be nosy about your love life.”

I was about to respond when a woman stumbled toward our table, drink sloshing in her hand. Before I could move, she crashed into me, her red cocktail splashing across my emerald top.

“Oh my god!” I gasped, jumping up as the cold liquid soaked through the silk.

n

“Oops,” the woman said, her voice carrying no trace of actual remorse. She was maybe twenty–eight or thirty, expensively dressed with perfectly highlighted hair. “So sorry about that.”

I grabbed a napkin and frantically dabbed at the growing stain. “It’s fine.” I said automatically, even as I watched the red liquid seep into the delicate fabric.

“Is it?” The woman’s eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down. “That’s a cute little top. Probably from what, H&M? Target?”

Emilia stood up beside me. “Excuse me, do we know you?”

The woman ignored her, focusing on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. “You’re Olivia Morgan, right? Alexander Carter’s latest… acquisition.”

stomach dropped. “I don’t know what you’re

“Your face has been all over social media. Alexander’s mysterious new girlfriend.” She made air

Emilia murmured, “do you

my head, still trying to salvage

cruel smile. “Of course you haven’t.

me?” I stopped dabbing at my

He does this with all of them. Wines and dines you, makes you feel special, then

up straighter. “Look, I don’t know who you are, but you need to back

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Chapter 68

her designer purse and pulling out a crisp hundred–dollar bill. She

it cost even that much. Forever 21 clearance rack?” She tilted her head, examining

at the money, heat rising to

money,” she shrugged. “God knows he’s spent enough on me

woman appeared beside her, equally polished with a sleek blonde bob

toy,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “How much is he paying you to act as his girlfriend? Must be a decent

“Okay,

my voice. “And who the hell are

a perfectly

hundred–dollar bill from the table and held it out. “I don’t need your

to take it, so I crumpled it and tossed it at her feet. “I said

should watch your mouth,” the blonde said, stepping closer. “You

“Enlighten me,” I challenged.

was in your position not too long ago.

did she