The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 75

Olivia

“The shoes,” he said, moving to a shelf and selecting a pair of strappy heels that perfectly matched the dress.

He knelt before me, the image so unexpectedly intimate it made my breath catch. He held out the first shoe, and I placed my hand on his shoulder as I lifted my foot. His fingers wrapped around my ankle, his thumb brushing across my skin as he

slid the shoe on.

“These fit perfectly, too,” I said as he repeated the process with the other foot.

“I pay attention to details,” he replied, still kneeling. His position put his face level with my thighs, and I felt a rush of heat at the thought of him moving just a few inches closer, pushing the dress aside…

He stood abruptly, breaking the moment. “One last thing.”

From a velvet box, he withdrew a delicate necklace with a teardrop emerald pendant. “Turn around.”

Again, I presented my back to him, lifting my hair. The cool metal settled against my skin, followed by the warmth of his fingers as he fastened the clasp. They lingered at the nape of my neck, tracing small circles that sent shivers down my spine.

“Perfect,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear.

I turned to face him, finding him much closer than expected. Our bodies were nearly touching, the air between us charged with electricity.

‘Is this all for show?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “To impress your family?”

His eyes darkened. “Partly.”

‘And the other part?”

Instead of answering, he reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my cheek. “We should go. The car is waiting.”

The ride to the Carter estate took nearly forty minutes, giving me time to gather my thoughts. Alexander briefed me on his family members, their relationships, and potential landmines to avoid.

Victoria will try to trip you up,” he warned. “Don’t let her bait you.”

can handle your cousin,” I assured him, more confident

The circular driveway was lined with luxury vehicles, and the entrance was

as

a deep breath. “As I’ll ever

mine, squeezing gently. “You look incredible. They’ll

least pretend

twitched.

1/3

double doors that looked like they belonged in a castle.

elderly man greeted with a slight bow. “And

Alexander replied smoothly. “Is everyone

sir. The family has gathered in the

firmly against my back. “Ready?” he

be,” I whispered back, plastering

cavernous, with gleaming marble floors and a chandelier that probably cost more than my annual salary. Family portraits lined the walls, generations of Carters staring down at me with

walking to your execution,”

I

like it’s been painted on by a

relaxed my

waist, pulling me closer.

forget with your hand practically on my ass,” I

my part,

outside large double doors, from which I could hear the murmur of

said, turning to face me. “Victoria will try to bait you.

“You’ve mentioned that. Twice.”

“She wants the company, and she’ll use any means

friends to harass

tightened. “Exactly.”

I could respond, he pushed open the

individuals holding crystal glasses of amber