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.”

your cousin,” I assured him, more confident than

and screaming old money. The circular

asked as the car

breath.

found mine, squeezing gently. “You look

least pretend

lips twitched.

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doors that looked like they belonged in a castle. My stomach churned with nerves as a uniformed butler swung them open before we even

greeted with a slight bow. “And the

Jenkins,” Alexander replied smoothly. “Is everyone

in the east drawing room for pre–dinner

a little more firmly against my back.

be,” I whispered back, plastering on my best

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

looking like you’re walking to your execution,” Alexander

I

been painted on by

relaxed my face.

waist, pulling me closer. “Remember, we’re

to forget with your hand practically on

playing my

double doors, from which I could hear the murmur of voices and the clink of

thing,” Alexander said, turning to face me. “Victoria will try

“You’ve mentioned that. Twice.”

the company, and she’ll use any means

to

jaw tightened.

open the

with impeccably dressed individuals holding crystal glasses of amber liquid. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, while floor–to–ceiling windows showcased manicured gardens on