The CEO's Contractual Wife

Olivia

Under the table, Alexander’s hand slid higher on my thigh, dangerously close to the hemline of my dress. I shot him a warning look, which he answered with an innocent smile that didn’t fool me for a second.

“So, Alexander,” Harold said as dessert was served, “how serious is this relationship? Olivia seems like a fine young woman.”

The table fell silent. Victoria leaned forward slightly, not bothering to hide her interest in Alexander’s answer.

“Very serious, Grandfather, Alexander replied, his hand finding mine on the table. “Olivia is… special.”

The way he said ‘special‘ sent a flutter through my stomach that had nothing to do with nerves.

“Special enough to marry?” Harold pressed, never one to beat around the bush.

“Harold!” Margaret scolded. “Don’t embarrass the poor girl.”

“It’s a fair question,” Harold insisted. “The boy’s thirty–three. High time he settled down.”

“We’re taking things one day at a time,” I said, finding my voice. “But I care deeply for Alexander.”

The words came out sounding sincere because, alarmingly, they were. When had that happened?

“Well, I think you’re lovely,” Margaret said warmly. “It’s about time Alexander found someone with substance.”

Victoria set down her fork with a delicate clink. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Alexander’s track record with relationships isn’t exactly promising.”

“Victoria,” Charles warned.

“What? I’m just being realistic,” Victoria said with a shrug. “Remember Penelope? Natasha? Or Caroline? Or Elise? All ‘special‘ until suddenly they weren’t.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. “This is different.”

“How?” Victoria challenged. “Because she works for you? That’s a new twist, I’ll grant you.”

“Victoria, that’s enough,” Margaret said firmly.

“I’m just looking out for Olivia,” Victoria insisted with fake concern. “After all, how can she be sure Alexander will stay with her after marriage? His attention span for women is notoriously short.

The table fell into uncomfortable silence. I felt heat rising to my cheeks, partly from embarrassment and partly from anger. Who did Victoria think she was?

Harold said unexpectedly. “The rest of us can mind

“Let’s see how it goes. They

grip on my hand tightening. “We

natural and intimate that I forgot we were putting on a show for a moment. I leaned into him instinctively,

1/3

8:06 pm

Chapter 77

narrowed, but

Alexander to join him in his study. The rest of us moved to a sitting room for coffee, an awkward arrangement that left

Margaret offered,

I replied, settling onto an antique

a chair across from

enjoy my work,” I said

smiled, all teeth and no warmth. “And dating the CEO must make it so

sighed. “Must

me, Olivia, was it love at first sight when you met Alexander? Before you

replied honestly. “He was…

laughed. “All Carter men are, dear. It’s in their

Julia added, surprising me. “He’s very much his grandfather’s

suggested with

focused,” Julia corrected

interjected.

down my wine glass before I could give in to the temptation to

was sharp. “That would

said, patting my hand. “I

scoffed. “He’s practically

become you, Victoria,”

jealous. I’m concerned.

tone

side. His hand settled on the

“Everything okay?” he murmured.

I replied.

he said with