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?

that’s for Alexander and Olivia to figure out,” Harold said

see how it goes. They

his grip

his point, he leaned over and pressed a kiss to my temple. The gesture was so natural and intimate that I forgot we were putting on a

1/3

8:06 pm

Chapter 77

but she said

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

Margaret offered, motioning to a

a small amount, thank you,” I replied, settling onto an antique

a chair across from me, “junior marketing

my work,” I

sure you do,” Victoria smiled, all teeth and no warmth. “And

Julia sighed.

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

exactly,” I replied honestly. “He

are, dear.

more than most,” Julia added, surprising me. “He’s very much his

Margaret suggested with

and focused,”

business, certainly,” Victoria interjected.

down my wine glass before I could give in to the temptation to throw it at her.

you?” Victoria’s laugh was sharp. “That would

my hand. “I think you

Victoria scoffed. “He’s practically glued

become you,

not jealous. I’m concerned. For

are, dear,” Margaret said in a tone that made it clear

us, and Alexander immediately came to my side. His hand settled on the

“Everything okay?” he murmured.

replied. “Just girl

with a