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?

Alexander and Olivia to figure out,” Harold said unexpectedly. “The rest of us can mind

agreed. “Let’s see how

his grip on

leaned over and pressed a kiss to my temple. The gesture was so natural and intimate that I forgot

1/3

8:06 pm

Chapter 77

narrowed, but she

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 Carter women while the men disappeared behind

wine, dear?” Margaret offered,

thank you,” I replied, settling onto an antique

dropping into a chair across from me,

enjoy my work,”

Victoria smiled, all teeth and no warmth. “And

sighed. “Must

turned back to me. Tell me, Olivia, was it love at first sight when you met Alexander? Before you joined the

I replied honestly.

are, dear. It’s in their

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

demanding?” Margaret suggested with a

and focused,” Julia

business, certainly,” Victoria interjected. “On relationships? Not

before I could give in to the temptation to throw it at her. “People change.

laugh was sharp. “That would

patting my hand. “I think you might

“He’s practically glued to

doesn’t become you, Victoria,” Margaret

“I’m not jealous. I’m concerned. For

in a tone that

rejoined us, and Alexander immediately came to my side. His hand settled on the small of my back, warm and

“Everything okay?” he murmured.

replied. “Just girl

said with a