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?

for Alexander and Olivia to figure out,” Harold said unexpectedly.

Margaret agreed. “Let’s see how

grip

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

1/3

8:06 pm

Chapter 77

eyes narrowed, but she said

gestured for Alexander 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 Carter women while the men disappeared behind closed

Margaret offered,

small amount, thank you,” I replied, settling onto

Victoria said, dropping into a chair across from me, “junior

work,” I said

sure you do,” Victoria smiled, all teeth and no warmth. “And dating the CEO must make it so much

Julia sighed. “Must

turned back to me. Tell me, Olivia, was it love at first sight when

exactly,” I replied honestly. “He was…

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

than most,” Julia added, surprising

demanding?” Margaret suggested with a fond

focused,”

Victoria interjected. “On relationships? Not so

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

laugh was sharp. “That would

it just takes the right person,” Margaret said, patting my hand. “I think you might be

Victoria scoffed. “He’s practically glued

you, Victoria,”

“I’m not jealous. I’m concerned. For the

course you are, dear,” Margaret said in a tone that made

came to my side. His hand settled on the small of

“Everything okay?” he murmured.

replied. “Just

with