The CEO's Contractual Wife

Victoria

Rain tapped against the floor–to–ceiling windows of my penthouse as I swirled the dark red wine in my glass. The city lights blurred through the droplets, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that matched my turbulent thoughts.

I took another sip, savoring the rich cabernet. At least I could count on this thousand–dollar bottle to deliver satisfaction, unlike my current schemes.

Behind me, the balcony door slid open. Thomas stepped out, the cool night air following him as he closed the door. He was still in his work clothes, though he’d loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar.

“Drinking alone again?” he asked, settling into the chair beside me.

I didn’t look at him. “There’s another glass inside if you want to join me.”

Thomas disappeared briefly, returning with a full glass. He sat down and crossed his legs, looking annoyingly relaxed for someone whose wife was plotting a corporate takeover.

“What’s got you thinking so hard?” he asked after a lengthy silence. “You’ve barely touched your phone all evening, which means either you’re plotting something or the world is ending.”

I shot him a sideways glance. “Carter Enterprises.”

“Ah.” He nodded knowingly. “Still obsessing over your cousin’s new marriage?”

“I’m not obsessing,” I snapped. “I’m strategizing.”

Thomas took a slow sip of his wine. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

The rain picked up, creating a soothing white noise that contrasted with my irritation.

‘You don’t understand what’s at stake,” I said. “The controlling shares of a multi–billion dollar company. My birthright.”

“Your birthright?” Thomas raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure Alexander is Harold’s firstborn grandson, not you.”

‘Gender shouldn’t matter in succession,” I retorted. “I’m smarter, more qualified, and actually committed to the company’s legacy.”

Thomas leaned back in his chair. “So what’s the plan? Are you planning to destroy Carter Enterprises if you can’t have it?”

harder than I meant to. “I’m being

his arm, looking wounded. “Destroying

destroy the company.

beat you to

wine glass down with more force than necessary. “They’re not in love. I’m certain

you possibly

it,” I leaned forward, warming to my theory. “Until Grandfather announced

1/3

in love with some nobody from marketing? They

sighed. “You’re overthinking this. Maybe they were dating secretly. Maybe he fell in love quickly. People do that,

in love with anyone but

actually in love? Did you see them at the wedding?

Something Alexander excels at in boardrooms. He just applied those skills to

“Maybe it’s time to accept that

drag me down?” I demanded, my voice rising. “Because right now it feels like

a mental hospital

“Between my cousin and his employee?

happened,” Thomas shrugged. “Office

careful, too calculating.” I picked up my wine again. “There’s something off

situation.”

do about it? They’re legally married. The shares are

stay married for

they’ll divorce

a long sip of my wine,

me with alarm. “Victoria, whatever

do anything illegal. Just… apply a little pressure. Test the strength

union.”

dangerously close to

‘strategic intervention,” I replied. “If