The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 119

I followed Alexander to the front of the house, my curiosity piqued. We hadn’t expected visitors, especially since we’d only just arrived at the estate.

The massive double doors swung open before we reached them, revealing a sleek black car parked in the circular driveway.

Victoria stepped out, dressed in a tailored cream pantsuit that was undoubtedly expensive. Her hair was pulled into a perfect chignon, not a strand out of place despite the light breeze. She looked like she was heading to a board meeting rather than making a casual visit.

“Alexander! Olivia!” she called, waving as she approached. Her smile was picture–perfect, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I‘ ard you were moving in today and thought I’d stop by to see if you needed anything.”

Alexander stiffened beside me. “Victoria. What a surprise.”

“The good kind, I hope,” she replied, air–kissing his cheek before turning to me. “Olívia, darling. That outfit is… practical.” Her gaze swept over my jeans and sweater with barely concealed dis lain.

“We’re moving, not attending a gala,” I replied, forcing a smile. But you look lovely as always.

“Oh, this old thing?” She waved dismissively at her clearly expensive outfit. “Just something a

on for meetings today.

Alexander crossed his arms. “Speaking of which, don’t you have work to go to: The financial markets wait for no one that what Thomas always says?”

Victoria laughed, the sound like glass tinkling. “I have time. I wanted to personally welcome Olivia to the estate” She wme to me. “It can be quite overwhelming at first. All these rooms, the staff, the expectations. It took me months to comfortable here, and I grew up with money.“.

I felt my cheeks heat at the thinly veiled insult. “I’m adaptable.”

“I’m sure you are,” she replied, her smile sharpening. “Alexander never did like high–maintenance women. Isn’t that right, cousin?”

“Victoria,” Alexander’s voice held a warning. “If you just came to be condescending, you can leave now. We’re quite busy.”

silly. I’m being friendly.” Her eyes flicked to me. “We’re family now, after

I echoed, surprised

family, you two, Thomas, and me.” Victoria’s smile remained fixed. “We hardly had a chance to really

jaw tightened. “We have a lot of pending work. The move, Olivia settling in, and several projects at

one evening,” Victoria pressed. “Family should be a priority, Alexander. Isn’t that what Grandfather

Alexander’s teeth grinding. “Maybe next

pouted slightly. “That’s disappointing. I’ve already planned the menu and everything.” She turned to me. “I’d especially love to get to know you better, Olivia. Woman to woman. I’m sure you have

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25 Aug

Chapter 119

“But Alexander’s right. We

hint. Next weekend it is She glanced at her watch. “I should be

want to make you late,” Alexander said, already turning toward the door in

need any advice about the house, where to find things, which staff members to trust, or the best ways to redecorate without upsetting Grandfather, please call me.” She reached into her purse and handed me a business

I said, pocketing the card

know, she whispered in my ear, so quietly

respond, she pulled back, smiling brightly. “Welcome to the family, Olivia! Can’t wait for dinner next

back into her car and

fuck

once she was out of

shook his head, looking exasperated. “Victoria being Victoria. Marking her territory, reminding us both that she’s been part

“She’s charming,” I muttered.

he agreed, placing his hand on my

have shown up here if she

made my stomach flutter. I broke eye contact, suddenly uncor ifortable with the way this conversation was heading. “What did she whisper to you just

lied, not wanting to repeat Victoria’s words. “Just more welcome–to–the–family