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.”

manicured hand on his arm. “Don’t be silly. I’m being friendly.” Her eyes flicked to me. “We’re family now, after all. Which reminds me, I wanted to

surprised by the

remained fixed. “We hardly had a chance to really talk at the wedding with all those

of pending work. The move, Olivia settling in, and several

spare one evening,” Victoria pressed. “Family should be a

could practically see Alexander’s teeth

and everything.” She turned to me. “I’d especially love to get to know you

1/3

Mon, 25

Chapter 119

thoughtful. I said neutrally. “But Alexander’s right. We have a

“Alright, I can take a hint. Next weekend it is She glanced at

to make you late,” Alexander said, already

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 card. “My personal number is on the

said, pocketing the

bored, you know, she whispered in my ear, so quietly that Alexander couldn’t hear. “They

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

as she climbed back into her car and drove away, the wheels crunching on

the fuck was

was out of

head, looking exasperated. “Victoria being Victoria. Marking her territory, reminding us both that she’s been part of this family longer

“She’s charming,” I muttered.

a snake,” he agreed, placing his hand on my lower back to guide me inside. “Don’t

have shown up here if she

suddenly uncor ifortable with

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