The CEO's Contractual Wife

My stomach clenched as I stared at Ryan’s name flashing on my screen, my finger hovering over the answer button.

“Who is it?” Alexander asked, his eyes briefly flicking from the road,

“No one important,” I muttered, rejecting the call with a swipe. The screen went dark, and I shoved the phone back into my purse.

Alexander’s eyebrow arched. “Didn’t look like ‘no one important‘ from your expression.”

“It was Ryan.” The admission felt like acid in my mouth.

“Your ex? The one who fucked your friend at her birthday party?”

I winced at his bluntness. “Yes, that Ryan.”

“What the fuck does he want?”

“I have no idea. And I don’t care.” I turned to look out the window, watching the Los Angeles scenery blur past. “He’s likely regretting his mistake after seeing me all over social media with you.”

Alexander’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “If he bothers you-”

“He won’t,” I interrupted. “I can handle Ryan.”

“I’m sure you can,” Alexander said, his voice softening slightly. “But you don’t have to handle him alone anymore.”

The sentiment was unexpectedly sweet, making my chest tighten. I reached over and squeezed his thigh. “Thanks.”

“For what?” He shot me a quick glance.

“For being on my side.”

A small smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Always, Liv.”

guiding the Aston Martin into his reserved space. As we walked to the

big day?” Alexander asked

“What big day?”

promotion, of course. You are now officially Senior

our arrangement, the reality

Alexander’s voice held a hint of pride. “The paperwork is already

have a private office?”

think I’d keep

1/3

Chapter 124

executive floor. Several heads turned, curious eyes following us as Alexander

Carter,” his secretary called. “The board is assembling

Mrs. Carter’s access card and security credentials to her new office immediately Alexander’s tone was all business, but the possessive

as she looked at me, but her professional demeanor never slipped. “Right away,

rarely had reason to visit before. “Your office is in the marketing executive wing. Not the corner office yet, but give it time.” He winked. “Work your magic like you did during that presentation,

me prove myself in this role first,” I replied, trying to

a door with a freshly printed nameplate: OLIVIA CARTER,

floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking downtown Los Angeles. The modern desk faced the impressive view, and sleek bookshelves lined one wall. A small

mine?” I

reaction. “The IT department has already set up your

assistant too?”

Markus in Creative, but yes.” He checked his watch. “I need to get to my meeting. Will you

the

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a

you have in mind?” I

here in your new

“That’s hardly an appropriate workplace conversation, Mr.

against mine in a kiss that was far too brief. “Think about that while you’re