The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 135

Chapter 135

Alexander

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I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing in the break room. “You can’t beat me, James. You never could.”

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His eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained fixed. “Not yet. But one day, Alexander. One day I will.”

The casual observer might have seen friendly banter between business rivals, but I knew better. Our competition had begun years ago in college, and what had started as a friendly rivalry had morphed into something far more complex.

“Why don’t we get back to the meeting?” I suggested, turning

toward the door.

“Wait,” James said, his voice suddenly less confident. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. Why wasn’t I invited to your wedding?”

I paused, genuinely surprised by the question. “My wedding?”

“Yes, your wedding,” he repeated, his tone casual but eyes watchful. “Was it intentional, or did you just forget about your old friend?”

I hadn’t given it a second thought. With the rushed timeline and everything else happening, James hadn’t even crossed my mind.

“It wasn’t intentional,” I replied smoothly. “Everything happened quickly. Small ceremony, family only.” I paused, then added, “We should do dinner sometime. You and me. Catch up properly.”

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James nodded, seeming satisfied with my answer. “I’ll look forward to that.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I saw the photos, by the way. Your wife is absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a strange surge of pride at his words.

“Actually, that’s what made me curious,” he continued, watching me carefully. “What possessed Alexander Carter to marry someone… normal? Instead of the rich, sexy socialites you usually date.” He raised his hands defensively. “Not saying Olivia isn’t sexy, but she’s not exactly from our world, is she?”

Something hot and dangerous flared inside me. The way he spoke about Olivia, analyzing her like a business acquisition that didn’t meet specifications, made my jaw clench.

can’t quantify love based on wealth or beauty or social standing,” I said quietly. “Some

“Alright,

head into the break room. “Gentlemen? We’re

in the boardroom, the negotiations intensified. James presented detailed projections for Meridian’s growth under Westbrook Financial, while I countered with Carter Enterprises‘

James argued, pointing to his charts. “Five years of guaranteed employment for all

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compensation,” I pointed out. “The fine print says

“Standard legal

Carter makes a fair point.

to his

amend that clause,” James conceded. “Current

nodded appreciatively but

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Every time James thought he had the upper hand, I countered with

matters to us,” Edwin said, returning to a point James

Meridian Division? Your name would continue as part of our corporate structure,

up. “With what

I replied. “You’d report directly to me as

interrupted. “We’re offering complete autonomy

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Chapter 135

subsidiary.”

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I countered. “Carter Enterprises

looked between us, clearly weighing his options. “And my

said without hesitation. “Elaine would join our executive leadership program, fast–tracked for

sat up straighter. “That’s…

the momentum shifting away from him. “Westbrook can match those

quarterly report showed low capital reserves. This acquisition alone would stretch

sharpened, turning to James. “Is that accurate, Mr.

see the slight twitch in his jaw. “We have partners prepared to

for Edwin. “Meaning nothing is

in the room shifted perceptibly. Edwin exchanged glances with his children,

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