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.

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

response, then broke into a wide smile. “Alright, alright. The great Alexander Carter has finally found his heart. Who would

Edwin poked his head into the break room. “Gentlemen?

negotiations intensified. James presented detailed projections for Meridian’s growth under

provides long–term stability,” James argued, pointing to his charts. “Five years of guaranteed employment for

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pointed out. “The fine print says ‘current

“Standard

Mr. Carter makes a fair point. Job security means little if

see James recalculating, eyes darting to his legal counsel, who whispered

can amend that clause,” James conceded.

appreciatively but remained

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outmaneuver the other. Every time James thought he had the upper hand, I countered with a better offer or exposed a weakness in

to a point

name would continue as part of our corporate structure, heading up the real estate portfolio

up. “With

directly to me

interrupted. “We’re offering complete autonomy as

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Chapter 135

subsidiary.”

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resources,” I countered. “Carter Enterprises

looked between us, clearly weighing

the Meridian Division,” I said without hesitation. “Elaine would join our executive

up straighter. “That’s…

sensing the momentum shifting away

reserves. This acquisition alone would stretch those resources thin. Where would the development capital come

turning to James. “Is that

composure, but I could see the slight twitch in his jaw.

for Edwin. “Meaning nothing is

perceptibly. Edwin exchanged glances with his

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