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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Chapter 135

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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.

standing,” I said quietly. “Some things in life can’t

a wide smile. “Alright, alright. The great

poked his head into the break room. “Gentlemen?

negotiations intensified. James presented detailed projections for Meridian’s growth under Westbrook Financial, while I countered with Carter Enterprises‘ extensive resources and

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

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Chapter 135

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print says ‘current salary levels where

shrugged. “Standard

Meridian said, “but Mr. Carter makes a fair point. Job security means little if salaries

James recalculating, eyes darting to his legal counsel,

that clause,” James conceded. “Current salary levels,

appreciatively but

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three hours, we went back and forth, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Every time James thought he had the upper hand, I countered with a better offer or exposed a

Meridian name matters to us,” Edwin said, returning to a point James had emphasized earlier. “It’s my

Enterprises created a Meridian Division? Your name would continue as part of our

eyes lit up. “With what

to me as CEO, with your own budget and

offering complete autonomy as

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Chapter 135

subsidiary.”

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“Carter Enterprises

us, clearly weighing

hesitation. “Elaine would join our executive leadership program,

sat up straighter.

his papers, clearly sensing the momentum shifting away

reserves. This

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

see the slight twitch

translated for Edwin.

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

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