The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 136

Olivia

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I froze, my coffee cup halfway to my lips, as Ryan’s words hung in the air between us. What the hell was he playing at? My mind raced, trying to understand why he’d suddenly appeared in my life again, throwing accusations about my marriage.

I set my cup down with deliberate care, buying myself a moment. Five months ago, this man had shattered my heart when I caught him with Sophia. Now he was sitting across from me, looking at me with those familiar eyes, spewing nonsense about my marriage.

“What are you talking about? Where did you hear that bullshit?” I hissed, leaning forward myself.

“I didn’t hear it anywhere. I figured it out.” He tapped his temple. “Think about it. You’ve always been cautious, methodical. You wouldn’t even move in with me after years together. But suddenly you’re married to your boss.”

“So your evidence is that I married too quickly for your liking? That’s rich coming from you.”

“There’s more to it.” His eyes narrowed. “Carter Enterprises‘ stock jumped ten percent after your marriage announcement. There were rumors about succession issues in the Carter family. Then suddenly Alexander is married to a normal, respectable woman with no scandalous past.” He shrugged. “Looks like a business arrangement to me.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. How had he put these pieces together? What did he know?

“You’re crossing a line,” I said, my voice dangerously low. “You cheated on me with my friend, and now you have the audacity to sit here and insult my marriage? Who do you think you

you are?”

“I’m someone who cares about you,” Ryan said, reaching for my hand.

I jerked away from his touch. “Don’t.”

17:29 Sat, Sep 6 N

Chapter 136

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messed up. Badly. The thing with Sophia was a

you never called to apologize until I married

flinched. “That’s

you know what’s not fair? Me walking in on you having sex with my friend. That wasn’t fair.” I grabbed my purse from the chair beside me. “This conversation

his voice urgent. “I’m not

“Well, I am.”

him? Whether it’s real or just for his money.” His

the absurdity. “Cheating on you? That’s rich coming from the man I caught

was wrong. It was the biggest mistake of

many, apparently,” I

past months without you made me realize what I had.” His eyes softened

us.”

a humorless laugh escaping me. There was a time his soft eyes

bad, because I don’t,” I said, my voice

face fell.

I meant what I

Sep

Chapter 136

…

the moment you

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slightly, drawing glances from nearby tables. “One stupid

are, making another one by thinking I’d ever care.” I signaled the waitress

“Thank me?”

If you hadn’t cheated, I might still be with

face contorted with anger. “Less than you deserve? I gave you

my wallet. “And now you dare to question my marriage? To insinuate that I’m with Alexander for

a regular guy with a regular income, to marrying one of the richest men in Los

the problem is you can’t imagine someone choosing me for me.” I pulled out enough cash to cover our coffees and tossed it on the table. “Unlike you, Alexander