The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 136

Olivia

52

55 vouchers

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

52

55 vouchers

Badly. The thing with Sophia was a stupid mistake. I’ve regretted

you never called to apologize

“That’s not

in on you having sex with my friend. That wasn’t fair.” I grabbed my purse

said, his voice urgent.

“Well, I am.”

or just for his money.” His eyes hardened. “And

rich coming from the

did was wrong.

I snapped. “Including

made me realize what I had.” His eyes softened in a way that once would have melted my resolve. “I miss

us.”

escaping me. There was a time his soft eyes

bad, because I don’t,” I said, my voice deadly calm. “Even if I weren’t married now, I would never take you back.

fell.

sharply. “And I meant what I said. You

Sep 6

Chapter 136

…

moment you slept with

52

55 vouchers

rose slightly, drawing glances from nearby tables. “One stupid

signaled

“Thank me?”

with you, settling for less than I deserve.” I smiled

“Less than you deserve? I gave

except loyalty and respect.” I reached for my wallet. “And now you dare to question my

on, Olivia. You went from dating me, a regular guy with a regular income, to marrying one of the

out enough cash to cover our coffees and tossed it on the table. “Unlike