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

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with Sophia was a stupid mistake.

you never called to apologize until I

“That’s not

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

said, his voice urgent. “I’m

“Well, I am.”

or just for his money.” His

on you? That’s rich coming from the man I caught with

know what I did was

many, apparently,” I

realize what I had.” His eyes softened in a

us.”

laugh escaping me. There was a time

don’t,” I said, my voice

face fell. “Liv,

Olivia,” I corrected sharply. “And I meant what I

Sat, Sep

Chapter 136

…

of reconciliation the moment you slept

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was a mistake!” Ryan’s voice rose slightly,

signaled the waitress for the check. “You know what’s funny?

“Thank me?”

I might still be with you,

with anger. “Less than you deserve? I gave

Everything except loyalty and respect.” I reached for my wallet. “And now you dare to question my marriage? To insinuate that

me, a regular guy with a regular income, to

you can’t imagine someone choosing me for me.” I pulled out enough cash to cover our coffees and tossed it on