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.”

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Sophia was a stupid mistake. I’ve regretted it every day

you never called to

flinched. “That’s

I grabbed my purse from the chair beside me. “This conversation is over. Don’t call me again. Don’t text

Ryan said, his voice

“Well, I am.”

truth,” he pressed on. “Why did you marry him? Whether it’s real or just

“Cheating on you? That’s rich coming

face flushed red. “I know what I did was wrong. It was

many, apparently,” I snapped. “Including this

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

us.”

at the man I’d once believed I would marry, a humorless laugh escaping me. There was a time his soft eyes and remorseful voice would have melted

That’s too bad, because I don’t,” I said, my voice deadly calm. “Even if I weren’t married now,

face fell.

“And I

Sat, Sep

Chapter 136

…

moment you slept

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slightly, drawing glances from nearby tables. “One stupid

another one by thinking I’d ever care.” I signaled the waitress for the check. “You know

“Thank me?”

hadn’t cheated, I might still be with you, settling for less than I deserve.”

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

I reached for my wallet. “And now you dare to

on, Olivia. You went from dating me, a regular guy with a regular income, to marrying one of the richest men in Los Angeles. It doesn’t

out enough cash to cover our coffees and tossed it on the table. “Unlike you, Alexander values me. He respects me. He doesn’t need to sleep with