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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Chapter 136

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

never called to apologize until I married

“That’s

sex with my friend. That wasn’t fair.” I grabbed my purse from the chair beside me. “This conversation is over. Don’t call me again. Don’t text me.

said, his voice

“Well, I am.”

out the truth,” he pressed on. “Why did you marry him? Whether it’s real or just for his money.” His eyes hardened. “And if you were cheating on me with him before

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

I did was wrong. It was the biggest mistake of my

apparently,” I snapped.

past months without you made me realize what I had.” His eyes softened in a way that once

us.”

stared 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

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

fell. “Liv,

I corrected sharply. “And I meant what I said. You destroyed

Sat, Sep 6

Chapter 136

…

of reconciliation the moment

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rose slightly, drawing

here you are, making another one by thinking I’d ever care.” I signaled the waitress for the check. “You

“Thank me?”

with you, settling for less than

anger. “Less than

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

regular income, to marrying one of the richest men in Los Angeles. It

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 values me. He respects