The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 141

Olivia

I stepped out of Alexander’s sleek Aston Martin, the soft hum of the engine cutting off as we arrived at the Children’s Hospital Foundation gala.

The venue was lit up against the night sky, a historic hotel in downtown Los Angeles that had been transformed for the evening’s charity event. Valets in crisp uniforms hurried to assist arriving guests, and I smoothed down the silk of my midnight blue gown, grateful for the stylist Alexander had arranged.

“Ready?” Alexander asked, appearing at my side and offering his arm.

I took it, feeling the solid warmth of him through his tuxedo jacket. “As I’ll ever

be.”

He looked devastating in his tuxedo, the perfect cut emphasizing his broad shoulders and trim waist. Several women openly stared as we climbed the steps to the entrance, and I couldn’t blame them. The man was unfairly handsome.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “That dress was made for you.”

“So you’ve said. Three times now.” I smiled up at him, oddly pleased by his repetition.

“I’ll say it again if necessary. You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in that

room.”

When we entered, the grand ballroom took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the assembled guests. Round tables dressed in white linen surrounded a dance floor, each adorned with elaborate floral centerpieces that must have cost a fortune. An orchestra played at one end of the room, the music providing an elegant backdrop to the gentle hum of conversation.

“Champagne?” Alexander asked, snagging two flutes from a passing waiter.

“Thank you.” I accepted the glass, using the moment to scan the crowd. Everyone was dressed impeccably: designer gowns, custom tuxedos, jewelry that could fund

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Chapter 141

a small nation.

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“The Carter table is over there,” Alexander said, nodding toward a prime location near the stage. “Grandfather’s already here.”

I followed his gaze to see Harold Carter holding court at the table, surrounded by several well–dressed people who seemed to hang on his every word. Even confined to his wheelchair, he commanded attention.

We made our way across the room, pausing several times as people stopped Alexander to exchange greetings. He introduced me smoothly each time, his hand never leaving my back, a gesture that felt both possessive and reassuring.

“Alexander!” A middle–aged woman in a stunning red gown approached us, air- kissing Alexander’s cheeks. “So good to see you. And this must be your new wife we’ve all been hearing about.”

is Senator Clara Daniels,” Alexander introduced. “Senator, my

in order. The marriage took us all by surprise. I hope you’ll both

check our calendars,”

the Carter table, I leaned closer

is,” he replied, unbothered. “I wasn’t exactly known for

table where Harold sat with Charles and

announced, extending

shook his grandfather’s hand. “Good evening, Grandfather. Mother, Father.” He nodded

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Chapter 141

rose to kiss my cheek.

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for the warm greeting. “It’s good to see you

the empty chairs beside him. “Sit down, both of you. I want to hear all about

into our seats, and I smiled

was perfect,” I said.

between us with shrewd eyes.

you, Grandfather,” Alexander said, a smile playing

go to your head. Now tell me, how’s married

at Alexander, letting

his thumb stroking the back of my

Charles pointed out dryly. “The real test comes

at a

with unexpected mischief. “The secret to a successful

laughed, genuinely amused. “Is that

good business partnership. You need trust, clear

raising his champagne glass in a

toast.

don’t let this one work too much. Carter

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Chapter 141

:

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bad habit of putting business before

“Times were

change, the behavior doesn’t,” Harold retorted. “Learn from our mistakes, Alexander. Don’t wake up one day realizing you’ve built an empire but

I searched for something to say when Julia came to the

are lovely this year, don’t you think? Much better than

as more guests arrived