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.”

Alexander introduced. “Senator, my wife,

us

our calendars,” Alexander

the Carter table, I leaned closer to Alexander. “Senator Daniels seemed surprised by

unbothered. “I wasn’t exactly known for

reached the table where Harold sat

Harold announced, extending his

hand. “Good evening, Grandfather.

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 141

kiss my cheek. “That dress

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the warm greeting. “It’s good

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

and I smiled as Alexander’s hand found

was perfect,” I said. “The island was

have good taste,” Harold remarked, looking between us with shrewd eyes. “In business and, it

from you, Grandfather,” Alexander said,

your head. Now tell me, how’s married life treating

at Alexander, letting

thumb stroking the back of my hand. “Turns out I’m better

a month,” Charles pointed out dryly. “The real test

at a time,” I said, squeezing

eyes twinkled with unexpected mischief. “The secret

genuinely amused. “Is that

good business partnership. You need trust, clear

raising

toast.

closer to me. “And don’t let this

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 141

:

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of putting business before family. Isn’t that

looked uncomfortable. “Times were different

“Learn from our mistakes, Alexander. Don’t wake up one day realizing you’ve built an empire but

the table. I searched for something to say when Julia came to

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

conversation shifted to safer topics as more