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.”

Daniels,” Alexander introduced. “Senator, my wife,

look. “I understand congratulations are in order. The marriage took us all by surprise.

our

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

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

table where Harold sat with Charles

Harold announced, extending his hand

grandfather’s hand. “Good evening, Grandfather.

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Chapter 141

to kiss my cheek.

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I replied, grateful for the warm greeting. “It’s good to

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

and I smiled as Alexander’s hand found

honeymoon was perfect,” I said.

remarked, looking between us with shrewd eyes. “In business and, it seems, in

said, a smile playing at his

Now

at Alexander, letting him

answered, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. “Turns out I’m better at

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

day at a

twinkled with unexpected mischief. “The secret to a successful marriage is compromise

amused. “Is

marriage is like a good business partnership. You need trust, clear boundaries, and

raising his champagne glass in

toast.

closer to me. “And don’t let this one work too

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Chapter 141

:

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putting business before family. Isn’t that right,

“Times

retorted. “Learn from our mistakes, Alexander. Don’t wake up one

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

flowers are lovely this year, don’t you

as more guests arrived at our