The CEO's Contractual Wife

When the song ended, Alexander led me back toward our table, but we were intercepted by a distinguished–looking woman with silver hair.

“Dr. Porter,” Alexander greeted her warmly. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Olivia. Olivia, this is Dr. Emily Porter, head of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, shaking her hand.

“The pleasure is mine,” Dr. Porter replied. “Alexander has been one of our most generous supporters. The Carter Wing has helped thousands of children.”

“The Carter Wing?” I looked at Alexander questioningly.

Dr. Porter seemed surprised. “The pediatric research center. Alexander funded it three years ago. Surely he told you?”

Alexander looked almost embarrassed. “It never came up.”

“Well, he’s too modest,” Dr. Porter continued. “The center focuses on rare childhood diseases, many of which were considered untreatable before our

research.”

I felt a surge of admiration for Alexander. “That’s incredible work.”

“We couldn’t do it without supporters like your husband,” Dr. Porter said. “Perhaps you’d like to tour the facility sometime? See the impact firsthand?”

“I’d love that,” I replied honestly.

After Dr. Porter moved on to greet other guests, I turned to Alexander. “You never mentioned funding a pediatric research center.”

He shrugged, looking uncomfortable with the praise. “It was a good investment.”

“In children?”

“In the future,” he corrected. “Those kids deserve a chance.”

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I stood there looking at Alexander, his words echoing in my head. The simple statement that kids deserved a chance revealed a side of him I’d never expected. Not from the ruthless CEO who commanded boardrooms and made million- dollar decisions without blinking.

“What?” Alexander asked, noticing my expression.

“Nothing.” I shook my head slightly. “It’s just not what I expected you to say.”

expect? That I funded

“Well… maybe?”

tax benefits. But that’s

did you?” I asked, genuinely

deserve a fighting chance. Especially those dealing with rare diseases that don’t get much research funding. Most pharmaceutical companies focus on more common conditions because

altruistic of

shocked. I’m not always the

of ceremonies tapped on the microphone, drawing everyone’s attention

We’re about to begin the auction portion of

me back to the Carter table, his hand warm against the small of my back. Harold was already engaged in conversation with another elderly gentleman, while Victoria examined the auction catalog with

Alexander asked, glancing

glossy pages. “Maybe the weekend in Napa? I’ve never

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Chapter 142

wine tasting.”

:

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he said dismissively. “Look at the artwork section. There’s an original Basquiat

and nearly choked on my champagne when I saw the estimated value. “Two hundred thousand dollars? For a

One that tends to appreciate

podium. “Good evening, esteemed guests. Tonight, we have an extraordinary collection of items to auction,

items went quickly: luxury spa packages, sports memorabilia, dinner with a celebrity chef. I watched with fascination as people casually bid thousands of

we have a seven–day Mediterranean cruise aboard the Silver Seas yacht. This exclusive experience includes a private chef, full crew, and stops at Capri, Santorini, and Mykonos. Bidding starts at fifteen

sat back, content to watch the

thousand,” called a woman

a man near

rapidly, finally settling at forty–five thousand dollars. The auctioneer’s gavel came down with a satisfying thud, and polite applause rippled through the

table. “That

not to look as shocked as I

item: a private cooking class with three–star Michelin chef Alan Marceau, followed by dinner for six at his restaurant, Table. Bidding

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Chapter 142

:

called, raising

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eventually winning

I murmured. “Does this mean I get to be

be my sous chef,” he replied with a wink.

for an eye–watering amount to Charles Carter, who looked genuinely pleased with