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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Chapter 142

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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.”

raised. “What did you expect? That I funded a children’s

“Well… maybe?”

“I do appreciate the tax benefits. But that’s

you?” I asked, genuinely curious about this unexpected

rare diseases that don’t get much research funding. Most pharmaceutical companies focus

surprisingly altruistic of

“Don’t sound so shocked. I’m not always the heartless CEO

tapped

take your seats. We’re about to begin the auction portion of

hand warm against the small of my back. Harold was already engaged in conversation with another elderly gentleman, while Victoria examined

your eye?” Alexander asked, glancing at the

flipped through the glossy pages. “Maybe the weekend

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 142

wine tasting.”

:

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go to Napa anytime,” he said dismissively. “Look at

and nearly choked on my champagne when I saw the estimated value. “Two

investment. One that tends to appreciate

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

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

the Silver Seas yacht. This exclusive experience includes a private chef,

sat back, content

thousand,” called a

a man near

at forty–five thousand dollars. The auctioneer’s gavel came down

table. “That yacht rents for fifteen

look as shocked

three–star Michelin chef Alan Marceau, followed by dinner for six at his restaurant, Table. Bidding starts at ten

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 142

:

Alexander called, raising

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Alexander eventually winning

I murmured. “Does this mean I get to be one of the six

my sous chef,” he replied with a wink. “And then sit

a rare bottle of scotch that sold for an eye–watering amount to Charles Carter, who looked