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

“Well… maybe?”

do appreciate the tax benefits. But that’s not why

I asked, genuinely curious about this unexpected

research funding. Most pharmaceutical companies focus on more common conditions because

altruistic

so shocked. I’m not always the heartless CEO

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

We’re about to

me back to the Carter table, his hand warm against the small of my back. Harold

glancing at the catalog in front of

the glossy pages. “Maybe the weekend in Napa?

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Chapter 142

wine tasting.”

:

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“Look at the artwork section.

and nearly choked on my champagne when I saw the

One that tends to appreciate

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

went quickly: luxury spa packages, sports memorabilia, dinner with a celebrity chef. I watched with fascination as

Seas yacht. This exclusive experience includes a private

the room. I sat back, content to watch the wealthy play

a woman

countered a man near the

escalated rapidly, finally settling at forty–five thousand dollars. The auctioneer’s gavel

Harold commented from across the table. “That yacht rents

look as shocked as I

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

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Chapter 142

:

Alexander called, raising his

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Alexander eventually winning at twenty–five

this mean I get to be one of the six dinner

he replied with a wink. “And then sit at

rare bottle of scotch that sold for an eye–watering amount to Charles Carter, who looked genuinely pleased with his