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 hospital for

“Well… maybe?”

the tax benefits. But that’s not

did you?” I asked, genuinely

that don’t get much research funding. Most pharmaceutical companies focus on more

surprisingly altruistic

lips quirked up. “Don’t sound so shocked. I’m not always the heartless

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

seats. We’re about to begin the

back. Harold was already engaged in conversation with another elderly gentleman, while Victoria examined the auction catalog with

eye?” Alexander asked, glancing

through the glossy pages. “Maybe

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Chapter 142

wine tasting.”

:

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to Napa anytime,” he said dismissively. “Look at the artwork section. There’s

when I saw the estimated value. “Two hundred thousand dollars? For a

One that tends to

auctioneer, a distinguished man with a British accent, stepped up to the podium. “Good evening, esteemed guests. Tonight, we

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

up, 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

I sat back, content

called a woman in

man near the

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

across the table. “That yacht rents for fifteen

look as shocked as

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

:

Alexander called,

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bidding continued, with Alexander eventually

mean I get to

a

item was a rare bottle of scotch that sold for an eye–watering