The CEO's Contractual Wife

Applause filled the room as James accepted congratulations from those around him. He caught my eye briefly and nodded in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to his table companions.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our final item of the evening: a luxury ski weekend at the exclusive Montage Deer Valley. This package includes private jet transportation, a three–bedroom mountainside villa, lift tickets, and private ski instruction. Bidding starts at twenty thousand

dollars.”

“Twenty–five,” called a woman from a table near ours.

The bidding escalated quickly, with several interested parties driving the price up. Victoria entered the fray at forty thousand, clearly keen on winning this particular prize.

“Fifty thousand,” she called, giving Alexander a smug look.

“Sixty,” countered a man near the back.

Victoria frowned but quickly raised her paddle again. “Seventy thousand.”

The other bidders dropped out one by one until only Victoria remained. The auctioneer was about to close the bidding when James Westbrook’s voice rang out.

“One hundred thousand.”

Victoria’s head whipped around, her expression incredulous. She seemed to waver, then reluctantly lowered her paddle in defeat.

“Sold to Mr. Westbrook for one hundred thousand dollars!”

Alexander chuckled quietly. “He’s showing off now.”

“Isn’t that what all of you are doing?” I whispered back.

He raised an eyebrow. “Touché,”

The auction concluded with an announcement of the total funds raised, over three million dollars for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Dr. Porter returned to the stage to thank everyone for their generosity and received a standing ovation.

As guests began to mingle again, Alexander excused himself to speak with some board members. I found myself alone at the table with Victoria, an awkward situation I would have

15:48 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 143

preferred to avoid.

:

her voice dripping with false warmth. “Enjoying the

much,” I replied politely. “The foundation does incredible

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sipped her champagne delicately. “Alexander seems quite taken

take the bait. “The

in these settings already. It can take years to

“I’m a quick study.”

does a junior marketing executive bring to a relationship with one of the

I kept my composure. “I’d be happy to discuss my professional qualifications if you’re interested in Carter Enterprises‘ marketing strategies. Otherwise, I think

not interested in junior marketing executives‘ strategies,”

I replied, keeping my voice level. “I was promoted to

“How… convenient. Right after

you married my cousin.”

I said. “The campaign exceeded revenue projections. But I’m sure you read the quarterly reports, so you already

then, his timing impeccable as always. He slid into the seat beside me, his hand resting

pressing a kiss to my temple. “What did

wife,” Victoria said sweetly.

promotion was well–deserved

of gratitude

15:48 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 143

:

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a delicate sip of champagne. “I’m sure her

battles,” I murmured,

you,

That’s one of the many things I

gown. “Do try to enjoy the rest of the evening. The silent auction ends in twenty minutes, in case you’re interested in bidding on anything

away, I released a breath I hadn’t

Alexander said, his voice warm with

myself. “I’m learning that the best defense against Victoria is to not

chuckled, reaching for his champagne. “She’s like a shark; she can

the water,”

breath warm against my ear. “Did you know you bite your lower lip when you’re

my cheeks

You’re doing it right

lip, embarrassed to be caught in the