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.

:

voice dripping

politely. “The foundation

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quite taken with you. I’m trying to

to take the bait. “The

surprised you’re so comfortable in these settings already.

“I’m a quick study.”

over me assessingly. “Tell me, what exactly does a junior marketing executive bring to a relationship with one of the city’s most eligible bachelors?

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

strategies,” she

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

“How… convenient. Right after

you married my cousin.”

based on my work,” I said. “The campaign exceeded revenue projections. But I’m sure you read the quarterly reports,

always. He slid into the seat beside me, his hand resting

that,” he said, pressing a kiss to my temple. “What did

with your lovely wife,” Victoria said sweetly. “Congratulating

promotion was well–deserved

a flush of gratitude

15:48 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 143

:

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sip of champagne. “I’m sure

battles,” I murmured, just loud

you,

That’s one of the many things

irritation. “Well, this has been fascinating, but I see Senator waving me over.” She stood, smoothing her emerald gown. “Do try to enjoy the rest of

sauntered away, I released a breath I hadn’t realized

Alexander said, his voice warm

best defense against Victoria is to not let her see

“She’s

blood in the water,”

Alexander leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Did you know you bite

felt my cheeks

do. You’re doing it

my lip, embarrassed to be caught