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.

:

dripping with false warmth.

much,” I replied politely. “The

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55 vouchers

sipped her champagne delicately. “Alexander seems quite taken with you. I’m trying to understand the

to take the bait. “The

must say, I’m surprised you’re so comfortable in these settings already. It can take years to

“I’m a quick study.”

bring to a relationship

if you’re interested in Carter Enterprises‘

strategies,” she said with a dismissive wave

anymore,” I replied, keeping my

“How… convenient. Right after

you married my cousin.”

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

slid into the seat beside me, his hand resting possessively on my

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

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

narrowed slightly. “Olivia’s promotion was well–deserved and long

flush of gratitude toward Alexander for

15:48 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 143

:

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55 vouchers

of champagne. “I’m sure her work speaks for

own battles,” I murmured, just loud enough for him to

you,

you can. That’s one

over.” She stood, smoothing her emerald gown. “Do try to enjoy the rest of

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

said, his voice warm

“I’m learning that the best defense against Victoria is to

reaching for his champagne. “She’s like

in the water,”

against my ear. “Did

cheeks

You’re doing it

released my lip, embarrassed to be