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

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Chapter 143

preferred to avoid.

:

her voice dripping with

replied politely. “The

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her champagne delicately. “Alexander seems quite taken with you.

to take the bait. “The feeling is

“How diplomatic. However, I must say, I’m surprised you’re so comfortable in these settings already. It can take years to learn the social

“I’m a quick study.”

assessingly. “Tell me, what exactly does a junior marketing executive bring to a relationship with one

composure. “I’d be happy to discuss my professional qualifications if you’re

in junior marketing executives‘ strategies,” she said with a dismissive wave

anymore,” I replied, keeping

“How… convenient. Right after

you married my cousin.”

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

He slid into the seat beside me,

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

catching up with your lovely wife,” Victoria said

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

a flush of gratitude toward Alexander for his

15:48 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 143

:

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

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

you,

with amusement. “I know you can. That’s

over.” She stood, smoothing her emerald gown. “Do try to enjoy the rest of the evening. The silent auction ends in twenty minutes,

she sauntered away, I released a breath I

her well,” Alexander said, his voice

the best defense against Victoria is to not

reaching for his champagne. “She’s like a

the water,” I

his breath warm against my ear. “Did you know you bite your lower

cheeks warm. “I do

You’re

immediately released my lip, embarrassed to be caught