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.

:

she said, her voice dripping with false warmth. “Enjoying

I replied politely.

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

refused to take the bait.

you’re so comfortable in these settings already. It can take years to

“I’m a quick study.”

a junior marketing executive bring to a relationship with one of the city’s

but 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 my

not interested in junior marketing executives‘ strategies,” she said with a dismissive wave of

not a junior marketing executive anymore,” I replied, keeping my

“How… convenient. Right after

you married my cousin.”

exceeded revenue projections. But I’m sure you read the

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

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

up with your lovely wife,” Victoria said sweetly. “Congratulating her on her…

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

of gratitude toward Alexander for

15:48 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 143

:

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of

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

you,

you can. That’s one of the

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

I released a breath I hadn’t realized

Alexander said,

against Victoria is to not let her see she’s

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

in the

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

cheeks warm. “I do

You’re doing it right

embarrassed to be