The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 145

Chapter 14.5

Alexander

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I spotted James approaching through the crowd, his usual confident smirk firmly in place. No doubt coming to gloat about winning the Basquiat sketch.

“Alexander,” he greeted with practiced ease, champagne glass in hand. “Quite the evening. Though I must say, it’s rare to see you lose a bidding war.”

I extended my hand, forcing a pleasant smile. “James. Congratulations on the sketch. You certainly wanted it badly.”

“Not as badly as you did, apparently.” His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Seven hundred thousand seemed to be your breaking point.”

“The difference between us, James, is that I know when something isn’t worth the cost.” I kept my tone light, as if we were discussing the weather rather than his attempt to publicly one–up me.

“Always the businessman. Though I wonder if your grandfather would agree with your assessment of worth.”

“My grandfather understands value better than most.” I placed my hand on Olivia’s back, drawing her slightly closer. “Besides, we can’t win every battle. You should enjoy this small victory while you can.”

James’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Small victory? Perhaps. But I do seem to be on a winning streak lately. First, the Meridian acquisition-”

“Which ultimately went to Carter Enterprises,” I interrupted smoothly.

“Details,” he waved dismissively. “The real competition is just beginning, Alexander. We’re going to keep crossing paths, you and I.”

“Looking forward to it,” I replied, matching his false warmth. “Business would be boring without worthy opponents.”

James’s attention shifted to Olivia, his gaze lingering a moment too long. “Your wife is absolutely stunning tonight.”

Olivia remained silent beside me, though I felt her posture stiffen slightly.

“She is,” I agreed, feeling an unexpected surge of possessiveness. “Every day, in fact.”

James extended his hand toward Olivia. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. James Westbrook.”

Olivia,” I said, watching as James took her hand. “Olivia,

mine.”

holding Olivia’s hand a moment longer than necessary. “Though Alexander prefers euphemisms when discussing

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Chapter 145

to meet you,” Olivia said politely,

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her. “The pleasure is entirely mine. I must say, the photos don’t do you justice.

Olivia replied, her tone perfectly balanced between politeness

man,” James continued. “Though I’m

said firmly, my arm tightening

look in his eyes. “Well, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to say hello and remind you

glanced

catching up,” I explained. “Old friends

He nodded to Olivia. “It was lovely to meet you, Olivia. Perhaps you’ll join us for

“Perhaps,” she replied noncommittally.

final nod, James turned and disappeared back into

Westbrook?” Olivia asked, her eyes

explain the complicated history between us. “An

very friendly,” she

placing my hand on the small of her back. “Competed for everything: grades, internships,

“And now you’re competitors.”

some areas. His firm manages investments for half of Hollywood. We occasionally target the same acquisitions.” I shrugged. “Most recently, he

me guess, you

I smiled. “Of course.”

he paid seven hundred thousand dollars for

Especially when

for a moment. “There seems to be

Sep 11

Chapter 143

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delve into the messier

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