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.”

I said, watching as James

mine.”

smile, holding Olivia’s hand a moment longer than necessary.

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Chapter 145

meet you,” Olivia said

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eyes remained fixed on her. “The pleasure is entirely mine. I must say, the

her tone perfectly

lucky man,” James continued. “Though I’m sure he knows

do,” I said firmly, my

won’t keep you. Just wanted to say hello

glanced

explained. “Old friends

is generous,” James laughed. “But dinner should be interesting. Don’t forget.” He nodded to Olivia. “It was lovely to

“Perhaps,” she replied noncommittally.

James turned and

Olivia asked, her eyes following his

the complicated history between us. “An old friend who became a business

seem very

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

“And now you’re competitors.”

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

me guess,

I smiled. “Of course.”

paid seven hundred thousand dollars for

Especially

me for a moment. “There seems to be more to it than just business

Sep 11

Chapter 143

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delve into the messier aspects of our past friendship. “Nothing worth discussing

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