The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Olivia

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A comfortable silence settled between us as James sipped his coffee. The café had begun to empty a bit, the after–work crowd thinning as evening deepened.

“You know,” he said suddenly, “you didn’t even acknowledge me at the Children’s Hospital gala.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the change in topic. “I’m sorry?”

“At the gala,” he repeated, his tone light but his eyes curious. “You looked right through me like we’d never met. And we’ve met twice before that night.”

I felt heat creep into my cheeks. “I didn’t realize you were expecting a greeting.”

“Not expecting,” he clarified. “Just surprised. Most people in this town go out of their way to remind me we’ve met, even if it was just passing in a hallway five years ago.”

“Well, I’m not most people.”

“Clearly,” he agreed. “But you stared at me like I was a complete stranger. It was… refreshing, actually.”

“I stared at you because you were having a seven–hundred–thousand–dollar bidding war with my husband,” I pointed out, unable to keep the amusement from my voice. “That tends to attract attention.”

James laughed. “Fair point. Though to be clear, he started it.”

“And you finished it,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “Quite emphatically.”

“The sketch was worth it,” he said with a careless shrug that reminded me of Alexander. “And the charity got a generous donation. Everyone wins.”

“Everyone except Alexander,” I couldn’t resist pointing out.

James’s smile turned slightly predatory. “Sometimes Alexander needs to be reminded he can’t always get what he wants.”

Something in his tone made me straighten in my chair. There was history there, something beyond business rivalry.

“Because you were friends once?” I asked, recalling Alexander’s brief explanation.

8:23 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 153

…

across James’s face. “He told you about

that you were

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his expression thoughtful. “That’s an oversimplification,

correct.”

happened?” The question slipped out

answered simply. “Different paths, different priorities. The usual story.” He glanced at his

watch, surprised to find I’d been sitting here longer than intended. “I should get back to the office

course.” James stood as I gathered my things. “It was nice

smiled, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “It was nice. But just so you

“A stranger? After three

encounters and one coffee doesn’t make us friends, Mr. Westbrook,” I replied,

“James,” he corrected automatically.

I conceded with a

turned to leave, weaving between the

with one hand in his pocket, the other holding his coffee cup, looking surprisingly earnest. “For what it’s worth, Andrew Thompson is lucky to have you handling his account. Not many people understand what he’s trying

said, genuinely

Alexander is lucky too,” he added, his expression

felt a strange flutter in my chest but kept my expression neutral. “Goodnight,

Traffic moved steadily along Wilshire Boulevard, headlights creating rivers of light

8:23 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 153

is lucky too. In more ways than

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encounter as I walked to my car. The last thing I needed was to overthink a

building was quieter now, most employees having left for the day. I gathered my laptop

poked.his head into my office, looking

things

the competitor analysis for Thompson. Wanted to have it ready for your

I said gratefully, taking the folder from him. “But don’t

walked to the elevator together, chatting about tomorrow’s agenda. As the doors closed, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Two

a good night, Mrs. Carter,” Dylan called as we reached the parking

Dylan. See you

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