The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Olivia

55 vouchers

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

…

flashed across James’s face.

that you were close before

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expression thoughtful. “That’s an oversimplification,

correct.”

slipped out before I could

priorities. The usual story.” He glanced at his watch. “But that’s ancient

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

as I gathered my things. “It was nice talking with you, Olivia. Properly this

shoulder. “It was nice. But just so you know, you’re still

eyebrows shot up. “A stranger? After three

one coffee doesn’t make us friends, Mr. Westbrook,” I replied, keeping my

“James,” he corrected automatically.

I conceded with a

leave, weaving between the

holding his coffee cup, looking

said, genuinely

lucky too,” he added, his expression unreadable. “In more ways

strange flutter in my chest but kept my

steadily along Wilshire Boulevard, headlights creating rivers of light in both directions. I tugged my jacket closer, James Westbrook’s words still echoing in my

8:23 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 153

is lucky too. In more

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did he mean by that? I shook my head, trying to dismiss the strange encounter as I walked to my car. The

was quieter now, most employees having left for the day. I gathered my laptop and the Thompson proposal notes, mentally planning

Mrs. Carter?” Dylan poked.his head into my office,

few things for tomorrow. What’s your

the competitor analysis for Thompson.

lifesaver, Dylan,” I said gratefully, taking the folder from him. “But don’t stay too late. We need you fresh in

I couldn’t help but feel a

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

Dylan. See you

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