The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 159

Olivia

I watched his profile, the way his jaw clenched and his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. The perfect weekend bubble had officially burst.

“So…” I ventured after a moment of tense silence. “Penelope Langford.”

His eyes remained fixed on the road. “My ex.”

“I gathered that much,” I said, shifting in my seat to face him better. “What I don’t understand is why she’s suddenly interested in the Thompson account. It’s not exactly front–page news.”

“It’s not about the account,” Alexander said flatly. “It’s about you.”

“Me?” I blinked in surprise. “What did I do?”

“You married me.”

The car accelerated slightly as we merged onto the freeway, the engine purring with suppressed power much like Alexander himself.

“So this is what, payback?” I asked, trying to understand. “She loses you, so she tries to steal my project?”

Alexander’s laugh was short and humorless. “Welcome to high–stakes business in Los Angeles. Everything is personal, especially when it pretends not to be.”

I frowned, processing this. “But how would she even know I was leading the Thompson account?”

“Because she makes it her business to know everything about Carter Enterprises.” Alexander changed lanes smoothly, overtaking a slower car. “Especially now.”

“Because of our marriage,” I concluded.

“Exactly.”

We drove in silence for a few minutes, the city lights blurring past my window. The perfect weekend at the Malibu house seemed like a distant memory now.

“You’re too quiet,” Alexander said finally. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking my professional success is now a target because of who I married,” I said carefully. “That’s not what I signed up for.”

Alexander glanced over at me. “Having second thoughts about being Mrs. Carter?”

“No,” I said quickly, then paused. “Maybe. I don’t know. I didn’t realize I’d have a target on my back.”

“You’re married to me,” he said simply. “Of course, you have a target on your back.”

“Is Penelope always this vindictive?” I asked.

expression darkened. “Let’s

coming

he cut

I need to know what I’m dealing

his hair. “Fine. She’s evil. Pure evil wrapped in designer clothes with a smile that could charm the devil himself. She’s ruthless, calculating, and has the emotional depth of a

at him, taken aback by the venom in his voice. “Wow. And you almost

the subject was closed. “The point is, don’t worry

it’s my project,” I protested. “My reputation on the

he assured me, his voice softening slightly.

at his

Penelope’s will be whatever focus groups tell her will sell,

think so?” I asked,

and squeezed my hand briefly. “There’s a reason I promoted you, Liv. And

myself. “I should

repeated. “I’ll meet with Andrew tomorrow, remind him why he

be there,” I said firmly.

moment, then nodded. “You’re right.

seat, feeling a little better. “So what’s Penelope’s angle

“I’m not entirely sure. The Thompson account is valuable but not headline–worthy. There must be something else going on

“Something like what?”

don’t know,” he admitted. “But I intend

profile, the sharp line of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes as he focused

asked,

I said quickly. “Just… thank you. For including me in

softened. “Of course. It’s your project.” He paused, then added, “And you’re my wife. We’re a

words sent a strange warmth through me despite the circumstances. A team. I liked the

the window, watching the city lights blur past, lost in thought about Penelope Langford. What was her angle? Why target the Thompson account specifically?

observed, glancing at me. “What are

who’s behind Penelope’s sudden interest in

“What do

just strange timing. She makes her move right after my presentation to Andrew Thompson? When the project is about to launch?” I turned to face him more fully. “Is she working alone,

Alexander’s expression darkened. “Penelope is ambitious, but she

pulling her

suspicions. But let’s not jump to conclusions until we

Alexander navigated through the Sunday evening traffic. My mind raced with possibilities. If someone

at Carter Enterprises?” I

“Not directly. But she’s resourceful

exactly when to approach Andrew Thompson with a

there’s a leak.” It

the timing is