The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 162

Olivia

“I’ll be honest, Mrs. Carter. I only entertained Ms. Langford’s offer because of the impressive marketing budget. But after seeing your team’s thorough understanding of our brand heritage, the decision became clear. Andrew stated, his tone shifting to one of sincerity.

“We’re honored to have earned your trust,” I replied, gathering my materials. “We’ll make sure the Thompson brand shines in this new chapter.”

“I have no doubt,” Andrew smiled, standing to shake my hand. “Alexander Carter, always a pleasure. Your wife is quite the find.”

Alexander’s hand found the small of my back as he replied, “Believe me, I’m well aware.”

As Andrew excused himself to take a call. Alexander leaned close to me. “Well done. I knew you’d nail this.”

Before I could respond, Penelope appeared at our table, her smile tight and her eyes cold.

“Congratulations on securing the Thompson account,” she said, her voice syrupy sweet. “Quite the accomplishment for someone so…. new to senior leadership.”

“Thank you,” I replied simply, refusing to take the bait.

Penelope turned to Alexander, resting a manicured hand on his arm. “You must be so proud of your bride. Though I wouldn’t get too comfortable celebrating this small victory, Olivia.” Her emphasis on my name dripped with condescension.

“Small?” I echoed, one eyebrow raised.

“Oh, darling,” she laughed lightly. “Thompson Hotels is a stepping stone. I wouldn’t waste too much energy on making this your defining project. After all, who knows how long you’ll be around to see it through?”

stiffened beside me. “What exactly are you

in one professional basket. Or personal basket, for that matter.” Her eyes flicked between us

coolly, “but I’m quite confident

in the grand scheme. I’ll be watching your work very

low

off our engagement, Alexander. He

replied coolly. “And we

but her eyes narrowed slightly. “Of course he is. Your father has always had such interesting taste.” She tilted her head, examining me like I was a curiosity in a museum. “I do hope your marriage proves successful, Olivia. I’ll

keeping my

test comes when the novelty wears off.” She ran a manicured finger

her sugary tone

space between himself and Penelope’s touch. “How will your father react to losing the Thompson account? I understand he personally

Daddy understands

I recall him being rather unforgiving about failures.” Alexander’s voice carried just enough bite to make Penelope

all pretense of civility. “I was going to be the perfect wife

interjected, unable to keep

end every day. Especially rushed ones based on whatever this

took my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “I suggest you focus on salvaging your professional

and dangerous. “I’ll prove I’m the woman who should be standing beside you.

stalked away, leaving a cloud of expensive perfume in

the best with that,” Alexander called after her, his tone dismissive.