The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 175

Chapter 175

Alexander

I stared at the financial reports on my desk, trying to focus. We’d signed several new clients this quarter, our stock was up thirteen percent, and the Thompson Hotels rebranding was going better than expected. All things that should have me in a great mood.

But my mind kept drifting to Olivia, specifically to Olivia and James Westbrook.

My phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. Straightening in my chair, I reached for it.

“Alexander Carter speaking.”

“Mr. Carter, it’s Nathan Reeves from Hudson Development.” The man’s voice came through crisp and urgent. “I apologize for the short notice, but we need to move our meeting forward. We’ve just received another offer on the property.”

I checked my calendar. The meeting was scheduled for tomorrow.

“I see. How urgent is this?”

“Very. The other party is pressing for an immediate decision,” Nathan explained. “If you could come to our offices in the next hour, we’d greatly appreciate it.”

Running through my schedule mentally, I nodded to myself. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Carter.”

I hung up and pressed the intercom. “Jessica, I need you in here.”

My office door opened seconds later. Jessica appeared, tablet already in hand. “Yes, Mr. Carter?”

need to leave now. Can you clear my schedule for the next two

tablet. “Already done. The car is

jacket. “You’re

try my best, sir.” A small smile played at her lips. “I’ve already emailed the latest property valuations to your phone and alerted legal that

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

we passed the glass–walled conference

the head of the table, gesturing at something on the screen behind her. Even from this distance, I could see the passion in her movements, the way she commanded the room’s attention. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, accentuating the elegant

My steps slowed involuntarily.

at something in the presentation, and I couldn’t help but admire how confident she looked. Her face animated with excitement as she spoke, engaging everyone around the table. One

element. Watching her work, seeing her intelligence and creativity on display,

Jessica’s voice broke through

my gaze away from

absorbing the information while part of my mind remained back in that conference room with

promised. As we slid into the

against the leather seat, my thoughts drifting as the city passed by outside the window. Last night’s scene at O’Malley’s kept

James Westbrook happened to be there at exactly the

up whenever we were together, offering her “help” with assignments, and conveniently appearing at parties.

now here was James, suddenly appearing in a parking lot just when

a coincidence? Or was history repeating

immediately when that asshole Ryan had confronted Olivia. I’d dropped everything and raced over, but James had somehow beaten me there.

the thought. The idea of James watching Olivia, waiting

thought he could pull the same stunt with Olivia that he’d pulled with Samantha, he was sorely mistaken. Olivia wasn’t some

My wife.

my head. This marriage had started as a business arrangement, a means to an end. Sign some papers, share some space, secure

between our wedding day and now, Olivia had become more than just a signature on a contract. The way she challenged me, her quick wit, determination, and resilience… she was unlike anyone I’d

every kiss sent electricity coursing through

seeking her out, looking forward to our conversations, enjoying the simple pleasure of watching her read in the evening or hum to herself as she

arrangement? This growing warmth whenever I thought of her? This

we’re five minutes out,”

pushing thoughts of Olivia and James aside. “Thank you, Jessica. Let’s focus on

research, I think we should lead with the urban renewal angle. The neighborhood

We’ll emphasize community investment in addition to

Hudson Development building, a sleek glass tower in downtown Los Angeles. I pushed all personal thoughts away,

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