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?”

moved our meeting up. We need to leave now. Can

her tablet. “Already done. The car is

my suit jacket. “You’re too efficient,

smile played at her lips. “I’ve already emailed the latest property valuations to your phone and alerted

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

walking briskly through the main office area. As we passed the glass–walled conference room, I caught sight of Olivia leading a

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

My steps slowed involuntarily.

couldn’t help but admire how confident she looked. Her face animated with excitement as she spoke, engaging everyone around the table. One of the executives said something, and

was magnificent. Not just beautiful, but powerful in her element. Watching her work, seeing her intelligence and creativity on display, stirred something in me beyond

Carter?” Jessica’s voice broke

I said, tearing my

on the Hudson Development deal. I nodded along, absorbing the information while part of my

slid

as the city passed by outside the window.

had James Westbrook happened to be there at exactly the right moment? The timing was too

subtly undermining me, showing up whenever we were together, offering her “help” with assignments, and conveniently appearing at parties. Eventually, he convinced her I was cheating, and she broke up with me. A week later,

was James, suddenly appearing in a parking lot

a coincidence? Or

dropped everything and raced over, but James had somehow beaten me there. How did he even know she was at O’Malley’s? Was

watching Olivia, waiting for an opportunity to

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

My wife.

words echoed strangely in my head. This marriage had started as a business arrangement, a means to an end. Sign some papers,

wedding day and now, Olivia had become more than just a signature on a contract. The way

undeniable. Every touch, every kiss sent electricity coursing through me. The nights

conversations, enjoying the simple pleasure of watching her read in the evening or hum to herself

This growing warmth whenever I thought of her? This

we’re five minutes out,” Jessica

thoughts of Olivia and James aside. “Thank

think we should lead with the urban renewal angle. The neighborhood development plan will appeal to their

emphasize community investment in addition to

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

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255