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?”

has moved our meeting up. We need to leave now. Can you clear my schedule for the

danced across her tablet. “Already done. The

my suit jacket. “You’re too

lips. “I’ve already emailed the latest property valuations to your phone and alerted legal that we may need them

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

the elevator, walking briskly through the main office area. As we passed the glass–walled conference room, I caught

her. Even from this distance, I could see the passion in her movements, the way she commanded the room’s attention. Her

My steps slowed involuntarily.

Her face animated with excitement as she spoke, engaging everyone around the table. One of the executives said something, and she laughed, the

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

Carter?” Jessica’s voice broke through

I said, tearing my gaze

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

was waiting as promised. As we slid into the backseat, I nodded

against the leather seat, my thoughts drifting as the city passed by outside the window. Last night’s

to be there at exactly the right moment? The timing was too

dating Samantha Watson back in college when James decided he wanted her too. He’d spent weeks 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

a parking lot just

coincidence? Or

and raced over, but James had somehow beaten me there. How did he

the thought. The idea of James watching Olivia, waiting for an opportunity to swoop in

that he’d pulled with Samantha, he was sorely mistaken. Olivia wasn’t

My wife.

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

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

touch, every kiss sent electricity coursing through me.

watching her read in

whenever I thought of her? This fierce protectiveness I felt

out,” Jessica announced,

aside. “Thank you, Jessica. Let’s focus

with the urban renewal angle. The neighborhood development plan will appeal to

community investment

pulled up in front of the Hudson Development building, a sleek glass tower in

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