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?”

meeting up. We need to leave now. Can you clear

fingers danced across her tablet. “Already done. The

suit jacket. “You’re too efficient, Jessica.

lips. “I’ve already emailed the latest property valuations to your

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

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

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 curve of

My steps slowed involuntarily.

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 she laughed, the sound visible in the way her shoulders shook

powerful in her element. Watching her work, seeing her

voice broke

said, tearing my gaze away

Jessica briefed me on the Hudson Development deal. I nodded along, absorbing the information while

as promised. As we slid into the

city passed by outside the window. Last night’s scene

there at exactly the right moment? The timing was

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

a parking lot just

coincidence? Or

me immediately when that asshole Ryan had confronted Olivia. I’d dropped everything and raced over,

clenched at the thought. The idea of James watching Olivia, waiting for an opportunity to swoop in and play hero, made my blood

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

My wife.

my head. This marriage had started as a business arrangement, a means to

more than just a signature on a contract. The way she challenged me, her quick wit, determination, and resilience… she was unlike

the chemistry between us was undeniable. Every touch, every kiss sent electricity coursing through

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

whenever I thought of her? This fierce protectiveness I felt at

out,” Jessica

aside. “Thank

course. Based on our research, I think we should lead with the urban renewal angle. The neighborhood development plan will appeal

thinking. We’ll emphasize community investment in addition to

up in front of the Hudson Development building, a sleek glass tower in downtown Los Angeles. I pushed all personal thoughts away, switching fully

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