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 my schedule for the

tablet. “Already

my suit jacket. “You’re too efficient,

smile played at her lips. “I’ve already emailed the latest property

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

the main office area. As we passed the

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

My steps slowed involuntarily.

admire how confident she looked. Her face animated with excitement as she spoke, engaging everyone around the

magnificent. Not just beautiful, but powerful in her element. Watching her work, seeing

voice broke

tearing my gaze

the Hudson Development deal. I nodded along, absorbing the information while part of my mind remained back in that conference room with

slid into the backseat, I

seat, my thoughts drifting as the city passed by outside the window. Last

Westbrook happened to be there at exactly the right moment? The

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,

was James, suddenly appearing in a parking lot just when Olivia needed

a coincidence? Or was history

had confronted Olivia. I’d dropped everything and raced over, but James had somehow beaten me there. How did he even know she was at

watching Olivia, waiting for an opportunity to swoop

with Olivia that he’d pulled with Samantha, he was sorely mistaken. Olivia wasn’t some college girlfriend. She was my

My wife.

a business arrangement, a means to an

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

was undeniable. Every touch, every kiss sent electricity coursing through me. The nights we spent together were

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

whenever I thought of her? This fierce protectiveness I felt at the idea of James Westbrook circling

Carter, we’re five minutes out,” Jessica announced,

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

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

thinking. We’ll emphasize community investment in addition to the financial

glass tower in downtown Los Angeles. I pushed all personal thoughts away, switching fully

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