The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 174

Chapter 174

After my second glass of wine, I found myself stifling a yawn. The adrenaline from the confrontation with Ryan had worn off, leaving exhaustion in its wake.

“Getting sleepy there, Liv?” Emilia asked, noticing my struggle to stay engaged.

“Just been a long day,” I admitted, checking the time on my phone. Nearly midnight. “I should probably head home soon.”

“But we’ve barely started girls‘ night!” Ariana protested, already signaling the waitress for another round.

“I hate to say it, but I think tonight’s girls‘ night is kind of shot,” I said with an apologetic smile. “Between Ryan’s drama and these two crashing the party…” I tilted my head toward Alexander, who looked completely unrepentant.

Claire pouted dramatically. “Fine, abandon us for your gorgeous husband. We understand.”

“We’ll plan another night soon,” I promised, gathering my purse. “One without ex–boyfriend ambushes and surprise husband appearances.”

“Good luck with that,” Emilia snorted. “Your life seems to be nothing but surprises lately.”

If she only knew the half of it.

“Come on,” I said, standing up and smoothing my dress. “I’ll text you tomorrow and we’ll set something up.”

The girls exchanged knowing glances before nodding in unison. “Alright,” Emilia conceded. “Go home with your hot husband. We’ll survive somehow.”

“Thanks for understanding,” I said, giving each of them a quick hug.

said politely, shaking hands with Claire and Ariana before giving Emilia a brief

warned, pointing a finger at him. “She’s our

too,” Alexander replied with a smile that seemed surprisingly

final goodbyes, we made our way through the crowded bar toward the exit. Alexander’s hand rested on the small of

after the warmth of the bar. I took a deep breath, letting

or mine?” Alexander asked as we walked

take yours,” I replied. “I

The car beeped as he unlocked it, holding the passenger door

settled into the leather seats, I couldn’t help but wonder about the evening’s strange sequence of events.

as we pulled out of the parking lot, “are you going to tell me how you knew to show up tonight? Right after Ryan

quirked into a small smile as he kept his eyes on

“That’s not an answer.”

glanced over at me.

be nice,

still fixed

have a what?” I sat up straight, my voice rising an

small team. Just

telling me I’ve been followed? By strange men I don’t know about?” I stared at him in disbelief.

security,” he corrected, his tone frustratingly calm.

ran a hand through my hair, exasperation building. “The point is, you have people tracking my movements without my knowledge or consent. What else are you keeping from

“Look, I have a lot of enemies. People who’d love to get

tail on me? Without

had?” He

knowing full well I probably wouldn’t have. “The point is you should have told

he actually looked contrite. “I should have mentioned it. But after what happened with

did they even know I was in trouble? Do they report my every move to

they keep an eye on the outside. When they saw

to be in the neighborhood?” I

everything

privacy and a reluctant gratitude that

somewhere, someone’s watching me?”

places. They’re discreet.” Alexander reached over and took my hand.

not part of your family

makes you a target whether you like

the windows. I was still processing the revelation

I finally

“Since the wedding.”

coffee runs, shopping trips, visits to my parents,

don’t report your every move,” Alexander clarified.

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