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.

all,” Alexander said politely, shaking hands with Claire and

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

with a smile that seemed surprisingly

hand rested on the small of my back, guiding me

night air felt refreshing after the warmth of the bar. I took a deep breath, letting it clear my

asked as we walked across the parking

yours,” I replied. “I

near the entrance. The car beeped as he unlocked it, holding the passenger door open

settled into the leather seats, I couldn’t help but wonder about the evening’s strange sequence of events. Alexander started the car, the engine purring to life with

the parking lot, “are you going to tell me how you knew to show

small smile as he kept his eyes

“That’s not an answer.”

at me. “You want the

be

eyes still fixed on the road. “I have a security team that follows

what?” I sat up straight, my voice

small team.

I’ve been followed? By strange men I don’t know about?” I

frustratingly calm. “They’re professionals. You

not the point!” I 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

lot of enemies. People who’d love to get to me

put a tail on me? Without even

agreed if I had?” He glanced at me, eyebrow

I probably wouldn’t have. “The

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

did they even know I was in

you into places like O’Malley’s, but they keep an eye on the outside. When they saw Ryan grab you, they alerted

to be in

at the office. Dropped everything and came

privacy and a reluctant gratitude that

somewhere, someone’s watching me?” The thought made me

private places. They’re discreet.” Alexander reached over and took my hand. “It’s standard for anyone in

of your

a target whether you like it or

lights blurring past the windows. I

long?” I

“Since the wedding.”

head. “So my coffee runs, shopping trips,

don’t report your every move,” Alexander clarified. “They just make sure you’re

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