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.

Alexander said politely, shaking hands with Claire and

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

replied with a smile

crowded bar toward the exit. Alexander’s hand rested on the

warmth of the bar. I took

asked as

as well take yours,” I replied.

parked near the entrance. The car beeped

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

to tell me how you knew to show up

a small smile as he kept his

“That’s not an answer.”

over at me. “You

be nice,

wheel, his eyes still fixed on

have a what?” I sat up

A small team.

I don’t know about?” I stared at him in disbelief. “That’s called

tone frustratingly calm. “They’re professionals.

building. “The point is, you have people tracking my movements without my knowledge or

who’d love to get to me by hurting someone

tail on

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

not the point,” I muttered, knowing full well I probably wouldn’t have. “The point is you

he actually looked contrite. “I should have mentioned it. But

that he had a point. “How did they even know I was in

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

to be in the neighborhood?” I

was at the office. Dropped everything and came

of privacy and a reluctant gratitude that someone had been there when Ryan

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

places. They’re discreet.” Alexander reached over and took my hand. “It’s standard for anyone in my position. My family has always had

of your family

That makes you a target

minutes, the city lights blurring past the windows. I was still processing the revelation

long?” I

“Since the wedding.”

“So my coffee runs, shopping trips, visits

report your every move,” Alexander clarified. “They just

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255