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.

meeting you all,” Alexander said politely, shaking hands with Claire and Ariana before giving Emilia a brief hug. “I’ll make sure she

a finger at him.

replied with a smile that seemed

we made our way through the crowded bar toward the exit. Alexander’s hand rested on the small of my back, guiding me through

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

asked as we walked across

yours,” I replied.

the sleek Aston Martin parked near the entrance. The car beeped as he unlocked it, holding the passenger door

help but wonder about the evening’s strange sequence of events. Alexander started the

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

lips quirked into a small smile as he kept his eyes on the road. “I have my ways.”

“That’s not an answer.”

at me. “You

be nice,

steering wheel, his eyes still fixed on the road. “I have a security team that follows

sat up straight,

team. Just for

don’t know about?” I stared at him in

security,” he corrected, his tone frustratingly

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 from

enemies. People who’d love to

on

had?” He glanced

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

have mentioned it. But

they even know I was in trouble? Do

O’Malley’s, but they keep an eye

to be in the

everything and came as soon as they

anger at the invasion of privacy and a reluctant gratitude that someone

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

discreet.” Alexander reached over and took my hand. “It’s standard

part of

wife. That makes you a target

in silence for a few minutes, the city lights blurring past the windows. I was still processing

long?” I

“Since the wedding.”

runs, shopping trips, visits to my parents, all

your every move,” Alexander clarified. “They just make sure you’re

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