The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 173

I glanced between Alexander and James, feeling the tension crackling in the air despite their outwardly calm demeanors. Emilia shifted beside me, looking like she was thoroughly enjoying the drama unfolding.

“I appreciate the assist,” Alexander said, his hand still gently holding my wrist. “Not many would step in like that.”

“Please,” James waved dismissively. “Ryan was being an ass. Someone needed to shut him down.” He glanced at me with a hint of concern. “Are you sure you’re alright? Those marks look painful.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him, resisting the urge to rub my wrist again. “Nothing some ice won’t fix.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly at James. “Well, we won’t keep you from your evening. Thanks again.”

“Actually, I was just heading in for a drink myself,” James said, gesturing toward O’Malley’s entrance. “Flying solo tonight.”

“What a coincidence,” Emilia chimed in. “We’re having a girls‘ night. Or were, until these two showed up.” She nudged me playfully.

Alexander seemed to consider something, then surprised me by saying, “Why don’t you join us for a drink? It’s the least I can do to thank you for helping Olivia.”

James raised an eyebrow, clearly as surprised by the invitation as I was. “You sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude on your evening.”

“Not at all,” Alexander replied smoothly. “One drink.”

“Alright then,” James agreed. “One drink it is.”

The four of us headed into O’Malley’s, the warm glow of the bar a welcome contrast to the cool night air. The place was packed with Friday night revelers, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the space.

Emilia led us to a high–top table in the corner where Claire and Ariana were already seated, drinks in hand. Their eyes widened comically when they spotted not just me, but Alexander and James trailing behind.

Claire said, her gaze flicking between the two men. “The night just got

over her notepad.

have a whiskey, neat,” Alexander

me,”

declared,

said. After the confrontation with Ryan, I wanted to keep a clear

Ariana sang, nudging me.

eyes. “Fine. A glass

help noticing how Alexander and James sized each other up, like two alpha wolves determining territory. Yet

you two here

said, his hand finding mine on

might have handled him herself. She looked ready to throw a

despite myself. “I

to back off,” Emilia said, sipping her cosmo. “Remember when he showed up at your apartment at 3 AM after you broke up

I groaned. “Don’t

table. “Tried to serenade her

said with

his thumb absently stroking the back of my hand. “Some men can’t accept when a

James asked with

let the past stay in the past,” Alexander

the conversation. I took a grateful sip of wine, feeling the tension in my shoulders begin to ease. Around us, the bar pulsed with energy, but at our table, it felt

leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a predatory gleam, “are

hissed, kicking her

asked innocently. “I’m making

seemingly unbothered. “Currently unattached,” he answered.

along.” He nudged me gently, and I

“It’s almost

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