The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Olivia

I pulled into O’Malley’s parking lot, scanning for a spot amid the usual Friday night crowd. The neon sign buzzed overhead, casting a red glow across the cars.

My phone buzzed with a text from Emilia: “Got us seats at the bar. Hurry before someone steals them!”

I smiled, already feeling lighter at the prospect of drinks with my best friend. After the drama with Penelope and that horrible gossip article, I needed this night out.

I found a spot near the back and pulled in, grabbing my purse from the passenger seat.

The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped out. I locked the Porsche with a beep, still not quite used to driving such a luxury vehicle, and headed toward the entrance.

“Liv?”

I froze at the familiar voice behind me. Ryan. Perfect timing, as always.

Turning, I found him standing a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets. He looked exactly like he had the last time I’d seen him, slightly disheveled in that calculated way he thought made him look artistic.

“What do you want, Ryan?” I asked, not bothering to hide my impatience.

He moved closer, that half–smile playing on his lips. “Just saying hi. Fancy running into you here.”

“Yeah, what a coincidence.” I crossed my arms. “At the bar I’ve been coming to for years.”

said, eyes traveling over my body in a

go inside. Emilia’s waiting.” I turned toward

into my path. “Come on, Liv. Five minutes? For old

times weren’t that great, remember?” I moved

ride.” He nodded toward my Porsche. “Carter must be

made

making conversation. Can’t a guy talk to his ex without it being a

when that guy cheated on me with

months ago. I’ve

meeting someone inside.” I tried to step past him

my path, less casual now. “I don’t get it.

boundaries? I’m not having this conversation in a parking

money?” Ryan pressed, his tone sharpening. “Because that’s what everyone’s

snapped up, anger flaring hot in my chest. “What did you just

heard me. One minute you’re dating regular guys like me, the next you’re Mrs. Billionaire Carter.” His face contorted with bitterness. “What, did

even to my own ears. “You’re the

flinched at my words but recovered quickly. “Moving on is one thing. Marrying the richest guy three months

are deeply in love and we tied the knot. I don’t care what you

the rush? Afraid your rich husband might see you talking to the

away. “Don’t

to be real.

bitter ex who can’t handle that I upgraded.” The words flew out before I

“So you admit

someone who respects me.” I stepped back, putting distance between us. “Something you clearly never

moved closer, invading my space again. “I respected

funny way of showing it. With

red. “I

interrupted. “Who knows how many

were together

toward the bar entrance,

just going to walk

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