The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 163

Chapter 163

Olivia

The sports car roared to life, its engine growling aggressively as Penelope peeled away from the curb, nearly clipping another vehicle in her dramatic exit.

“That was quite the performance,” I muttered, still staring at the headline on my phone. The article featured not just unflattering photos but direct quotes from “sources close to the couple” describing me as a calculating social climber who had strategically positioned myself to catch Alexander’s eye.

“This is absolute garbage journalism. Not a single fact–checked statement in the entire piece.”

“Do you think Penelope could be behind this?” I asked, watching his reaction carefully. “The timing seems suspicious.”

“It’s possible,” he replied, starting the car. “But let’s not jump to conclusions.”

I chewed my lip, considering the possibilities. “What about Victoria?”

Alexander pulled smoothly into traffic, his expression hardening. “Victoria certainly has the connections. And she’s never been shy about using them.”

“The article mentions my ‘suspiciously timed promotion‘ and ‘overnight rise through company ranks.”

“Don’t worry about this,” Alexander said, his voice calm but firm. “I’ll get this sorted out. We’ll have these articles removed and take legal action against the outlet. My team will find whoever is behind this.”

“I’m not worried,” I replied, though the knot in my stomach suggested otherwise. “I’m just wondering who would go to such lengths. It feels personal.”

Alexander’s hand left the steering wheel to squeeze mine reassuringly. “That’s because it is personal. Someone’s trying to get under your skin.”

“Well, it’s working,” I admitted. “I’ve never been called a gold digger before. At least not in a headline.”

said with a wry smile. “The tabloids have been inventing stories about my family since before

comment section, wincing at the vicious remarks. “Look at these comments. She must be amazing in bed to land a billionaire. From marketing drone to Mrs. Carter in record time, I

that trash, Alexander said, taking the phone from my hands and dropping it into the center console. “You’re

at work? Everyone will have seen this by

them see it. Anyone who matters knows your worth has nothing to do

against the leather seat, suddenly exhausted. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one being called a social

somewhat impressive. Makes

very mysterious. Like

other mysterious methods,” Alexander added, his voice dropping suggestively as his hand

his hand away, but couldn’t help

to make you laugh.

little,” I

practiced ease, his expensive watch catching the sunlight as

“What?”

Spago. Very visible table. You looking gorgeous, me looking smitten. Show

to fight back with a photo

did this that their little plan failed. Nothing gets under their skin more

that the Carter approach? When attacked, order the most expensive wine and look fabulous?”

“It’s in the family handbook, right after ‘Never

myself. “Fine. Spago it is. But I’m ordering the most

girl,” Alexander said approvingly. “Now you’re thinking

still churning over our encounter with Penelope and the nasty

as we pulled into the parking garage beneath Carter

to put Penelope in her place,” I admitted, gathering

The Thompson

Before the doors opened, Alexander squeezed my hand. “Try not to worry about that article. I’ve already got

promised.

confirmed with a wink.

was buzzing. Nova spotted me immediately, her expression a mix

what they’re writing about you?” she whispered, falling

as I walked past several colleagues who

vigorously. “Absolute trash. Everyone with a brain knows you’re qualified for your

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