The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 183

Olivia

I pushed open the door to Skyline, the rooftop bar Emilia had chosen for our girls‘ night. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panorama of Los Angeles at night, city lights twinkling like fallen stars across the landscape.

“Liv! Over here!” Emilia waved enthusiastically from a corner table near the edge of the rooftop.

I made my way through the stylishly dressed crowd, already feeling more relaxed than I had at O’Malley’s. The hostess led me to our table, where Emilia, Claire, and Ariana were already sipping colorful cocktails.

“This place is amazing,” I said, sliding into the empty seat beside Emilia. “Much better than our usual haunts.”

“Right?” Claire gestured around with her martini glass. “I feel like I should be in a movie scene up here.”

A server appeared almost instantly. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’ll have whatever they’re having,” I said, nodding toward my friends‘ vibrant concoctions.

“Skyline Spritz,” Ariana informed me. “Gin, elderflower, and something magical they won’t tell us about.”

“Perfect,” I confirmed to the server, who disappeared with a professional nod.

“So,” Emilia leaned in as soon as the server was out of earshot. “Can we talk about how James Westbrook just happened to be in that parking lot exactly when you needed rescuing?”

I rolled my eyes. “Not you too.”

“Because it’s suspicious!” Emilia insisted. “Hot billionaire rival of your husband just happens to be at the right place at the right time? That doesn’t strike you as odd?”

“It was a coincidence,” I said firmly. “James was heading into O’Malley’s for a drink. He saw what was happening and stepped in. End of story.”

“Hmm.” Claire tapped her glossy nail against her glass. “Does he show up in other places you go? Maybe bump into you at coffee shops or restaurants?”

thought about it. “Well, there was that

at me triumphantly.

protested. “LA is a big city, but the social circles we move in are pretty

lavender. I took a grateful sip, the light floral notes mixing perfectly with

shows up here tonight,

going to show up here,” I said confidently. “And if he did, it would

gleamed with mischief. “Let’s change the subject. How’s married life

at the memory of exactly how blissful things had been since our marriage. “It’s good.

the hottest CEO in Los Angeles

another sip of my drink. “That I’m living the dream? That I wake

Claire exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly. “That’s exactly what we want

glass down on the table. “Fine. Marriage is incredible. Alexander is incredible.” I couldn’t help

eyebrow. “Did you expect him to be some cold business

in the boardroom. But at home, he notices everything. Last week, I mentioned wanting to try this obscure French

that’s officially adorable,”

sounds perfect,” Claire said, taking a sip of her

ridiculous hours, and can be frustratingly overprotective. But he’s also

over and squeezed my hand. “I’m just happy you found someone who treats you right after

barely think about him anymore.” I sat up straighter, suddenly remembering my news. “Actually, I have some news. I’m going to Europe with Alexander

pairs of eyes

Claire gasped. “Like, the

in Nebraska,” Emilia

reactions. “London, Paris, and Milan. Ten

breathed. “That’s not a trip, that’s

“I still can’t believe it

occasion?” Claire

head. “Alexander has business meetings, but he

reason? Just ‘hey honey, want to

for work, and

serious, “do you have any idea how many women would kill to be in your position right now? Whisked away to Europe

my good