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?”

about it. “Well, there was that

Ariana pointed at me

circles we move in are pretty small.

of lavender. I took

he shows up here tonight, we can officially

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

mischief. “Let’s change the subject. How’s married life treating you, Mrs. Carter? Still

how blissful things had been since our

“You marry the hottest CEO in Los Angeles and all we get is ‘really

sip of my drink. “That I’m living the dream? That I wake up every morning pinching myself because I can’t

exactly what we want to hear. Give

“Fine. Marriage is incredible. Alexander is incredible.” I couldn’t

“Did you expect him to be some cold business

admitted with a laugh. “I mean, he’s known for being ruthless in the boardroom. But at home, he notices everything. Last week, I mentioned wanting to try this

adorable,” Ariana

sounds perfect,” Claire said, taking

perfect. He’s stubborn, works ridiculous hours, and can be

just happy you found someone who treats

remembering my news. “Actually, I have some news. I’m going to Europe

pairs of eyes widened

gasped. “Like, the

in Nebraska,” Emilia deadpanned.

reactions. “London, Paris, and Milan. Ten days for

Ariana breathed. “That’s not a trip,

know,” I admitted. “I

what’s the occasion?” Claire asked.

has business meetings, but he

special reason? Just ‘hey

I shrugged. “He travels a lot for work,

expression serious, “do you have any idea how many women would kill

aware of my good fortune,” I assured