The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 187

Olivia

We waited by my car, the garage feeling eerily quiet now that most of the bar patrons had left.

“So,” Ariana said, breaking the silence, “Alexander dropped everything to come get you, huh?”

I rolled my eyes at her knowing tone. “Don’t start.”

“What?” She grinned innocently. “I’m just saying, that’s some serious husband dedication. My ex wouldn’t pause his video game if I were being chased by a bear.”

“Alexander is protective,” I admitted.

“I think it’s sweet,” Claire chimed in. “Most guys wouldn’t take something like this seriously.”

“Most guys don’t have billionaire enemies who might be targeting their wives,” Emilia pointed out.

She had a point there. Since marrying Alexander, I’d entered a world where corporate rivalries weren’t just about business; they could get personal. Maybe that’s who left the note? One of Alexander’s competitors was trying to rattle him through me?

Finally, the unmistakable sound of a powerful engine echoed through the garage. Moments later, Alexander’s Aston Martin appeared, sleek and menacing under the fluorescent lights. He parked directly beside my Porsche and stepped out, his expression grim.

Even dressed casually in jeans and a dark sweater, Alexander commanded attention. His eyes found mine. immediately, concern evident as he closed the distance between us in a few long strides.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders as he quickly scanned me for any sign of harm.

“I’m fine,” I assured him.

He nodded, then turned to acknowledge my friends. “Ladies. Thank you for staying with her.”

“Of course,” Emilia replied. “We wouldn’t leave her alone after that creepy note.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. “Do you still have it?”

Claire held up the paper, now tucked into a napkin. “Here. I didn’t want to touch it too much in case there were fingerprints.”

expression darkening as he read the single word. “This is

I said, trying

his tone indicating he had his own theories. He carefully folded the note and pocketed it.

shot up.

people,”

course you do,” Emilia muttered, sounding impressed

me. “I’ll have someone pick up your car

“Okay.”

get going too,” Emilia said, glancing at her watch. “It’s late, and some of

to your cars,” Alexander offered, his tone

linking arms with Ariana.

chest at Alexander’s protectiveness. As annoyi it

in tomorrow, he returned to where I

come,” I said softly as he opened the

did.” His voice was firm but gentle. “Someone threatened my wife. Where else would

a flutter through my stomach that had nothing to do with fear. I slid into the leather seat, watching

you think it’s serious?” I asked as he started the

serious to me,” he replied, pulling out of the parking space. “But to answer your question, I don’t know. It

note, now safely tucked in

“After our confrontation at O’Malley’s, he’s probably looking for ways to get under my skin. Or maybe Victoria or Penelope

his jaw tight as he navigated through the quiet

we should report

single word on a piece of paper? They’d take the

right.” I leaned back against the leather seat, suddenly exhausted. “I just hate not knowing who did

help. I’ll

eyebrow. “Someone? Like

with a private security firm. They can check if the

help but smile despite my frayed nerves. “Alexander Carter

lights blurring past the windows. I found myself replaying the events of