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.”

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

skin,” I said, trying to downplay the situation. “Victoria

Alexander replied, his tone indicating he had his own theories. He

shot up. “You can

know people,” Alexander said

Emilia muttered,

me. “I’ll have someone

“Okay.”

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

you to your cars,” Alexander offered, his tone making

a gentleman,” Claire grinned, linking arms

flush, but couldn’t deny the warmth in my chest at Alexander’s protectiveness. As annoyi it sometimes was,

promising to check in tomorrow, he returned to where

said softly as he opened

I did.” His voice was firm but gentle. “Someone

simple declaration sent a flutter through my stomach that had nothing to do with fear. I slid into the leather seat, watching as Alexander rounded the car and got in beside

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

of the parking space. “But to answer your

tucked in Alexander’s

said, running a hand through my hair. “After our confrontation at O’Malley’s, he’s probably

them,” Alexander agreed, his jaw tight as he navigated

you think we

glanced at me. “To whom? The police? For a single word on a piece of paper? They’d take the report but

against the leather seat, suddenly exhausted. “I just hate not knowing who

help. I’ll have

an eyebrow. “Someone? Like who? The

connections with a private security

but smile despite my frayed nerves. “Alexander Carter and

drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the city lights blurring past the windows. I found myself replaying the events of the evening: the fun with my friends, the jarring