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 is unacceptable,” he said

just someone trying to get under my skin,” I said, trying to downplay the

entirely,” Alexander replied, his tone indicating he had his own theories. He carefully folded the note and pocketed it. “I’ll have

eyebrows shot up. “You can do

people,” Alexander

course you do,” Emilia muttered,

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

“Okay.”

her watch. “It’s late, and some of

to your cars,” Alexander offered,

arms with Ariana. “No wonder Olivia’s so

felt my cheeks flush, but couldn’t deny the warmth in my chest at Alexander’s protectiveness.

in tomorrow, he returned to where I

come,” I said softly as he opened

was firm but gentle. “Someone threatened my wife. Where else

with fear. I slid into the leather seat, watching as Alexander rounded the car and got in

serious?” I asked as he started

is serious to me,” he replied, pulling out of the parking space. “But to answer your question,

safely tucked in Alexander’s pocket. The harsh

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

of them,” Alexander agreed, his jaw tight as he navigated through the quiet streets. “The timing is suspicious, especially

we

word on a piece of paper?

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

plate number might help. I’ll have someone

“Someone? Like who? The

lips quirked into a half–smile. “I have connections with a private security firm. They can check if the partial plate matches anyone

despite my frayed nerves. “Alexander Carter and

blurring past the windows. I found myself replaying the events of the evening: the fun with my friends, the jarring discovery of the note, the way Alexander had dropped everything to come to