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.”

he read the

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

he had his own theories. He carefully folded the note and

eyebrows shot up.

know people,” Alexander

course you do,” Emilia muttered, sounding impressed

turned back to me. “I’ll have

“Okay.”

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

Alexander offered, his tone making it clear this wasn’t

a gentleman,” Claire grinned, linking arms with

warmth in my chest at Alexander’s protectiveness.

in tomorrow, he returned to where I stood by his

to come,” I said softly as he opened the passenger door

did.” His voice was firm but gentle.

with fear. I slid into the leather seat,

I asked as he

“But to answer your question, I don’t know. It could be a prank, or it could be something

now safely tucked in Alexander’s pocket. The harsh letters

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

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

you think we should report

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

leaned back against the leather seat, suddenly exhausted. “I just hate

number might help. I’ll have someone look

raised an eyebrow. “Someone? Like who? The

a half–smile. “I have connections with a private security firm. They can check if the

help but smile despite my frayed nerves. “Alexander Carter and his endless

lights 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