The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 138

“Everything’s fine,” he assured me. “There’s a charity gala for the Children’s Hospital Foundation this Saturday. As major donors, we’re expected to attend.”

“Oh,” I said, relief washing over me. Just a social event. “That sounds nice.”

“It’s black tie,” Alexander added. “Very formal. The company has a table, and several board members will be there.”

“I’ll need a dress.”

Alexander smiled. “I’ve already arranged for a stylist to bring some options to the house tomorrow evening.”

“Of course you have. Do you always think of everything?”

“I try,” he said, looking pleased with himself. “It’s important that we make a good impression. The foundation does incredible work.”

“What kind of charity is it exactly?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“They fund research and treatment programs for children with rare diseases. Carter Enterprises donates annually to its pediatric research center.”

I nodded, impressed. “That’s wonderful. I’d love to learn more about their work.”

“The head of the foundation, Dr. Emily Porter, will be there. She’s brilliant,” Alexander said. “I’ll introduce you.”

“I’d like that,” I said, smiling.

As Alfred cleared our plates and brought dessert, I relaxed completely. It still amazed me how comfortable I’d become with Alexander in such a short time. Our conversations flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the occasional heated glance that made my stomach flip.

“Oh, I almost forgot to mention,” Alexander said as he tasted the chocolate mousse. “Your car comes with a complimentary track day at Laguna Seca.

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Chapter 138

Professional drivers will teach you how to handle it at high speeds.”

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“Are you serious?” I asked, eyes widening. “That sounds terrifying and amazing at the same time.”

“It’s perfectly safe,” he assured me. “And incredibly fun. The Taycan handles like a dream on the track.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” I said. “But sure, why not? When is it?”

“Next month. We can make a weekend of it. There’s a beautiful resort nearby.”

I nodded, still not quite used to how casually Alexander could plan expensive getaways. “That sounds nice.”

After dinner, we migrated to the living room with glasses of brandy. Alexander settled onto the couch, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his collar. I kicked off my heels and curled up beside him, tucking my feet under me.

“This is nice,” I said, sipping the amber liquid that burned pleasantly down my

throat.

“Mmm,” Alexander agreed, his arm stretching along the back of the couch behind me. His fingers absently played with a strand of my hair.

We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound the gentle ticking of the antique clock on the mantel and the occasional crackle from the fireplace Alfred had lit earlier.

“Do you think your grandfather will be at the gala?” I asked suddenly,

Alexander’s fingers paused in my hair. “Most likely. He rarely misses it.”

“Should I be nervous?” I hadn’t spent much time with Harold Carter,

“About grandfather? No. He seems to approve of you.”

“Really? How can you tell?”

“He hasn’t made any disparaging remarks about you to my face, which for him is practically a ringing endorsement.”

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Chapter 138

“Such high praise,” I rolled my eyes.

“Trust me,

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it is.” Alexander’s hand moved to my shoulder, squeezing gently. “Victoria will probably be there too.”

“Great,” I muttered. “Something to look forward to.”

“Ignore her,” Alexander advised.

“Those designer heels of hers look pretty lethal.”

“I’ll protect you from Victoria’s stilettos, I promise.”

I leaned my head against his shoulder, surprising myself with the casual intimacy of the gesture. “My hero.”

His arm slipped from the back of the couch to wrap around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I breathed in his scent, a mix of expensive cologne and something uniquely him.

“I meant what I said about Ryan,” Alexander murmured, his breath warm against my hair. “If he bothers you again, I want to know immediately.”

“I hope he won’t,” I said. “But I promise I’ll tell you if he does.”

“Good.” Alexander’s voice was deep and satisfied, like he’d just won a small but important victory. His fingers played with the ends of my hair, and I tried to focus on the moment instead of the memory of Ryan’s accusations.

We sat in comfortable silence, sipping our drinks. The brandy warmed my throat and loosened the tension in my shoulders. I felt myself sinking deeper into the plush couch, deeper into Alexander’s side.

“Did I tell you what Victoria said to me at the office yesterday?” Alexander asked, breaking the quiet.

I glanced up. “No, what did the she–devil want now?”

“She cornered me by the elevator to ask if I was ‘absolutely certain‘ about my choice in wife. Said she was ‘just looking out for the family name.

“How thoughtful of her,” I rolled my eyes. “What did you say?”

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Chapter 138

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“I told her my choice in wife was none of her fucking business and to focus on her own life instead of mine.”

I laughed, nearly choking on my brandy. “I would have paid to see her face.”

“It was priceless. Kind of like when a cat gets sprayed with water.”

We both dissolved into laughter, and I felt the last of my stress from the day melting away. Alexander’s hand moved from my hair to my shoulder, pulling me closer.

“Ready for bed?”

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