The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Olivia

I stepped out of Alexander’s sleek Aston Martin, the soft hum of the engine cutting off as we arrived at the Children’s Hospital Foundation gala.

The venue was lit up against the night sky, a historic hotel in downtown Los Angeles that had been transformed for the evening’s charity event. Valets in crisp uniforms hurried to assist arriving guests, and I smoothed down the silk of my midnight blue gown, grateful for the stylist Alexander had arranged.

“Ready?” Alexander asked, appearing at my side and offering his arm.

I took it, feeling the solid warmth of him through his tuxedo jacket. “As I’ll ever

be.”

He looked devastating in his tuxedo, the perfect cut emphasizing his broad shoulders and trim waist. Several women openly stared as we climbed the steps to the entrance, and I couldn’t blame them. The man was unfairly handsome.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “That dress was made for you.”

“So you’ve said. Three times now.” I smiled up at him, oddly pleased by his repetition.

“I’ll say it again if necessary. You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in that

room.”

When we entered, the grand ballroom took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings, casting a warm glow over the assembled guests. Round tables dressed in white linen surrounded a dance floor, each adorned with elaborate floral centerpieces that must have cost a fortune. An orchestra played at one end of the room, the music providing an elegant backdrop to the gentle hum of conversation.

“Champagne?” Alexander asked, snagging two flutes from a passing waiter.

“Thank you.” I accepted the glass, using the moment to scan the crowd. Everyone was dressed impeccably: designer gowns, custom tuxedos, jewelry that could fund

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Chapter 141

a small nation.

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“The Carter table is over there,” Alexander said, nodding toward a prime location near the stage. “Grandfather’s already here.”

I followed his gaze to see Harold Carter holding court at the table, surrounded by several well–dressed people who seemed to hang on his every word. Even confined to his wheelchair, he commanded attention.

We made our way across the room, pausing several times as people stopped Alexander to exchange greetings. He introduced me smoothly each time, his hand never leaving my back, a gesture that felt both possessive and reassuring.

“Alexander!” A middle–aged woman in a stunning red gown approached us, air- kissing Alexander’s cheeks. “So good to see you. And this must be your new wife we’ve all been hearing about.”

“Olivia, this is Senator Clara Daniels,” Alexander introduced. “Senator, my wife, Olivia Carter.”

“Lovely to meet you,” the senator said, giving me an appraising look. “I understand congratulations are in order. The marriage took us all by surprise. I hope you’ll both join us at the lake house this summer. The annual fundraiser for children’s literacy?”

“We’ll check our calendars,” Alexander promised.

As we continued toward the Carter table, I leaned closer to Alexander. “Senator Daniels seemed surprised by our marriage.”

“Everyone is,” he replied, unbothered. “I wasn’t exactly known for my commitment before you.”

Before I could respond, we reached the table where Harold sat with Charles and Julia Carter.

“There they are,” Harold announced, extending his hand to Alexander. “The newlyweds.”

Alexander shook his grandfather’s hand. “Good evening, Grandfather. Mother, Father.” He nodded to his parents.

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“Olivia, darling,” Julia rose to kiss my cheek. “That dress is stunning.”

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“Thank you,” I replied, grateful for the warm greeting. “It’s good to see you again.”

Harold gestured to the empty chairs beside him. “Sit down, both of you. I want to hear all about the honeymoon.”

We settled into our seats, and I smiled as Alexander’s hand found mine on the table.

“The honeymoon was perfect,” I said. “The island was beautiful.”

“Alexander always did have good taste,” Harold remarked, looking between us with shrewd eyes. “In business and, it seems, in wives.”

“High praise from you, Grandfather,” Alexander said, a smile playing at his lips.

Harold harrumphed. “Don’t let it go to your head. Now tell me, how’s married life treating you so far?”

I glanced at Alexander, letting him take this one.

“Surprisingly well,” he answered, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. “Turns out I’m better at being a husband than expected.”

“You’ve only been married a month,” Charles pointed out dryly. “The real test comes later.”

“We’re taking it one day at a time,” I said, squeezing Alexander’s hand.

Harold’s eyes twinkled with unexpected mischief. “The secret to a successful marriage is compromise and communication.”

I laughed, genuinely amused. “Is that so?”

“A good marriage is like a good business partnership. You need trust, clear boundaries, and shared goals.”

“Wise words, Grandfather,” Alexander said, raising his champagne glass in a small

toast.

Harold leaned closer to me. “And don’t let this one work too much. Carter men

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have a bad habit of putting business before family. Isn’t that right, Charles?”

Charles looked uncomfortable. “Times were different then.”

“The excuses change, the behavior doesn’t,” Harold retorted. “Learn from our mistakes, Alexander. Don’t wake up one day realizing you’ve built an empire but lost everything that matters.”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. I searched for something to say when Julia came to the rescue.

“The flowers are lovely this year, don’t you think? Much better than last year’s arrangements.”

The conversation shifted to safer topics as more guests arrived at our table.

Victoria and Thomas eventually arrived, with Victoria looking stunning in her emerald gown.

“Alexander, Olivia,” she greeted, taking the seat across from us. “How domestic you two look.”

“Victoria,” Alexander acknowledged with a nod. “Thomas.”

Thomas seemed more interested in scanning the room for important people than engaging with us. He excused himself almost immediately to speak with someone

across the room.

“Networking,” Victoria explained with an elegant shrug. “It’s what he does best.”

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