The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Olivia

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After my second glass of wine, I found myself stifling a yawn. The adrenaline from the confrontation with Ryan had worn off, leaving exhaustion in its wake.

“Getting sleepy there, Liv?” Emilia asked, noticing my struggle to stay engaged.

“Just been a long day,” I admitted, checking the time on my phone. Nearly midnight. “I should probably head home soon.”

“But we’ve barely started girls‘ night!” Ariana protested, already signaling the waitress for another round.

“I hate to say it, but I think tonight’s girls‘ night is kind of shot,” I said with an apologetic smile. “Between Ryan’s drama and these two crashing the party…” I tilted my head toward Alexander, who looked completely

unrepentant.

Claire pouted dramatically. “Fine, abandon us for your gorgeous husband. We understand.”

“We’ll plan another night soon,” I promised, gathering my purse. “One without ex–boyfriend ambushes and surprise husband appearances.”

“Good luck with that,” Emilia snorted. “Your life seems to be nothing but surprises lately.”

If she only knew the half of it.

“Come on,” I said, standing up and smoothing my dress. “I’ll text you tomorrow and we’ll set something up.”

The girls exchanged knowing glances before nodding in unison. “Alright,” Emilia conceded. “Go home with your hot husband. We’ll survive somehow.”

“Thanks for understanding,” I said, giving each of them a quick hug.

“It was nice meeting you all,” Alexander said politely, shaking hands with Claire and Ariana before giving Emilia a brief hug. “I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”

“You’d better,” Emilia warned, pointing a finger at him. “She’s our favorite person, you know.”

“Mine too,” Alexander replied with a smile that seemed surprisingly genuine.

With final goodbyes, we made our way through the crowded bar toward the exit. Alexander’s hand rested on the small of my back, guiding me through the throng of Friday night revelers.

The cool night air felt refreshing after the warmth of the bar. I took a deep breath, letting it clear my head a bit.

“Your car or mine?” Alexander asked as we walked across the parking lot.

“Might as well take yours,” I replied. “I can grab mine tomorrow.”

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Chapter 174

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He nodded, guiding me toward the sleek Aston Martin parked near the entrance. The car beeped as he unlocked it, holding the passenger door open for me.

As we settled into the leather seats, I couldn’t help but wonder about the evening’s strange sequence of events. Alexander started the car, the engine purring to life with a satisfying rumble.

“So,” I began as we pulled out of the parking lot, “are you going to tell me how you knew to show up tonight? Right after Ryan accosted me?”

Alexander’s lips quirked into a small smile as he kept his eyes on the road. “I have my ways.”

“That’s not an answer.”

He glanced over at me. “You want the truth?”

“That would be nice, yes.”

Alexander tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, his eyes still fixed on the road. “I have a security team that follows you.”

“You have a what?” I sat up straight, my voice rising an octave.

“Security. A small team. Just for protection.”

“So you’re telling me I’ve been followed? By strange men I don’t know about?” I stared at him in disbelief. “That’s called stalking, Alexander!”

“It’s called security,” he corrected, his tone frustratingly calm. “They’re professionals. You never even notice them.”

“That’s not the point!” I ran a hand through my hair, exasperation building. “The point is, you have people tracking my movements without my knowledge or consent. What else are you keeping from me?”

Alexander sighed. “Look, I have a lot of enemies. People who’d love to get to me by hurting someone I care

about.”

“So you put a tail on me? Without even mentioning it?”

“Would you have agreed if I had?” He glanced at me, eyebrow raised.

“That’s not the point,” I muttered, knowing full well I probably wouldn’t have. “The point is you should have told me.”

“You’re right.” To my surprise, he actually looked contrite. “I should have mentioned it. But after what happened with Ryan tonight, aren’t you glad someone was watching out for you?”

I crossed my arms, hating that he had a point. “How did they even know I was in trouble? Do they report my every move to you?”

“They don’t follow you into places like O’Malley’s, but they keep an eye on the outside. When they saw Ryan grab you, they alerted me immediately.”

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Chapter 174

“And you just happened to be in the neighborhood?” I asked skeptically,

“I was at the office. Dropped everything and came as soon as they called.”

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I processed this information, torn between anger at the invasion of privacy and a reluctant gratitude that someone had been there when Ryan got aggressive.

“So every time I go somewhere, someone’s watching me?” The thought made me shudder.

“Not inside private places. They’re discreet.” Alexander reached over and took my hand. “It’s standard for anyone in my position. My family has always had security.”

“I’m not part of your family legacy.”

“You’re my wife. That makes you a target whether you like it or not.”

We drove in silence for a few minutes, the city lights blurring past the windows. I was still processing the revelation that my movements had been monitored for weeks without my knowledge.

“How long?” I finally asked.

“Since the wedding.”

“Great.” I shook my head. “So my coffee runs, shopping trips, visits to my parents, all report to you?”

“They don’t report your every move,” Alexander clarified. “They just make sure you’re safe.”

“You could have told me,” I repeated, unable to let it go.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” He squeezed my hand gently. “The security team stays back, but they keep an eye on who approaches you.”

“That’s…” I searched for the right word. “Invasive.”

“It’s protection,” Alexander insisted.

I stared out the window, watching the familiar streets pass by. My mind drifted to James’s timely arrival at O’Malley’s.

“What about James?” I asked suddenly. “Was his appearance at the bar tonight also a coincidence?”

Alexander’s knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel. “As far as I know, yes.”

“So your security team didn’t alert him, too?”

“Of course not.” Alexander’s response was sharp. “Why would they contact James Westbrook of all people?”

“I don’t know. It just seemed convenient that he showed up right when I needed help.” I frowned, thinking about it. “A little too convenient, maybe.”

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