The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 187

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?

965

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.”

Alexander took it carefully, his expression darkening as he read the single word. “This is unacceptable,” he said quietly.

“It’s probably just someone trying to get under my skin,” I said, trying to downplay the situation. “Victoria or Penelope, maybe even Ryan.”

Chapter 187

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

Ariana’s eyebrows shot up. “You can do that?”

“I know people,” Alexander said simply.

“Of course you do,” Emilia muttered, sounding impressed despite herself.

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

“Okay.”

“We should get going too,” Emilia said, glancing at her watch. “It’s late, and some of us have work tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you to your cars,” Alexander offered, his tone making it clear this wasn’t optional.

“Such a gentleman,” Claire grinned, linking arms with Ariana. “No wonder Olivia’s so smitten.”

I felt my cheeks flush, but couldn’t deny the warmth in my chest at Alexander’s protectiveness. As annoyi it sometimes was, tonight it felt comforting.

When all three had departed, promising to check in tomorrow, he returned to where I stood by his car.

“You didn’t have to come,” I said softly as he opened the passenger door for me.

“Yes, I did.” His voice was firm but gentle. “Someone threatened my wife. Where else would I be?”

The simple declaration sent a flutter through my stomach that had nothing to do with fear. I slid into the leather seat, watching as Alexander rounded the car and got in beside me.

“Do you think it’s serious?” I asked as he started the engine.

“Any threat against you is serious to me,” he replied, pulling out of the parking space. “But to answer your question, I don’t know. It could be a prank, or it could be something more.”

I stared at the single word on the note, now safely tucked in Alexander’s pocket. The harsh letters seemed to burn in my mind.

“I bet it’s Ryan,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “After our confrontation at O’Malley’s, he’s probably looking for ways to get under my skin. Or maybe Victoria or Penelope is trying to rattle me.”

“Could be any of them,” Alexander agreed, his jaw tight as he navigated through the quiet streets. “The timing is suspicious, especially after Ryan’s outburst.”

“Do you think we should report it?”

Alexander glanced at me. “To whom? The police? For a single word on a piece of paper? They’d take the report but wouldn’t do anything with it.”

“You’re right.” I leaned back against the leather seat, suddenly exhausted. “I just hate not knowing who did it.”

9:24 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 187

“The partial plate number might help. I’ll have someone look into it.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Someone? Like who? The CIA?”

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

“Of course you do.” I couldn’t help but smile despite my frayed nerves. “Alexander Carter and his endless

resources.”

We drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the city 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 had dropped everything to come to me.

“Thank you,” I said quietly. “For coming to get me.”

Alexander reached across the console to take my hand. “Always.”

The simple word carried such weight. I squeezed his hand, grateful for his solid presence beside me.

“Did your security team see anyone suspicious hanging around the parking garage?” I asked.

Alexander shook his head. “No. But one thing was clear: whoever left that note knew exactly where to find your car.”

“Which means they either followed me there or knew I’d be at Skyline tonight.” The realization sent a chill down my spine.

“Most likely followed you,” Alexander said, his voice steady and calm. “The garage has multiple entrances and exits. Easy enough for someone to slip in unnoticed.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify