The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Olivia

“That would be nice,” I said, ignoring the triumphant look on Emilia’s face. “Let me just settle our tab first.”

Alexander placed his hand on the small of my back. “I’ve got it.”

“No, really, I can pay,” I protested, reaching for my purse.

“Olivia.” His voice was firm but gentle. “I interrupted your evening. Let me take care of it.”

I hesitated, not wanting to seem like I was taking advantage of his wealth, especially after Madison and Stella’s accusations. “It’s just a few drinks.”

“Exactly,” he said with a small smile. “A minor expense.”

“For you, maybe,” I muttered.

Alexander leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Let me do this.”

“Fine,” I relented. “But I’m paying next time.”

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Next time?”

I flushed, realizing what I’d implied. “I mean, if there is a next time. With my friends. Not that you’d want to-”

“I’d love to join you and your friends again,” he said, cutting off my rambling. “They seem… protective.”

“That’s one word for it,” I said, glancing at Emilia, who was watching our interaction with unabashed interest.

Alexander signaled the waitress, who practically sprinted over. I’d like to close out their tab.”

“Right away, Mr. Carter,” she said, clearly recognizing him.

“Add a hundred percent tip,” he added.

The waitress’s eyes widened. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

As she hurried away, I raised an eyebrow at him. “Show–off.”

“Generous,” he corrected.

“Same difference when you have your kind of money.”

He laughed, a genuine sound that made something warm unfurl in my chest. “Fair enough.”

Emilia sidled up beside me. “So, CEO, are you whisking our girl away for the night?”

“Emilia!” I hissed, mortified.

Alexander didn’t miss a beat. “I’m taking Olivia home so she can change out of her stained clothes. After that, it’s entirely up

to her.”

“Smooth answer,” Emilia nodded approvingly. “I like him, Liv.”

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The waitress returned polite smile.

“Ready?” he asked me.

I nodded, grabbing my purse. “Let me just say goodbye to everyone.”

Claire and Ariana had moved back to our table, watching the exchange with undisguised curiosity.

“I’m heading out,” I told them, leaning in for quick hugs. “Thanks for a fun night, minus the drink incident.”

“That was the most exciting part,” Claire laughed. “Your boyfriend swooping in like some romantic hero.”

“He’s not my-” I stopped myself, remembering our arrangement. “He’s just being nice.”

“Nice and gorgeous,” Ariana whispered, making me roll my eyes.

“Text us later,” Emilia said, following us toward the door. “Details required.”

“Not happening,” I replied.

Outside, the night air was cool against my skin, a welcome relief from the crowded bar. Alexander guided me toward a sleek black car parked directly in front of the entrance.

Emilia, Claire, and Ariana followed us out, huddling together against the evening chill.

“We can give your friends a ride home,” Alexander offered, noticing them. There’s plenty of room.”

“That’s sweet,” Emilia said, “but my boyfriend Jake is already on his way. He’s like two minutes out.”

“You sure?” I asked, feeling guilty about leaving them.

“Positive,” Claire insisted. “Go get changed. We’ll be fine.”

Alexander nodded. “If you’re certain.”

“We are,” Ariana said with a wink. “Take good care of our girl.”

I rolled my eyes at my friends as Alexander opened the passenger door of his sleek black car. The leather seat welcomed me as I slid in, careful not to let my stained top touch the pristine interior.

Alexander closed my door and walked around to the driver’s side. Through the window, I could see my friends huddled together, whispering and giggling like teenagers. Emilia caught my eye and gave me an exaggerated thumbs up.

“Your friends seem nice,” Alexander said as he slid into the driver’s seat.

“They’re ridiculous,” I muttered, but couldn’t help smiling. “But yes, they’re the best.”

The engine purred to life, and we pulled away from the curb. I watched my friends waving in the side mirror until they disappeared from view.

“I’m

that.”

sorry about Madison and Stella,” Alexander said, his eyes fixed on the road. “They had no right to approach you like

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1 Biddled with the hem of my stained top. So they’re friends of your cousin? The one who wants your company?”

“Victoria,” he confirmed. “She’s always had a talent for finding people who’ll do her dirty work.”

“They seemed to know a lot about our… arrangement.”

Alexander’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “They were fishing. Victoria suspects something, but she doesn’t know

for certain.”

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