The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Olivia

“The shoes,” he said, moving to a shelf and selecting a pair of strappy heels that perfectly matched the dress.

He knelt before me, the image so unexpectedly intimate it made my breath catch. He held out the first shoe, and I placed my hand on his shoulder as I lifted my foot. His fingers wrapped around my ankle, his thumb brushing across my skin as he

slid the shoe on.

“These fit perfectly, too,” I said as he repeated the process with the other foot.

“I pay attention to details,” he replied, still kneeling. His position put his face level with my thighs, and I felt a rush of heat at the thought of him moving just a few inches closer, pushing the dress aside…

He stood abruptly, breaking the moment. “One last thing.”

From a velvet box, he withdrew a delicate necklace with a teardrop emerald pendant. “Turn around.”

Again, I presented my back to him, lifting my hair. The cool metal settled against my skin, followed by the warmth of his fingers as he fastened the clasp. They lingered at the nape of my neck, tracing small circles that sent shivers down my spine.

“Perfect,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear.

I turned to face him, finding him much closer than expected. Our bodies were nearly touching, the air between us charged with electricity.

‘Is this all for show?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “To impress your family?”

His eyes darkened. “Partly.”

‘And the other part?”

Instead of answering, he reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my cheek. “We should go. The car is waiting.”

The ride to the Carter estate took nearly forty minutes, giving me time to gather my thoughts. Alexander briefed me on his family members, their relationships, and potential landmines to avoid.

Victoria will try to trip you up,” he warned. “Don’t let her bait you.”

‘I can handle your cousin,” I assured him, more confident than I felt.

The Carter mansion was exactly what I’d expected: imposing, elegant, and screaming old money. The circular driveway was lined with luxury vehicles, and the entrance was flanked by stone columns.

‘Ready?” Alexander asked as the car stopped.

I took a deep breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

His hand found mine, squeezing gently. “You look incredible. They’ll love you.”

“Or at least pretend to,” I muttered.

Alexander’s lips twitched. “That’s the spirit.”

1/3

He placed his hand at the small of my back, guiding me up the stone steps toward massive double doors that looked like they belonged in a castle. My stomach churned with nerves as a uniformed butler swung them open before we even reached the top step.

“Mr. Carter,” the elderly man greeted with a slight bow. “And the lady. Welcome.”

“Thank you, Jenkins,” Alexander replied smoothly. “Is everyone here?”

“Yes, sir. The family has gathered in the east drawing room for pre–dinner drinks.”

Alexander’s hand pressed a little more firmly against my back. “Ready?” he murmured.

“As I’ll ever be,” I whispered back, plastering on my best professional smile.

The foyer was cavernous, with gleaming marble floors and a chandelier that probably cost more than my annual salary. Family portraits lined the walls, generations of Carters staring down at me with the same piercing eyes Alexander possessed.

“Stop looking like you’re walking to your execution,” Alexander whispered, his lips brushing my ear.

“I’m not,” I hissed back.

“Your smile looks like it’s been painted on by a deranged clown.”

I relaxed my face. “Better?”

“Much.” He slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “Remember, we’re madly in love.”

“Hard to forget with your hand practically on my ass,” I muttered.

“Just playing my part, darling.”

We paused outside large double doors, from which I could hear the murmur of voices and the clink of glasses.

“One last thing,” Alexander said, turning to face me. “Victoria will try to bait you. Don’t let her.”

“You’ve mentioned that. Twice.”

“Because it’s important.” His eyes searched mine. “She wants the company, and she’ll use any means to get it.”

“Including sending her friends to harass me at bars?”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. “Exactly.”

Before I could respond, he pushed open the doors, and suddenly all eyes were on us.

The room fell silent as we entered, filled with impeccably dressed individuals holding crystal glasses of amber liquid. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, while floor–to–ceiling windows showcased manicured gardens on the other.

“Alexander,” a regal–looking woman with silver hair, rose from her seat. “You’re late.”

“Apologies, Grandmother,” Alexander replied, guiding me forward. “Traffic was terrible.”

The woman’s sharp eyes assessed me from head to toe. “And this must be Olivia.”

“Yes,” Alexander smiled, his arm tightening around my waist. “Olivia Morgan, my girlfriend. Olivia, this is my grandmother, Margaret Carter.”

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