The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 78

Olivia

“You were amazing in there,” he continued, oblivious to my thoughts. The way you handled Victoria and talked about your work… my grandfather was impressed.”

“Really?”

“He doesn’t compliment people often. Trust me, calling you a ‘fine young woman‘ is high praise from Harold Carter.”

I smiled despite myself. “Your grandmother hugged me goodbye.”

“Another good sign. Margaret’s very protective of the family.”

“She told me not to let Victoria get to me.”

Alexander glanced over, his expression softening. ‘Smart advice. Victoria’s all bark and no bite.”

“Those friends of hers had plenty of bite, I muttered, remembering Madison and Stella at the bar.

“They won’t bother you again,” Alexander said, his voice hardening. I’ve made sure of it.”

Something in his tone sent a shiver down my spine. I changed the subject. So what did your grandfather want to discuss in private?”

Alexander’s mouth quirked. “You, actually. He wanted to know if I was serious about you.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“The truth.” At my alarmed look, he clarified. “That I’m very serious about our relationship.”

Relief washed over me. “And he believed you?”

‘He believes what he sees,” Alexander said. “And what he saw tonight was two people who care about each other.”

I turned to look out the window, processing his words. We had played our parts well – perhaps too well. The hand–holding,

he intimate touches, the kiss at the temple… it had all felt so natural. Like we were actually a couple in love, not two people bound by a business arrangement.

You’re quiet,” Alexander observed after a few minutes.

Just tired,” I lied. “It’s been a long day.”

You were perfect tonight,” he said softly. “Thank you.”

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I looked over at him, his profile illuminated by the dashboard lights. Strong jaw, straight nose, those intense eyes focused on the road ahead. He was beautiful in a way that almost hurt to look at.

“Just doing my part,” I said, trying to sound casual. “We have a deal, after all.”

Alexander’s expression flickered with something I couldn’t quite read. “Right. The deal.”

We drove in silence for a while, the city lights blurring past my window. I thought about the evening: the opulent mansion,

the family dynamics, the way Alexander had defended me against Victoria’s barbs. It all felt like a strange dream. I wondered

if I would wake up and find myself back in my tiny apartment with my marketing reports and instant coffee.

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Chapter 78

“You know,” Alexander said suddenly, ‘my grandmother doesn’t hug just anyone. She must really like you.”

“I liked her too,” I admitted. “She reminds me a little of my mom. Different worlds, but that same… I don’t know, strength.”

Alexander smiled. “Margaret Carter built that company alongside my grandfather. She just did it without the title or recognition.”

“The woman behind the man?”

“More like the woman beside the man, though few people realized it.” He glanced at me. “She sees that potential in you.”

“Potential for what?”

“To be more than just a wife. To be a partner.”

The word “partner” hung between us, loaded with implications neither of us was ready to explore.

I turned back to the window, watching the city pass by and wondering how I had gotten myself into this situation. More worryingly, I was beginning to realize that part of me was starting to enjoy it.

“You’re very quiet,” Alexander said, his voice cutting through the hum of the engine.

I shrugged, keeping my eyes fixed on the passing streetlights. Just processing everything.”

‘My family can be overwhelming.” he acknowledged, turning onto a quieter street. “But you handled them beautifully.”

‘Victoria hates me.”

‘Victoria hates everyone who threatens her plans,” he corrected. “It’s not personal.”

I turned to face him. “She looked at me like I was something she’d scraped off her designer shoe.”

“That’s just her face,” Alexander said with a small smile. “Even as children, she looked at everyone that way. My grandmother says she was born scowling.”

Despite my mood, I laughed. “Your grandmother is surprisingly nice.”

‘She likes you. That’s rare.”

We fell into silence again as he navigated through the city. The events of the evening played on repeat in my mind: the scrutiny, the probing questions, Victoria’s thinly veiled hostility. And yet, there had been moments when it felt almost real. The way Alexander’s hand had found mine under the table. The proud look in his eyes when I’d talked about my work. The gentle kiss he’d pressed to my temple.

All for show, I reminded myself firmly. Just acting.

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