Chapter 23

Olivia

"That's literally all it was," I insisted. "He had questions about the presentation."

"For an hour?" Alice asked.

"He's thorough," I replied, feeling my cheeks heat at the double entendre.

"I bet he is," Nova waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Thorough in all the right places."

"Oh my god, stop!" I laughed despite myself.

"Come on, Liv," Vivian pressed. "You can tell us if something's going on."

"There's nothing going on," I said firmly. "I barely know the man."

"Well, you should get to know him," Alice suggested. "He's single, rich, and looks at you like he wants to eat you alive."

"I'm not interested," I lied. "Besides, I just broke up with Ryan. I'm not looking to jump into anything new."

"Fuck Ryan," Nova said bluntly. "That cheating asshole doesn't deserve another thought. You should be out there getting under someone new to get over him."

"And that someone should be Alexander Carter," Vivian added with a grin.

"You're all impossible," I groaned. "Go to happy hour without me."

"Fine, but you're missing out," Alice said, grabbing her jacket. "Last chance?"

I shook my head. "I really need to finish this."

"Your loss," Nova called over her shoulder as they headed for the elevator. "Don't work too late!"

As soon as they were gone, I let out a long breath. Alone at last.

At 5:55, I took the elevator to the executive floor. The office was quiet, and most employees had left for the day. Alexander's secretary was still at her desk, typing efficiently.

"Ms. Morgan," she greeted me with a polite smile. "Mr. Carter is expecting you. Go right in."

I knocked once and entered.

Alexander was at his desk, focused on a stack of papers. He didn't look up immediately, giving me a moment to study his profile, the sharp jawline, the slight furrow between his brows as he concentrated.

"Ms. Morgan," he finally said, setting down his pen and looking up. "Right on time."

"I try not to keep busy CEOs waiting," I replied, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.

He gestured to the chair across from his desk. "Please, sit."

I perched on the edge of the seat, crossing my legs at the ankles.

"I have the contract here." He slid a thick document across the polished surface. "Take your time reviewing it."

I took the contract with slightly trembling fingers.

The terms were laid out in meticulous detail. I'd receive $300,000 immediately upon signing, and another $700,000 would be transferred on our wedding day. If Alexander canceled the arrangement before the wedding, I'd keep the initial payment and receive an additional $350,000 as compensation.

After our divorce, I'd walk away with $5 million. If the contract extended beyond one year, I'd receive $1 million for the first year of marriage and $100,000 for each additional month.

"Generous terms," I murmured, flipping through the pages.

"I believe in fair compensation," Alexander replied, watching me intently.

I continued reading. We would live at the Carter estate. We would share a bedroom. We would engage in "physical relations" as part of maintaining the appearance of a normal marriage.

"The sex clause is still in here," I noted, looking up.

"As I said, non-negotiable." His voice was firm. "But the timing is flexible."

I bit my lip, continuing to read. The contract covered everything from public appearances to social media posts. There were clauses about confidentiality, prenuptial agreements, and even how we'd handle holidays with our respective families.

"This is... thorough," I said, flipping to the last page.

"I don't leave anything to chance."

I set the contract down, my mind racing. "And if I sign this, you'll transfer $300,000 immediately?"

"Before you leave this office."

I took a deep breath. "The estate... will your family be living there too?"

Alexander's lips quirked. "Curious about our living arrangements already?"

"I'd like to know if I'll have in-laws watching my every move."

"The estate is mine alone. My parents have their own residence."

I nodded, trying to imagine the size of the estate. The penthouse had been impressive enough.

I looked down at the contract again, running my finger along the edge of the paper. This was insane. Completely, utterly insane. But also... potentially life-changing.

"Okay," I said finally, looking up. "I'll sign."

Alexander's eyes darkened with satisfaction. "Excellent decision."

He produced a Mont Blanc pen and slid it across the desk. I picked it up, its weight substantial in my hand.

"Before I sign," I said, holding the pen poised above the paper, "I want to be clear about something."

"Go on."

"If I sign this contract, it doesn't mean you own me. I'm not property you're purchasing."

Alexander's expression remained neutral, but something flickered in his eyes.

"I won't be looked down on just because I signed a contract with you. I'm still a professional with my own career and goals." I straightened my shoulders, finding courage I didn't know I had. "And I refuse to be treated like a prostitute or some cheap woman you can toss money at whenever you want sex. This might be a transaction, but I'm still a person deserving of respect."

His jaw tightened slightly. "I never suggested otherwise."

"The contract does. It reads like you're buying exclusive rights to my body."

Alexander leaned forward, his gaze intense. "The physical aspect of our arrangement is mutual, Olivia. I expect fidelity from both of us."

"Both of us?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. No cheating—on either side. I won't touch another woman during our marriage, and I expect the same loyalty from you." His voice dropped lower. "I don't share what's mine."

His possessive tone sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. "And after? When the contract ends?"

"Then we both move on with our lives."

I glanced at the contract again, at the signature line waiting for my name. Was I considering this? Marrying a man I barely knew for money?

"If I sign this, am I making a mistake?" I whispered, more to myself than to him.