Todos os capítulos de The CEO's Contractual Wife: Capítulo 151 - Capítulo 160

OliviaA server approached with a tray of coffee and pastries, momentarily pausing our conversation. I used the interruption to gather my thoughts, acutely aware that this initial meeting could set the tone for the entire project."Tell me, Mrs. Carter," Thompson said after taking a sip of his coffee, "what do you see when you look at this hotel?"It was a test question, carefully designed to reveal whether I understood the value of his family's legacy or was just another marketer looking to modernize for modernization's sake."I see a hotel that understands what true luxury means," I answered honestly. "Attention to detail, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that makes guests feel like they're part of something special. These aren't qualities that need to change."His expression remained impassive. "And what would you change?""I'd update how you communicate those qualities," I said, accepting a cup of coffee from the server. "Your digital presence doesn't reflect the experience

OliviaA comfortable silence settled between us as James sipped his coffee. The café had begun to empty a bit, the after-work crowd thinning as evening deepened. "You know," he said suddenly, "you didn't even acknowledge me at the Children's Hospital gala." I blinked, caught off guard by the change in topic. "I'm sorry?" "At the gala," he repeated, his tone light but his eyes curious. "You looked right through me like we'd never met. And we've met twice before that night." I felt heat creep into my cheeks. "I didn't realize you were expecting a greeting." "Not expecting," he clarified. "Just surprised. Most people in this town go out of their way to remind me we've met, even if it was just passing in a hallway five years ago." "Well, I'm not most people." "Clearly," he agreed. "But you stared at me like I was a complete stranger. It was... refreshing, actually." "I stared at you because you were having a seven-hundred-thousand-dollar bidding war with my husband," I pointed out

OliviaI was several chapters into my novel when Alexander returned, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up. He looked tired but satisfied, like he'd accomplished what he needed to. "Finished?" I asked, marking my place in the book. "For now," he nodded, loosening his tie further before pulling it off entirely. He draped it over the arm of the nearby chair and unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt with a relieved sigh. "What are you reading? Must be captivating. You didn't even notice when I walked in." I glanced down at the book in my hands, suddenly aware of the steamy cover I'd been trying to hide all evening. "Oh, this? Just something Emilia recommended." I attempted to casually close the book, but Alexander was too quick. He plucked it from my hands, examining the cover with a raised eyebrow. A shirtless man with impossibly defined abs embraced a woman in a flowing dress, their faces mere inches apart in what was clearly a moment of passion. "'Bound by Contract'?" Alexande

OliviaFriday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music playing. Alexander looked relaxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other occasionally reaching over to squeeze my knee. "So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?" I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway. "And ruin the surprise? Not a chance." He grinned, sunglasses hiding his eyes. "Just trust me." "The last time you said 'trust me,' I ended up zip-lining across a canyon in the island." "And wasn't it exhilarating?" "Terrifying is the word I'd use." Alexander's phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the display before silencing it. "Work can wait until Monday." "Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?" "I'm evolving," he said with mock seriousness. "Becoming a more balanced individual." "Uh-huh." I wasn't convinced. "Let's see how long that last

OliviaI watched his profile, the way his jaw clenched and his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. The perfect weekend bubble had officially burst. "So..." I ventured after a moment of tense silence. "Penelope Langford." His eyes remained fixed on the road. "My ex." "I gathered that much," I said, shifting in my seat to face him better. "What I don't understand is why she's suddenly interested in the Thompson account. It's not exactly front-page news." "It's not about the account," Alexander said flatly. "It's about you." "Me?" I blinked in surprise. "What did I do?" "You married me." The car accelerated slightly as we merged onto the freeway, the engine purring with suppressed power much like Alexander himself. "So this is what, payback?" I asked, trying to understand. "She loses you, so she tries to steal my project?" Alexander's laugh was short and humorless. "Welcome to high-stakes business in Los Angeles. Everything is personal, especially when it pretends not to be