All Chapters of THE CEO’S SURROGATE(WOMB CONTRACT): Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Alaric’s POVI woke before the alarm.Years of discipline had trained my body to wake before sunrise, regardless of how little sleep I’d managed to get.This morning was no different.The bedroom was still cloaked in darkness, the curtains barely allowing the first rays of dawn to filter through. For a few seconds, I remained still, staring at the ceiling while my mind automatically organized the day ahead.The board meeting at nine.A conference call with the Singapore investors.The security review.Alex’s overnight report.And Elena’s return to work.My gaze shifted to the other side of the bed.She was still asleep.One hand rested protectively over the slight curve of her stomach, while strands of dark hair framed her face. The tension that had clouded her expression these past few days had disappeared in sleep, making her look younger… peaceful.A rare sight.I found myself watching her longer than I should have.She had walked into my life because of a contract.A business arra

Alaric’s POVThe clock on the wall read 4:17 p.m.The quarterly review had ended twenty minutes ago, yet no one had left the boardroom.Not because they had more questions.Because they were waiting for me.I closed the financial report in front of me and looked around the table.“If there’s nothing else, this meeting is adjourned.”One by one, the directors gathered their documents.As they filtered out, Director Harrison lingered behind.He had served on the Carrington board since my father’s time. If there was one person who never wasted words, it was him.“Mr. Carrington.”I looked up. “What is it?”He hesitated before taking the chair opposite mine.“I’ve been meaning to congratulate you.”“For?”“Your engagement.”“Thank you.”He smiled politely.“I never thought I’d see the day.”“I wasn’t expecting it either.”His expression turned thoughtful.“I knew your father well.”That caught my attention.“I remember the day he became CEO.”He chuckled softly.“He walked into this very

Alaric’s POVThe message wouldn’t leave my mind.Not because I had seen it.Because I hadn’t.The moment Elena slipped her phone into her pocket when I walked back into the bedroom told me everything I needed to know.She was hiding something.Normally, I would’ve asked.Tonight, I didn’t.Trust wasn’t built by forcing answers out of people.It was built by giving them space to speak when they were ready.I only hoped she wouldn’t wait too long.I would have to wait patiently till she opened up, and I hope it won't be too late by then. But, I knew that her going to back to work is going to work isn't going to be easy. It's more like giving the enemies more hand at their threats.Since we started sleeping in the sand room, it hadn't been more awkward than this night. By six-thirty the next morning, I was already in my study.The mansion was still quiet.A fresh pot of coffee sat untouched on the corner of my desk as I skimmed through overnight reports.Nothing unusual around the estat

Alaric’s POVThe last director left my office just after six.As the door clicked shut, the silence that followed was almost welcome.I leaned back in my chair, loosened my tie, and closed the folder in front of me. It had been another productive day. Three meetings. Two contracts signed. One acquisition finalized.The company was running exactly as it should.Now my attention shifted to what mattered even more.My phone vibrated.Alex.I answered immediately.“Talk.”“Mrs. Carrington left the office fifteen minutes ago.”“Any issues?”“No, sir.”“She completed her scheduled meetings and left on time.”I nodded, satisfied.“The security detail?”“They maintained a safe distance throughout the day.”“Did she notice?”“We don’t believe so.”Good.That was exactly how I wanted it.Elena valued her independence. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel trapped simply because someone had decided to threaten my family.“There is one thing.”Alex’s voice became more serious.“Our surveill

Elena’s POVBy ten o’clock, I had already crossed two items off my to-do list. I breathed heavily, feeling accomplished. Returning to work had done me more good than I cared to admit. It is better than staying at home thinking about the worst that can happen. But here my head is occupied; till I get a break, the events will replay in my heart.There was something comforting about routines. The emails, the meetings, deadlines.For a few hours, I could almost forget anonymous threats, increased security, and the constant feeling that someone, somewhere, was watching.A gentle knock came at my office door.“Come in,” I said, leaning slightly in my chair.Lana stepped inside carrying two takeaway cups. It always had to be her. I have to ask Alex to continue the investigation; I need to find out the truth. I can’t continue pretending.“I figured you were due for a break.” She said as she placed one cup of coffee on my desk.I smiled.“You’re becoming predictable.” She said.“I’ll take th