The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

Olivia

“Absolutely. He does seem different—happier, maybe even more grounded,” Philippe observed as he took a thoughtful sip of his wine. “It’s refreshing to see. For years, he was just drifting—building his empire, yes, but not really living. You’ve changed that.”

His words caught me off guard. “I’m not so sure it’s entirely because of me,” I replied, feeling a bit uncertain.

Philippe shook his head with quiet confidence. “I’ve known Alexander since he was a boy, watched him grow into the formidable businessman he is today. But there was always a missing piece—a lightness, a spark. Now, when he looks at you, I see it. That spark is there.”

Before I could say anything more, Alexander appeared at my side, his presence grounding me instantly.

“Philippe, I see you’ve met my wife,” he said smoothly.

“Indeed. A lovely woman, Alexander. You’re a lucky man,” Philippe replied warmly.

“I know,” Alexander said, his voice low and carrying a weight I could feel more than hear. His hand found mine, fingers intertwining naturally, a simple gesture that sent a rush of warmth flowing through me.

Philippe gave a knowing smile, excused himself with a slight bow, and left us alone as the dusk deepened around the yacht. Beneath our feet, the vessel gently rocked, surrounded by the endless Mediterranean stretching out like a vast, shimmering sapphire.

“He’s right, you know,” I murmured, watching the sun dip closer to the horizon. “About the view.”

Alexander’s voice was soft but deliberate. “I wasn’t looking at the view.”

Turning to meet his gaze, I felt my breath hitch. His eyes held an intensity that made my heart race. Before I could respond, a server arrived, carrying fresh champagne flutes.

“Compliments of Mr. Moretti,” the young man announced, nodding toward Stefano, who was holding court near the bar.

I lifted my glass in a silent toast to Stefano, who winked cheekily before turning back to his conversation. The champagne was crisp and cold, the bubbles fizzing playfully on my tongue.

“This is dangerously good,” I said with a grin, taking another sip. “I could definitely get used to this kind of life.”

“That’s the idea,” Alexander replied with a smirk.

We moved toward the railing, stepping away from the clusters of guests. The breeze picked up, carrying the mingled scents of salty sea air and expensive perfume. Below us, Monaco’s harbor sparkled with a thousand lights as night settled over the principality.

“Enjoying yourself?” Alexander asked, his arm sliding around my waist possessively.

“More than I expected. Your friends are… interesting,” I said with a smile.

“Interesting is one way to put it. Insufferable is another,” he muttered.

I laughed softly, leaning into his warmth. “Stefano seems harmless enough.”

“Stefano’s fine. Most of the others? Vultures in designer clothes.”

“Excluding us, of course,” I teased.

“Obviously.”

We stood together in a comfortable silence, watching as the sky transformed into a canvas of amber and rose. The yacht’s speakers shifted to a smooth, jazzy tune, blending with the growing hum of laughter and chatter as more guests arrived.

“Olivia, darling!” a familiar voice called out.

I turned to see Natalia approaching, her perfectly manicured hand holding yet another glass of champagne. She had changed into a new dress—this one even more daring than the last.

“I must apologize for earlier,” she purred, though her eyes betrayed no real regret. “I was terribly rude, monopolizing Alexander when he’s here with his lovely wife.”

“It’s okay,” I replied, keeping my tone polite.

“No, no—it’s not okay at all.” She stepped closer, and the heavy scent of her perfume overwhelmed the space between us. “I just get so excited when I see old friends. Alexander and I had such wonderful times together, didn’t we, darling?”

Alexander’s jaw tightened visibly. “That was a long time ago, Natalia.”

“Was it?” She laughed, bright and sharp. “Feels like yesterday to me. But I suppose when you’re having that much fun, time just flies.”

“Natalia,” Alexander warned, his voice hardening.

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