The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 226

Olivia

The afternoon sun beat down through my office window, making me squint at my computer screen. I rubbed my temples, trying to focus on the Thompson Hotels presentation one more time before our site visit.

“Mrs. Carter?” Dylan poked his head through my door. “Ready to head out?”

I glanced at the clock. Already two thirty. “Give me five minutes. Just want to send this email to Michelle.”

Dylan stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “No problem. The car’s waiting downstairs whenever you’re ready.”

I typed out a quick status update to Michelle about the Thompson account progress, hit send, and grabbed my purse from the desk drawer.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

The drive across town gave me time to decompress. Traffic was surprisingly light for a weekday afternoon, and the city. stretched out beneath the perfect California sky.

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to Thompson Beverly Hills.

We climbed out of the car, and I was adjusting my blazer when someone called my name.

“Olivia? Olivia Morgan?”

I turned, squinting against the sun, and found myself face to face with a familiar figure. Auburn hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, designer sunglasses perched on her head, expensive handbag dangling from one arm.

“Aubrey?” My face broke into a genuine smile. “Oh my god, what are you doing here?”

Aubrey rushed forward, wrapping me in a hug that smelled like expensive perfume and hairspray. “I could ask you the same thing! Are you staying here?”

“Working,” I gestured toward Dylan. “Marketing project.”

She stepped back, holding me at arm’s length like she was inspecting me. “Look at you, all corporate and put together. Very fancy.”

I laughed. “Says the woman wearing Prada.”

“Touché.” Aubrey grinned.

Dylan cleared his throat behind me. “Mrs. Carter? Should I head inside and let them know we’re here?”

“Actually, yes. Tell them I’ll be right in.” I turned back to Aubrey as Dylan disappeared through the hotel’s revolving doors.

“Aubrey,” I said, taking her in properly. “I can’t believe it’s really you.”

She laughed, adjusting her sunglasses on top of her head. “I’m staying here for the week. Fashion shoot tomorrow. Vogue wants that old Hollywood glamour‘ vibe, and apparently. Thompson Beverly Hills is the perfect backdrop

“That makes sense. The hotel definitely has that classic elegance.”

So what are you doing here? Aubrey asked, linking her arm through mine like we were back in college. “Working? On

17:42 Fri, Dec 19 MO

Chapter 220

“Marketing project, We’re rebranding the Thompson Hotels chain”

Her eyes widened. “You’re doing the Thompson rebrand? That’s massive! I heard Andrew Thompson rejected like a dozen

firms

“Three, actually. But who’s counting?”

“Look at you, all corporate and successful.” She squeezed my arm. “I always knew you’d do amazing things

I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest. Aubrey and I had been roommates junior year, back when life was simpler. and the biggest drama was which party to attend on Saturday night.

“What about you? Vogue cover shoots? That’s pretty incredible.

“Editorial spread, not cover. Yet.” She grinned. “But I’m working on it. The modeling thing is finally taking off after years of cattle calls and rejection.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

Aubrey smiled, and her expression shifted, becoming more serious. “I saw online that you got married. To Alexander Carter She paused. “And I wasn’t invited.”

Guilt twisted in my stomach. “Aubrey, I—”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad.” She held up her hands. “Just surprised. We were pretty close in college, and then radio silence. Next thing I know, you’re Mrs. Billionaire CEO.”

“It happened really fast,” I explained, feeling the weight of the lie settle on my shoulders. “Like, whirlwind fast. I didn’t even invite most of my friends.”

“How fast are we talking?”

“A few months from meeting to marriage.”

Aubrey’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow. That’s fast. But hey, when you know, you know, right?”

“Exactly.”

She studied my face, and I wondered what she saw there. “You seem happy. That’s what matters.”

“I am,” I said, surprised by how true it felt.

“Good.” Aubrey glanced at her phone. “Listen, I have a meeting with the photographer in like ten minutes, but we should grab dinner. Catch up properly. I want to hear everything about this whirlwind romance.”

“I’d love that.”

“Tomorrow night? There’s this amazing Italian place near my hotel. Osteria Mozza?”

“Perfect. Text me the time, and I’ll be there.”

We exchanged phone numbers, and Aubrey pulled me into a quick hug. “It’s so good to see you, Liv. I’ve missed you.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify