The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 228

Chapter 228

Olivia

I studied him over the rim of my cup. “Everyone in LA has ulterior motives.”

“Cynical. I like it.” He grinned. “But fair enough. You’re married to one of the most powerful men in the city. I’m sure people are constantly trying to leverage that connection.”

“You have no idea.”

“Actually, I might have some idea.” James leaned back in his chair. “Alexander and I run in similar circles. I’ve watched people try to use me to get to clients or investors. It’s exhausting.”

“Then why coffee with me? Aren’t you worried I’ll think you’re trying to use my connection to Alexander?”

“Are you?” he challenged.

I considered the question. “I don’t know yet.”

“Honest answer.” James nodded approvingly. “I can work with that. For what it’s worth, I asked you for coffee because you seem like an interesting person. Smart, accomplished, and refreshingly direct. Those qualities are rare in our world.”

I set my cappuccino down, studying him carefully. “You seem to pop up wherever I am lately. Should I be concerned?”

James laughed. “You think I’m following you?”

“The thought crossed my mind.”

“Olivia, I promise you, these are coincidences. Los Angeles is a big city, but our circles are surprisingly small.” He gestured around the café. “This place is halfway between my office and a client’s building. I stop here at least twice a week.”

“And O’Malley’s?”

“Popular bar in a city full of bars. Not exactly suspicious.” He took a sip of his espresso. “Besides, if I were following you, I’d be doing a terrible job of it. You spotted me every time.”

I couldn’t help but smile at that logic. “Fair point.”

“For what it’s worth, I find these encounters refreshing. Most people in our industry are exhausting to talk to.” He leaned back in his chair. “All they want to discuss is deals, mergers, who’s sleeping with whom. You actually have substance.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Westbrook.”

“James,” he corrected automatically. “And I’m not flattering. I’m stating facts. There’s a difference.”

The waitress stopped by our table. “Can I get you anything else?”

*Another cappuccino?” James asked, looking at me.

I shook my head. “I really should get going.”

“One more cup won’t kill you,” he pressed gently. “Besides, you look like you could use a break. Long day?”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. One more.”

“Make that two cappuccinos,” James told the waitress, who disappeared with a smile.

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Chapter 228

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes settling on me with casual interest. “So, how’s the Thompson project conning alon

Im sorry, but I can’t discuss client details,” I said, wrapping my hands around my nearly empty mug It’s confideria Maybe after we finish the project, we can talk about it

James nodded. Fair enough Professional to the core. I respect that.”

We fell into a comfortable silence. The café buzzed around us, but at our table, the quiet stretched between us like an unexpected bridge.

“You know, James said after a moment, his tone shifting to something lighter, “if you weren’t married to Alexander. I might have actually tried my luck.”

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his directness. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely. He grinned, unrepentant. “Smart, talented, beautiful. The whole package.

“Well,” I said, unable to suppress a smile, “you’re too late. Should’ve moved faster.”

“Story of my life.” He laughed. “Always one step behind Alexander Carter.”

The waitress returned with our fresh cappuccinos, setting them down with practiced efficiency. I watched the foam settle, perfect and pristine.

“Besides,” I added, taking a sip, “you don’t seem like the settling–down type.”

James tilted his head, considering. “What makes you say that?”

“Just a vibe.” I shrugged. “Men like you usually have other priorities.”

“Men like me?”

“Successful. Driven. Probably married to your work.”

He raised his cup in acknowledgment. “Though Alexander managed to figure it out.”

“Alexander’s different.”

“Is he?” James asked, and something in his tone made me look up sharply. But his expression remained neutral, curious rather than challenging.

We finished our second cappuccinos in companionable silence. James was easy to talk to when he wasn’t being deliberately provocative. There was a lightness to him that contrasted sharply with Alexander’s intensity.

“I should probably get going,” I said finally, checking my phone.

James reached for the check before I could. “I’ve got this.”

“I can pay for my own coffee”

“I’m sure you can.” He pulled out his wallet. “But I’m old–fashioned that way.”

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