The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 229

Olivia

The dashboard clock read 5:03 PM, late enough that most people would call it a day, but I wanted to upload the photos and organize my notes while everything was fresh in my mind.

I made it back to the office in twenty minutes, pulling into the underground parking garage and finding a spot near the elevators.

The building was quieter than usual, and most employees were already gone for the weekend. My heels echoed in the marble lobby as 1 crossed to the elevators, nodding at the security guard stationed at the front desk.

“Working late, Mrs. Carter?”

“Just wrapping up some things,” I replied, pressing the button for my floor,

The elevator climbed smoothly. When the doors opened, I found the marketing department mostly empty. A few lights still burned in distant offices, but the main workspace sat dark and silent.

I unlocked my office and flipped on the lights, settling into my chair with a satisfied sigh. The leather was cool against my back after the warm car ride.

My computer hummed to life. While it booted, I pulled out my phone and connected the cable to transfer the photos Dylan and I had taken at the Thompson Hotel. Hundreds of images populated my screen, each one capturing different angles of the property.

I created a new folder labeled “Thompson Site Visit – Beverly Hills” and started sorting through them, deleting duplicates and blurry shots. The good ones I tagged for different categories; lobby, rooms, restaurant, exterior.

An hour passed. My phone buzzed with a text from Alexander.

Alexander: Still at the office?

Me: Just finishing up some Thompson stuff. Should be done soon.

Alexander: Want me to pick you up?

Me: I drove, remember?

Alexander: Right. See you at home then.

Me: See you soon.

I set my phone aside and returned to organizing files. The photos looked even better on my larger monitor, each shot capturing the hotel’s classic elegance. Andrew Thompson was going to love these.

By the time I finished, it was past six.

I saved everything, backed it up to the company server, and shut down my computer. The office felt eerily quiet as I gathered my things, just the hum of electronics and the distant whoosh of the ventilation system.

The elevator ride down seemed longer than usual. When the doors opened in the parking garage, I stepped out and headed toward my Porsche, my footsteps echoing in the cavernous space.

The car beeped as I unlocked it. I slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, the purr of the motor satisfying in the quiet garage.

Chapter 229

I merged onto the main road, heading toward the estate. The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

My phone rang through the car’s Bluetooth system. Alexander’s name flashed on the dashboard screen.

“Hey, I answered.

“Change of plans,” Alexander said. “Alfred’s running errands. Want to grab dinner somewhere?”

“I thought we were eating at home?”

“We were. But apparently the refrigerator died, and he’s dealing with the repair service.”

I laughed. “Of course it did. Sure, where do you want to go?”

“Your pick. I’m flexible.”

“What about that Italian place on Melrose? The one with the amazing pasta?”

“Osteria Bella?”

“That’s the one.”

“Perfect. I’ll make a reservation. Seven thirty work?”

I glanced at the clock. 6:47 PM. “That gives me just enough time to go home and change.”

“You don’t need to change. You look fine.”

“I’m in work clothes. I want to change.

He chuckled. “Alright. See you at home.”

4

The call ended. I pressed harder on the accelerator, eager to get home and swap my blazer for something more comfortable.

Traffic thinned as I left the city center. The estates appeared, sprawling properties hidden behind gates and hedges. I turned onto our street, the familiar trees lining the road.

The gates opened automatically as I approached. I drove up the circular driveway and parked near the front entrance.

Inside, the house was quiet. Alfred’s absence was noticeable; the usual background hum of activity was missing.

I climbed the stairs to our bedroom, kicking off my heels as soon as I crossed the threshold. My blazer came next, tossed onto the chair near the window.

The closet beckoned. I rifled through options before settling on dark jeans and a soft cream sweater. Casual but put together.

In the bathroom, I touched up my makeup and ran a brush through my hair. Good enough for dinner at a neighborhood

restaurant.

Alexander appeared in the doorway as I was finishing. “Ready?”

“Almost.” I grabbed my purse from the dresser. “Reservation confirmed?”

“Seven thirty, table by the window.”

We headed downstairs together. Alexander held the door as we walked outside, the evening air cooler now that the sun had dipped below the horizon.

Chapter 999

nt me to drive?” I offered

I’ve got it”

We climbed into his Aston Martin. The engine roared to life, and we pulled out of the driveway

How was the Thompson site visit?” Alexander asked as we drove.

Really productive. Dylan and I got great photos, and Andrew Thompson seemed genuinely interested in our approach.”

That’s good. You’ll nail it. You always do.”

The compliment warmed me more than it probably should have.

Osteria Bella sat tucked between two boutiques on Melrose, its exterior understated but elegant. String lights crisscrossed the small outdoor patio, creating a warm glow.

We pulled up to the valet, and Alexander handed over his keys. Inside, the restaurant was cozy, with exposed brick walls and white tablecloths creating an intimate atmosphere.

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