The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 238

Chapter 238

Olivia

“I’m not accepting your job offer. I don’t need your help. Financial, legal, or otherwise.” I straightened my shoulders. Whatever you think is going on, whatever you think you know, you’re wrong. So do us both a favor and don’t approach me again. Don’t show up wherever I am. Don’t offer me coffee or jobs or your unsolicited opinions about my marriage.” James tilted his head, studying me like I was some fascinating specimen under a microscope. Then he smiled. Really smiled, and it sent ice through my veins.

“I’ll remember this conversation,” he said pleasantly. “I’ll remember that I warned you. And when your life becomes a real hell, and it will, very soon, I want you to remember that I offered to help. That I tried to give you options before you needed them desperately.”

“Nothing’s going to happen.”

“Everything’s going to happen.” His smile widened. “And when it does, when you’re drowning and looking for something to hold onto, remember this moment. Remember that you had a lifeline and threw it away.”

Before I could respond, he shifted into gear and pulled away, that same knowing smile visible through his window as he disappeared into traffic.

I stood there in the parking lot, my heart hammering against my ribs. The cool night air raised goosebumps on my arms, or maybe that was just the lingering effect of James’s words.

When your life becomes a real hell.

I shook my head, refusing to let his cryptic warnings take root. He didn’t know anything. He was fishing, making assumptions, trying to plant seeds of doubt.

The drive home was a blur of streetlights and traffic. My hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, knuckles white against the leather.

I parked in the garage, grabbed my purse, and headed inside through the side entrance.

Alfred greeted me in the hallway. “Good evening, Mrs. Carter. Pleasant evening out?”

“Hi, Alfred. It was fine, thanks.”

“Mr. Carter is in the study. Shall I bring you anything?”

“No, I’m good. Thank you.”

Alfred nodded and disappeared down the hallway, his footsteps fading into the quiet of the house.

I headed upstairs to the bedroom, kicking off my heels as soon as I crossed the threshold. The relief was immediate.

I peeled off my blazer, tossing it over the chair by the window, then stepped out of my skirt.

In the closet, I grabbed a pair of soft cotton shorts and an oversized t–shirt.

After changing, I splashed water on my face in the bathroom, washing away the remnants of makeup and the day’s stress. My reflection looked tired but content. The project was moving forward, my team was solid, and despite James’s weird warnings earlier, life felt surprisingly stable.

I was heading back toward the bed when I heard footsteps on the stairs. Alexander appeared in the doorway moments later, his tie loosened and his expression unreadable.

“You’re home late,” he said, not accusatory, just observational.

I sat on the edge of the bed, suddenly aware of how tired I was. “Went out with Emilia. Had drinks.”

“Just Emilia?”

“Yeah. Why?”

Alexander stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. “Just asking.”

Something in his tone made me straighten. “Actually, no. James was there too. He was at the bar where I met up with my coworkers first. Then later, at the wine bar where I met Emilia.” I watched his face carefully. “Seemed like a weird coincidence.”

“And?”

“And I told him to stop following me.”

Alexander’s eyebrows rose. “You confronted him?”

Chapter 238

“I did. He denied it, said LA’s a small city, same circles, blah blah blah. Then he made this whole speech about offering me help if I ever needed it. Job offers, financial assistance, legal resources.”

“Did he?” Alexander’s voice was flat.

“Yeah. It was bizarre. Like he was waiting for my life to fall apart so he could swoop in and save me.” I stood, crossing to the closet. “I told him to stay away from me.”

“Good.”

I paused, turning back to look at him. “That’s it? Just ‘good‘?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know. Maybe ask why James thinks my life is about to implode? Or why is he suddenly so interested in offering me career advice?” I pulled my hair loose from its ponytail. “It felt weird, Alex. Like he knows something.”

Alexander loosened his tie completely, draping it over the chair. “James has always been good at reading situations.”

“What situation is there to read?”

“Nothing.” He started unbuttoning his shirt. “He’s fishing. Trying to find leverage.”

“Leverage for what?”

“For whatever game he’s playing.” Alexander shrugged out of his shirt, tossing it toward the hamper. “Don’t worry about James.”

I studied him, noting how he’d completely shut down the conversation. “You’re not concerned at all?”

“Should I be?”

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