The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 248

hapter 248

Olivia

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The elevator doors slid open on the executive floor. Alexander’s hand fell away from my back as we separated, heading in opposite directions toward our offices.

“See you later,” he called over his shoulder.

I nodded, already pulling out my phone to check emails.

Dylan was waiting outside my office, tablet in hand, and a coffee cup. “Morning, boss. You look like you need this more than I do.”

“You’re a saint.” I grabbed the cup gratefully. “What’s on the schedule?”

“Team meeting in thirty. Then you’ve got a call with the Thompson Hotels people at eleven. Michelle wants a progress update by the end of the day.”

I groaned softly. The Thompson project consumed most of my waking hours lately. Good work, important client, but exhausting.

“Got it. Anything else?”

“Just the usual fires to put out.” Dylan followed me into my office. “Marcus is having another creative crisis. Ava wants approval on the new mockups. And someone from accounting needs your signature on like fifty forms.”

“Of course they do.” I set down my bag and powered up my computer. “Tell Marcus to breathe. Schedule Ava for this afternoon. And bring me the forms whenever.”

“On it.” Dylan disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my rapidly filling inbox.

I sipped the coffee, staring at my computer screen without really seeing it. Everyone thought I got this job because I married the CEO. Hell, half the office probably assumed I slept my way into the promotion,

contract or not.

Senior Marketing Strategist. A title I’d worked my ass off to earn, long before Alexander Carter entered my life. But nobody saw that. They saw Mrs. Carter, the boss’s wife, the woman who’d gone from junior to senior position in record time.

What if I started something of my own?

The thought hit me suddenly, settling into my mind like it belonged there. My own business. My own clients. My own reputation was built from scratch with nobody to credit but myself.

I could continue working here while quietly planning it. Build a portfolio. Make connections. Then, when the time was right, when I had enough saved and enough clients lined up….

I’d walk away with my head held high and my own company to show for it.

12:20 Sun, Jan 11

Chapter 248

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The idea excited me more than it should have. Independence. Proof that I could succeed without the Carter name attached to mine.

But I needed to plan it properly. Jumping ship without a solid foundation would be career suicide. I’d need clients lined up, contracts signed, maybe even a business partner who understood the industry. It couldn’t be some half–assed venture born from wounded pride and office gossip.

I pulled up a blank document on my computer, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Then I stopped.

What was I doing? Planning to abandon everything because people whispered behind my back?

I closed the document without typing a word.

My phone rang, startling me out of my spiraling thoughts. Mom’s name flashed on the screen.

I accepted the call. “Hey, Mom.”

“Olivia, honey. How are you?” Her voice was warm but tinged with concern.

“I’m good, just busy at work.” I leaned back in my chair, grateful for the distraction. “How are you and Dad?”

“We’re fine, sweetheart. But I wanted to check on you after those articles this morning.”

Her voice carried concern but not panic. Just a mother making sure her daughter was okay.

“They’re nothing, Mom. Really. No need to worry.” I tried to keep my voice casual, like I wasn’t bothered by thousands of strangers calling me a gold–digging whore online.

“Are you sure? Because some of those headlines were quite alarming.”

“It’s just noise. I married Alexander Carter, and his competitors are trying to create drama where there isn’t any. Comes with the territory.”

“That’s a relief.” I could hear her exhale. “Your father was ready to drive out there and give someone a piece of his mind.”

Despite everything, I smiled. “Tell Dad I appreciate the support, but I’m fine. Alexander’s handling it.”

“Good. Just make sure to be safe, okay? These people clearly have no boundaries.”

“I will, Mom. Promise.”

There was a pause, then Mom’s voice brightened. “So, when are you bringing Alexander over for dinner? It’s been too long since we’ve seen you, and I’d like to spend more time with your husband.”

I glanced at my calendar, mentally calculating. “How about next Saturday? I’ll check with Alex and confirm.”

“That sounds perfect. I’ll make

your

favorite.”

“Mom, you don’t have to go to any trouble.”

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Chapter 248

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“It’s no trouble. And that man is too skinny. CEO or not, he needs to eat more. You too are you eating enough protein? You sound tired.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Mom, I’m eating properly. And sleeping. And hydrating. And taking my vitamins.”

“Don’t get sassy with me, young lady.”

“Sorry,” I laughed. “Force of habit.”

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