The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252

Chapter 252

Alexander

9:4

Boucher

Victoria leaned forward, her expression all false concern. “Those photos were quite damning. Meeting with James Westbrook behind Alexander’s back, sharing private conversations in dark corners of bars.”

“They were coffee meetings,” Olivia said evenly. “Completely innocent.”

“Innocent?” Victoria’s eyebrows rose. “Is that why you didn’t mention them to Alexander?”

“I don’t report every conversation I have.”

“Perhaps you should when they’re with your husband’s business rivals.”

“Enough,” Grandfather cut in. “Victoria, let them speak.”

Victoria sat back, that satisfied smile playing at her lips. She’d drawn first blood, and she knew it.

Grandfather fixed his gaze on me. “Do you have any idea who’s behind this? Who might want to create problems for your marriage?”

I considered my words carefully. “I have some suspicions.”

“Care to share them?”

“Not yet. I need more information before I start making accusations.”

Victoria made a sound that might have been a laugh. “How convenient. Meanwhile, the entire business community is speculating about whether Olivia’s feeding company secrets to Westbrook Financial.”

“She’s not,” I said flatly.

“How can you be sure? Those photos suggest otherwise.”

“Those photos suggest coffee and conversation. Nothing more.”

“Alexander, dear cousin, you’re being remarkably naive.” Victoria leaned forward again. “A woman you barely knew before marrying her, suddenly spending private time with your biggest competitor? And you don’t find that suspicious?”

“I find it suspicious that someone was following my wife to take those photos,” I shot back. “Someone who wanted to create exactly this kind of doubt.”

Grandfather raised his hand for silence. “Regardless of who took the photos or why, the damage is done. The board is asking questions. Our investors are concerned. This needs to be addressed immediately.”

“I’m already working on it,” I said.

“How?”

9:52 Thu, Jan 22

Chapter 252

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“Legal is drafting cease and desist letters for the outlets that published. We’re also issuing a press release clarifying that the photos show nothing inappropriate.”

Grandfather nodded slowly. “Good. But that’s not enough. The rumors need to be killed completely.

“What do you suggest?”

“Public appearances. Joint interviews if necessary. You need to present a united front, show the world that these accusations are baseless.”

Thomas spoke up for the first time. “You could also consider legal action against whoever leaked the photos. Sue for defamation or invasion of privacy.”

“We’re exploring that option,” I replied, though I hadn’t been until just now.

Victoria’s smile widened. “Of course, if the accusations turn out to be true, legal action would backfire spectacularly.”

“They’re not true,” Olivia said, her voice sharp. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” Victoria’s tone dripped with false sweetness. “Though I have to wonder why James Westbrook keeps appearing wherever you happen to be. Coffee shops, bars, hotel lobbies. Quite the string of coincidences.”

“LA’s a small city for people in our industry.”

“Small, but not that small.”

Grandfather thumped his cane on the floor. “This bickering accomplishes nothing. Alexander, I want those articles removed and a press release issued within forty–eight hours.”

“I’m already taking care of it,” I said.

“Good. Because this kind of scandal threatens everything we’ve built. The company’s reputation, the family’s standing, your inheritance.” His eyes bore into mine. “Be more careful next time. Don’t give people ammunition to use against you.”

“I understand.”

Thomas shifted in his seat. “Could James be behind this? He has the resources to hire investigators, and he’s certainly got motivation to undermine Carter Enterprises.”

I considered the question. “James has always been competitive, but this feels more personal than business.”

“Personal how?” Grandfather asked.

“Like someone with a grudge. Someone who wants to see my marriage fail.”

Victoria examined her nails with studied casualness. “Well, if the marriage is legitimate, you have nothing to fear from a few scandalous photos.”

9:52 Thu, Jan 22

Chapter 252

The implication hung in the air. If.

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“The marriage is legitimate,” I said firmly. “And whoever’s behind this will be dealt with soon enough.”

Grandfather studied us both for a long moment. “I hope you’re right, Alexander. Because if this turns out to be something more than gossip, the consequences will be severe.”

“It won’t,” I promised.

“See that it doesn’t.” He wheeled himself toward the desk. “Now get those articles removed and that release issued. I want this handled within forty–eight hours.”

“It will be.”

press

Grandfather nodded once, dismissing us without another word. The conversation was over, at least for now.

I stood, Olivia following my lead. Victoria and Thomas remained on the sofa, watching us like vultures circling wounded prey.

“We should get going,” I said, placing my hand on Olivia’s lower back. “Long day tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Mother said, rising to walk us out. “Drive safely, you two.”

We made our way down the familiar hallway, our footsteps echoing against marble floors. Behind us, I heard Victoria and Thomas following at a distance.

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