The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 271

pter 271

Alexander

“Why are you telling me this now?” I asked carefully.

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“Because…” Aaron hesitated, choosing his words with obvious care. “Because there might be some information in their files that could be… valuable. To certain parties. Corporate clients who used their services for less than transparent purposes.”

My interest sharpened. “What kind of purposes?”

“The kind that make headlines if they ever see daylight.” He met my gaze directly. “Look, I’m not saying anything specific. But Pinnacle handled a lot of sensitive work for high–profile clients. The kind of clients who pay premium rates for discretion.”

“And you’re offering me access to these files as part of the acquisition?”

“I’m saying they’ll be part of the package either way. What you do with them is your business.” Aaron shifted his weight. “Could save you some headaches down the line. Maybe even offset some of the acquisition cost if you know where to look.”

I studied him for a long moment. This was more than just a courtesy heads–up. Aaron was dangling bait, suggesting that Pinnacle Group’s records contained something worth far more than the company’s operational value.

Something that might involve embezzlement activities.

“These files,” I said slowly. “They’re comprehensive? Complete transaction histories?”

“Everything. Years of records. Client lists, account details, wire transfers, shell companies. All completely legal, of course.” Aaron smiled slightly. “But some clients might prefer their offshore activities remain private.”

“Of course.”

“The acquisition should close within two weeks. Three at most. Well before your deadline.” He extended his hand. “Just wanted you to have all the information before we finalized things.”

I shook his hand, my mind already working through the implications. “I appreciate the transparency.”

‘My pleasure, Mr. Carter. This is going to be a great partnership.”

After Aaron left, I stood in the hallway for a moment, processing what he’d just told me. Pinnacle Group. Offshore transactions. High–profile clients who valued discretion.

And Aaron had made a point of mentioning it specifically, suggesting the records could be valuable.

I pulled out my phone and texted Matteo.

Me: Need you to run a background check on a company called Pinnacle Group. Accounting firm, offshore transactions. Find out who their major clients are.

The reply came within seconds.

Matteo: On it. How deep do you want me to dig?

Me: Everything. Client lists, transaction patterns, and any red flags. Priority level.

Matteo: Understood.

1/4

1:18 pm

Chapter 271

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I pocketed my phone and headed toward the elevator, my mind spinning with possibilities. If Pinnacle Group’s records contained evidence of financial crimes, and if those records were about to become Carter property….

The elevator doors opened. Victoria stood inside, her expression shifting from surprise to cold calculation when she saw me.

“Leaving already?” she asked as I stepped in.

“Business concluded.”

“Congratulations on your acquisition.” Her tone made it clear she didn’t mean it. “Though one hundred and eighty million seems excessive for a company worth maybe seventy at best.”

“Investment decisions aren’t your concern.”

“They are when they affect the company’s bottom line.” Victoria jabbed the button for the lobby. “You just spent an obscene amount of money on what amounts to a glorified bookkeeping service. The board won’t be pleased.”

“The board trusts my judgment.”

“Do they?” She smiled. “Or are they starting to wonder if marriage has made you sentimental? Reckless?”

I leaned against the elevator wall, watching her. “You really think this was a bad deal?”

“I think you paid nearly three times what the company is worth. That’s not a strategy. That’s desperation.”

“Is it?” I smiled slightly. “Or maybe I saw value you didn’t.”

“What value? Transaction records? Client lists?” Victoria laughed. “Those are worthless unless you’re planning to blackmail people.”

“Who said anything about blackmail?”

The elevator reached the lobby. Victoria stepped out first, turning back to face me.

“You can dress it up however you want, Alexander. But at the end of the day, you overpaid dramatically for a company that does nothing to strengthen Carter Enterprises‘ position.” Her smile widened. “And when Grandfather sees the financials, when the board starts asking questions about this questionable investment, you’re going to have a very difficult time explaining yourself.”

“I’ll manage.”

“Will you?” She tilted her head. “You just made a spectacular mistake. Spent a fortune on a worthless acquisition, all while your marriage crumbles under public scrutiny.” She stepped closer. “This is the beginning of the end. You’re losing control. Making emotional decisions instead of rational ones.”

“Thanks for your concern.”

“Oh, I’m not concerned.” Victoria’s voice was pure venom now. “I’m delighted. Watching you spiral is going to be the highlight of my year. And when you finally crash and burn, when Grandfather realizes what a liability you’ve become, I’ll be right there to pick up the pieces.”

I pushed past her toward the building entrance. “Don’t count your victories before they happen, Victoria. Has a way of backfiring.”

“We’ll see. Her voice followed me. “Enjoy your expensive mistake. I know I will.”

Outside, the afternoon sun beat down on the parking lot. Victoria’s words still echoing in my head.

2/4

Chapter 271

She thought I’d made a mistake. Overpaid for a worthless company.

She had no idea what I’d actually just acquired.

My phone buzzed. Matteo.

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Matteo: Preliminary search shows Pinnacle Group has some interesting connections. One of their major clients? Westbrook Financial. Multiple offshore accounts, complex corporate structures. Want me to dig deeper?

I smiled, typing my response.

Me: Yes, Find everything. And keep this completely confidential. Nobody knows about this but us.

Matteo: Understood.

Victoria thought I’d made a spectacular mistake, spent too much money on a worthless company.

But what she didn’t know was that I’d just bought something far more valuable than offshore transaction records.

I’d bought leverage. The kind of leverage that could destroy careers, end marriages, and send people to prison.

And if James Westbrook’s name was in those Pinnacle Group files, if there was evidence of the embezzlement and fraud I suspected…

Then one hundred and eighty million dollars was the bargain of the century.

Victoria wanted to see me crash and burn? Fine.

Let her watch. Let her celebrate what she thought was my downfall.

Because when those all files landed on my desk, when I had documented proof of every illegal transaction, every hidden account, every law Victoria and James Westbrook had broken…

That’s when the real game would begin.

And Victoria, so busy gloating over my supposed mistakes, wouldn’t see it coming until it was far too late.

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