The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 292

Chapter 292

Olivia

I waited, watching the screen. One minute passed. Then two. Then five.

Nothing.

‘Of course, I muttered under my breath, setting my phone face down on the table. “All talk, no action.

It was always the same with bullies. They loved making threats from the shadows, but scattered like cockroaches when confronted directly. Whoever sent those messages clearly didn’t have the spine to face me in person.

I grabbed my purse and headed to the valet, my earlier cuphoria from the Thompson success now thoroughly dampened. The warm evening air did little to improve my mood as I waited for my Porsche.

The valet pulled up with my car, and I tipped him before sliding behind the wheel. The leather seats were still warm from the day’s heat.

The drive home was uneventful, traffic moving smoothly as the city transitioned from workday to evening. I turned up the music, letting it wash over me and push away thoughts of anonymous threats and hidden enemies.

By the time I pulled through the estate gates, my anger had cooled to a low simmer. Alfred was waiting at the door as usual, ais expression perfectly neutral.

‘Good evening, Mrs. Carter. Mr. Carter called to say he’ll be working late. Shall I have Chef prepare dinner?”

Just something light, thanks. I’ll be in the office reviewing files.”

Very good, madam.”

I kicked off my heels in the foyer, padding barefoot through the house to the home office. My laptop bag felt heavier than usual as I dropped it on the desk and powered up the computer.

The Thompson Hotels files demanded attention, but my mind kept drifting back to that text. Who would bother threatening me about a business victory?

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache building behind my eyes.

Chef appeared with a beautifully plated salad and grilled chicken, setting it on the desk with a glass of sparkling water.

“Thank you,” I said, genuinely grateful.

“Ring if you need anything else, Mrs. Carter.”

I ate mechanically while reviewing the Thompson campaign timeline, making notes for next week’s kickoff meeting. The food was delicious, but I barely tasted it, my mind too occupied with logistics and strategy

Hours passed without me noticing, the house growing quiet around me as the staff retired for the evening

When I finally looked up, it was past midnight. My eyes burned from staring at the screen, and my neck ached from hunching over the keyboard.

“Enough,” I announced to the empty room, shutting down my laptop.

The house was dark and silent as I made my way upstairs. Alexander’s side of the bed remained empty, the sheets still

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Chapter 292

perfectly made from this morning.

I changed into pajamas and crawled under the covers, exhaustion finally overwhelming my racing though would bring new challenges, but for now, I needed sleep.

The following week passed in a blur of meetings, presentations, and strategic planning sessions

“Mrs. Carter?” Dylan appeared in my doorway Thursday afternoon, tablet in hand. Michelle juur caller. She w

in her office.

I glanced up from the concept boards spread across my desk. “Did she say what it’s about?

“Just that it’s important and to come as soon as you’re available.”

“Well, that’s not ominous at all,” I muttered, gathering my notepad. “Hold down the fort. I’ll be back.

The walk to Michelle’s corner office felt longer than usual.

Michelle’s assistant waved me through immediately. “She’s expecting you.”

I found Michelle standing by her window, phone pressed to her ear. She gestured for me to sir while she finishert Ser conversation.

“Yes, I understand. We’ll have the revised proposal on your desk by Monday. She ended the call and turned to me wit smile that made my shoulders relax slightly. “Mrs. Carter. Thanks for coming so quickly

“Of course. What’s up?”

Michelle settled into her chair, practically vibrating with excitement. “I just got off the phone with Kevin Harris inm Cornerstone Resort Group.”

My eyebrows shot up. Cornerstone was massive, one of the most prestigious resort chains in North America. They wer properties from Whistler to Miami, all luxury destinations that catered to the ultra–wealthy

“Okay,” I said slowly, trying to read her expression.

“They want Carter Enterprises to handle their complete brand overhaul.” Michelle leaned forward, her eyes hartage are single property. New logos, new marketing strategy, digital presence, customer experience, everything

“That’s incredible. Congratulations.”

“Not congratulations to me,” Michelle said with a grin, “Congratulations to you. They specifically requested as the project.

My brain short–circuited for a moment. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Kevin Harris heard about your work on Thompson Hotels. Andrew Thompson apparently can’t wap uning your pr industry events.” Michelle pulled up an email on her computer. “Mr. Harris wants the same approach Someine wh understands luxury hospitality and respects brand heritage while modernizing the guest experance,”

I blinked several times, processing this information “Cornerstone has what, fifteen properties

“Seventeen, Michelle corrected. “With three more breaking ground next year‘

My hands were shaking slightly. I pressed them flat against my thighs. “That’s massive. Are you save chary want a

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Chapter 292

“Yes. They specifically requested you. Mr. Harris was impressed by the preliminary work on Thompson and wants that same sensibility applied to Cornerstone.”

“When do they want to meet?” I asked.

‘Monday. Ten AM at their corporate headquarters.” Michelle handed me a folder thick with preliminary information. “I need you to review their current branding and come prepared with initial thoughts. Nothing formal yet, just enough to show you understand their needs.”

‘Monday,” I repeated, my mind already racing through everything I’d need to do. “That’s four days.”

‘Can you handle it?”

met Michelle’s eyes, saw the confidence there. She believed I could do this. “Absolutely.”

Good. Because Mr. Harris also mentioned they have a tight timeline. They want the rebrand completed in eight months.”

Eight months for seventeen properties?” My voice climbed an octave. “That’s insane.”

That’s why they’re willing to pay premium rates.” Michelle’s smile turned knowing. “And why they need someone brilliant eading the charge.”

clutched the folder like a lifeline. “No pressure or anything.”

You handled Thompson beautifully, even with everyone trying to sabotage you. Cornerstone should be straightforward by comparison.”

Should be,” I echoed. “Famous last words.”

Michelle laughed. “Go. Review the materials. Put together your A–team. And Mrs. Carter?” She waited until I looked up. “This s your moment. Don’t doubt yourself.”

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