The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 307

Chapter 307

Chapter 307

Olivia

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Emilia was quiet for a beat. When she spoke again, her voice was firm. “You listen to me, Olivia Morgan–Carter. You earned every single thing you have. You worked your ass off for years at that company. You landed Thompson Hotels because you’re brilliant, not because of Alexander’s last name.”

“But-”

No buts. Yes, being married to Alexander opened doors. That’s how the world works. Connections matter. But you’re the one who walked through those doors and delivered results. You’re the one impressing clients and building campaigns that actually work.” She pulled up to a stoplight, turning to look at me directly. “Don’t let anonymous internet trolls make you doubt yourself.”

‘It’s hard not to when it feels like everyone’s thinking it.”

‘Everyone’s not thinking it. A handful of jealous people are thinking it. Big difference.” The light changed, and she drove forward. “Besides, what matters more? What strangers think, or what you know to be true?”

I didn’t have a good answer for that.

You and Alexander are good together,” Emilia continued. “Really good. I’ve never seen you this happy, not even in the early days with Ryan when you were all starry–eyed and delusional.”

That made me smile. “I was not delusional.”

You absolutely were. We all were. Ryan had us all fooled.” She turned onto my office building’s street. “But Alexander? He ees you. Really sees you. And he’s not threatened by your success. He celebrates it.”

He does,” I admitted. “Even when I think I’m going to screw everything up, he believes I’ll figure it out.”

Exactly. That’s what matters. Not what some anonymous keyboard warrior thinks about your career trajectory.” She pulled nto the loading zone in front of my building. “Now get back to work and stop letting the haters win.”

leaned over and hugged her. “Thank you, Em.”

Anytime. That’s what best friends are for. Reality checks and mediocre coffee.”

The coffee was actually pretty good.”

‘Don’t get used to it. Next time we’re going back to our usual place with the stale pastries and burnt espresso.”

I laughed, climbing out of the car. “It’s a date,”

‘And Liv?” She waited until I looked back at her. “Be happy. You two are great as a couple. Don’t let anyone make you forget

that.”

I nodded, watching as she pulled away and merged into traffic. The morning sun felt warmer now, less harsh. Or maybe that was just Emilia’s pep talk working its magic.

I turned toward the building, squaring my shoulders. The Carter Enterprises logo gleamed above the entrance, chrome letters catching the light.

Don’t think about it much and be happy.

1/3

MMW.

3:46 pm

Chapter 307

019

10 viluchers

Emilia’s words echoed in my head as I pushed through the revolving doors into the cool lobby. The security guard nodded at me, and I waved back automatically, my mind already shifting gears from personal drama to professional responsibilities.

The elevator ride up felt longer than usual. I stared at my reflection in the polished metal doors, seeing a woman in designer clothes and expensive shoes. A woman who drove a Porsche and lived in a mansion. A woman who’d gone from junior marketing executive to Senior Marketing Strategist in record time.

I got this name because of Alexander, not for my hard work.

The thought slithered in unbidden, poisonous and persistent. No matter how many times I tried to push it away, it kept coming back. Like those comments online, it had burrowed under my skin and made a home there.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open onto my floor. I stepped out, passing colleagues who smiled and greeted me Did they think it too? That I was only here because I’d married the right person?

“Mrs. Carter!” Dylan appeared at my elbow, tablet in hand, with an eager expression. There you are. Michelle’s been looking for you. Something about the Cornerstone timeline?”

“Great,” I muttered, but forced a smile. Thanks. Dylan. I’ll head to her office now.”

“Also, Andrew Thompson’s assistant called. He wants to set up a check–in meeting for next week”

“Perfect. Schedule it and send me the details.”

Dylan nodded and hurried back to his desk. I watched him go, wondering if he thought I was just playing at this job. If he saw me as someone who’d lucked into a position rather than earned it.

Stop it, I told myself firmly. Emilia’s right. You’re overthinking everything.

But as I walked toward Michelle’s office, I couldn’t shake the weight of doubt pressing down on my shoulders. Every accomplishment suddenly felt suspect. Every success tinged with the question: would this have happened if I weren’t Alexander Carter’s wife?

I passed Nova’s desk. She looked up and gave me a genuine smile. “Hey, Liv. Great work on the Thompson presentation Heard Andrew was blown away.”

Thanks,” I managed, trying to match her enthusiasm.

‘Seriously, the brand story section? Chef’s kiss. She made the gesture. “That’s the kind of work that makes the rest of us look bad.”

Something warm flickered in my chest. Nova had no reason to compliment me if she didn’t mean it. She certainly wouldn’t risk her own reputation by praising mediocre work.

I appreciate that,” I said, meaning it.

Just calling it like I see it.” She turned back to her computer. “Can’t wait to see what you do with Cornerstone.”

I continued down the hallway, Nova’s words echoing in my head alongside the hateful comments. Two competing narratives, both claiming to be the truth.

Michelle’s door was open. I knocked anyway, waiting for her to wave me in

‘Mrs. Carter, good. Close the door.”

I shut the door and took the seat across from her desk.

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3:46 pm

Chapter 307

0190

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“Kevin Harris called this morning, Michelle said without preamble. “He’s moved the timeline up. Wants the full Cornerstone rebrand completed in six months instead of eight.”

“Six months? For seventeen properties?”

“I know it’s tight. But he’s willing to increase the budget by twenty percent to compensate for the accelerated schedule.” Michelle leaned back in her chair. “Can you do it?”

This was a test. Not just of my capabilities, but of whether I truly belonged at this level.

I got this name because of Alexander.

No. Screw that. I’d earned this opportunity through the Thompson campaign. Through late nights, brilliant strategy, and results that spoke for themselves.

“I can do it,” I said, meeting Michelle’s eyes. “I’ll need to expand my team and adjust our approach, but yes. Six months is doable.

Michelle’s expression softened slightly. “Good. I knew I could count on you.”

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