The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 308

Chapter 308

One of the band members leaned forward How did we argue the ro

Investment required our CFO seked

Two hundred million for phone one. Another hundred fifty for phase two, contingent on initial occupancy rates”

jessica brought up the financial projections on her tablet and mirrored them on the screen “We’re projecting righty percent Occupancy within eighteen months of completion. Conservative estimates show a twelve percent anal return on investment”

“What about competition? One of the board members asked, “Westbrook Financial has been eyeing riverside properties for

I smiled. “They were. But we secured exclusive development rights through our relationship with the city. James Westbrook can look all he wants. This is ours”

The board members exchanged glances, impressed murmurs rippling through the room.

“Construction timeliner someone asked from the back.

Groundbreaking in six months. Phase one completion in two years, phase two following immediately after.” I clicked through several more slides showing contractor proposals and material costs. “We’ve already vetted three construction firms. All are capable of meeting our deadlines?

One of the board members studied his folder. “The numbers look solid. Environmental impact assessments?”

“Completed and approved. No issues with EPA compliance. We’re actually ahead of California’s green building requirements?

One of the board members raised her hand, “What about tenant acquisition? Two hundred thousand square feet is a lot of office space to fill

“We’ve had preliminary conversations with several Fortune 500 companies looking to relocate or expand their LA presence. Tech firms, entertainment companies, and financial services. The location is ideal for companies wanting downtown access without downtown prices?

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4:49 pm

Chapter 308

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“And the residential component? another board member add

Luxury condos targeting young professionals and empty nesters. Waterfront score, high entice of that rival the best in the city” 1 advanced to renderings of deck, modern apartments”

the market while maintaining healthy profit margins

priving fly the

The room buzzed with conversation as board members flipped through their folders, exiting pot cak for ad market analyses.

“This is ambitious, another board member said. “But the math works. Astuming we hit those organey tr

“We will.” I leaned back against the table. “The market research supports it. LA’s commercial real e CHR ** historic low. Demand is there. We’re just providing the supply

Another board member nodded slowly. “I like it. Bold but calculated. That’s how Carter Enterprise wi

“Questions?” I scanned the room. When nobody spoke up, I continued. “Then let’s vote. All in favor of proceeding with the Riverside Commerce Center development?”

Hands rose around the table. Every single one.

“Motion carries unanimously.” I closed my folder. “Jessica will distribute the full development timeline and contractor proposals by the end of the day. We’ll reconvene next month for phase one updates

The board members stood, gathered their materials, and headed for the door.

The room emptied until only Jessica remained, collecting discarded water bottles and straightening chairs

I grabbed my own folder and checked my phone. No messages. Nothing urgent.

“Your eleven thirty got pushed to this afternoon,” Jessica said, anticipating my question. “Client called with a scheduling conflict.”

“Works for me. Gives me time to review the contracts before they come back from legal.”

Jessica paused at the door. “Mr. Carter?”

I looked up. “Yeah?”

“The board’s confidence in this project is high. But if anything goes wrong, if we miss those occupancy targets or construction delays pile up-”

“We won’t.” I met her eyes. “This project is too important. We’ll make it work.”

She nodded, satisfied, and left me alone in the conference room.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the architectural renderings still displayed on the screen. The Riverside Commerce Center would be a flagship project for Carter Enterprises. Something that would cement our position as a major player in LA commercial development.

And something that would remind James Westbrook that he wasn’t the only one capable of big moves.

My phone buzzed as I headed back to my office. Unknown number.

I frowned, swiping to answer. “Alexander Carter.”

Chapter 308

“Mr. Carter, B is Rachel from your PR tear

1 sopped walking “What’s going on

We have a situation. There are articles circulating online about your wife. ”

“What is it?” I asked, keeping my voice level despite the tension creeping up my spine.

T share all the details to your email, Mr. Carter. The articles are spreading quickly across multiple platforms.”

“Alright.” I hung up and immediately pulled up my email on my computer.

The inbox loaded, and Rachel’s message sat at the top with several attachments. I clicked it open.

Mr. Carter,

Multiple articles have been published this morning across various business and gossip platforms. The content focuses on Mrs. Carter’s professional qualifications and suggests nepotism in her promotion. I’ve attached screenshots and links below.

Please advise on how you’d like us to proceed.

Rachel

I scrolled through the attachments. Screenshot after screenshot of forum posts, article excerpts, and comment sections.

“Olivia Morgan–Carter: Marketing Genius or CEO’s Trophy Wife?

Questions Surround Olivia Carter’s Rapid Rise at Carter Enterprises”

From Junior Executive to Senior Strategist: How Marriage Changed Everything for Olivia Morgan”

The articles weren’t subtle. They questioned every achievement, every campaign, every project Olivia had touched. Thompson Hotels was dismissed as “team effort she took credit for. Her education was called “adequate but unremarkable.” Her experience was described as “insufficient for the responsibility she’s been given.”