Chapter 231

Olivia POV

The question hung between us, heavy with implications neither of us seemed ready to explore.

"These photos," he continued, his voice dropping lower, "they make it look like you're leaking information to James. Like you're using your position at Carter Enterprises to help my competitor."

"That's insane. I would never—"

"I know that." He cut me off. "But the board doesn't know you like I do. They see the CEO's wife having secret meetings with James Westbrook, and they're going to draw conclusions."

"They weren't secret! We were in public places!" I threw my hands up. "And since when do I need your permission to have coffee with people?"

"When those people are actively competing against everything I've built."

"S