THE WRONG HEIR'S BRIDE

r tablet. KINGSTON DYNASTY SHOCKS NATION GOLDEN HEIR REPLACED AT ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY WHO IS ADRIAN KINGSTON Every major media outlet carried the same story. Photographs of Adrian leaving the ballr

." "It doesn't have to. Grandfather rarely explains himself." She studied Sebastian carefully. "Are you angry?" "About losing my fiancée?" "Yes." Sebastian remained quiet for several moments. "I am angry about many things," he finally admitted. "But not because of you." Before Amelia could ask another question, Sebastian's phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen and immediately stood. "I have to go." "So suddenly?" "There has been an emergency at Kingston Holdings." He hesitated. "Be careful around Adrian." "Why?" Sebastian's expression became unreadable. "Because people underestimate him." Without another word, he left. Amelia watched him disappear. Something about the conversation disturbed her. Sebastian had seemed worried. Not jealous. Not resentful. Worried. Her phone rang again. Unknown number. "Miss Hart." A deep male voice. Amelia instantly recognized it. "Mr. Kingston." "Adrian." His tone remained calm. "Our lawyers have prepared the marriage contract." "Already?" "Efficiency saves time." She almost smiled. "You expect me to sign immediately?" "No." A brief pause followed. "I expect you to read it first." Amelia frowned. "That sounds unusually considerate." "You assume I am inconsiderate." "You have not given me reason to think otherwise." Silence. Then unexpectedly, Adrian laughed. The sound surprised her. "Meet me at Kingston Tower in thirty minutes." "Why?" "So we can discuss the terms." "And if I refuse?" "You won't." "Very confident." "No," Adrian said. "Practical." The call ended. Amelia stared at her phone. The man was impossible. Kingston Tower dominated the financial district. The eighty-story skyscraper symbolized decades of power and influence. Employees openly stared as Amelia entered. News traveled quickly. Everyone already knew who she was. An assistant escorted her to the executive floor. The office at the end of the corridor exceeded every expectation. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city. Minimalist furnishings reflected understated luxury. Adrian stood beside the windows. He did not turn when she entered. "You are punctual." "I dislike wasting time." "So do I." Only then did he face her. In daylight, Adrian appeared even more intimidating. Tall. Composed. Controlled. His expression revealed nothing. "Please sit." Amelia accepted the chair opposite his desk. A thick document rested there. "The contract," Adrian said. She opened it. The first page immediately captured her attention. SEPARATE RESIDENCES MAY BE MAINTAINED UPON MUTUAL AGREEMENT. She looked up. "You are offering separate residences?" "If you prefer." "Why?" Adrian folded his hands. "Because this marriage is already difficult enough." Amelia continued reading. No restrictions regarding career. No unreasonable demands. No invasive clauses. The agreement seemed surprisingly fair. "This is not what I expected." "What did you expect?" "A