The Blackwood legacy

ush mattress, the gleaming mahogany furniture, the sprawling windows offering a panoramic view of the

ed against the crisp, white linens. Derrick Blackwood, her new husban

dded across the opulent master suite, her fingers trailing along the pol

to save herself from financial ruin. A contract marriage, a business arrangement - nothing mor

he mirror, her hair tousled, her makeup smeared. She winced, quickly setting to

less would invite scrutiny, suspicion. And she couldn't afford to let the cracks i

ng the tantalizing scent of freshly brewed coffee. In the kitchen, a soli

livia greeted, offering her a war

lush barstools. "I did, thank you. Alt

'm sure." She gestured toward the array of breakfast foods laid out on the counter. "Please, help y

es, a pot of fragrant tea. It was a far cry from the hastily assembled bo

herself a cup of coffee. As she took a tentative sip, savor

remarkably well," the assistant remarked. "I know it can't

pose I don't have much of a choi

adjustment. Please, don't hesitate to let me know if th

Although I'm not entirely sure what to expect, to be honest." She paus

t sort of thing. And you'll need to be versed in the intricacies of high society, the proper etiquette and protocols." She gave

ldn't be completely adrift in this new world. With Olivia's guidance, perhaps she

back toward the bedroom. "What wi

of you to figure out. This is, after all, a marriage of convenienc

r arrangement - a strictly business partnership, with no expectations of emotional intimacy or physical affection. But the

gaze drifting back to the u

and a gentle squeeze. "Remember, Mrs. Blackwood - you're not alone in t

lders. Olivia was right - she wasn't facing this alone. Derrick, for all his seriousnes

shoulders and reached for another croissan

d, his dark hair still damp from the shower. His gaze landed

murmured, moving to join her at the

proximity, but she quickly quashed the sensation

e. "Excellent. Then I believe it's time we begin

she nodded, her spine straightening. "I'

tion. "Good. Because the fate of my family's company is hanging