The Billionaire Contract Bride

settled on the takeout container on her counter, untouched , Next to it, like a taunting reminder, sat his business card;

ar disappear into the night. She had thought she could handle this, that her mind was clear. But now, sta

d beneath her fingers. Nicholas Keaton. The name alone sent a chill down her spine. In a way, it wasn't even his name she feared it w

er, gripping the edge. Closing her eyes, she let the memory wash over her, the ride in hi

space for protest. She had nodded along, playing the part of a willing fiancée. What choice did she

icholas wasn't a game, and there were no easy exits. His world was one of absolutes when he said there was no way out, he meant it. The tho

way to secure her inheritance, the only way to take back what was stolen from her by Evelyn and Kate. Those two we

couldn't afford second thoughts, not now. Tomorrow would be a new day. Tomorrow

*

ntain herself. Everything was falling into place just as she had planned. Draped across a velvet sof

lips. "I told you," Evelyn said, her voice smooth. "Nicholas won't be able to resist for much longer. His hesi

have to say, Nicholas will have no choice but to follow her lead. And Vivian?" K

t. "She'll regret ever trying to stand

against the plush cushions. "And when Nicholas is fina

s meeting with Elena is important. We ca

shaken. "I know what I'm doing, Mother. By the time th

*

atson Industries. The imposing structure seemed to mock her, its sleek, modern lines a sym

o his will, and now she was about to step into it, uninvited and unprepared. But

e space was a hive of activity employees rushing from one end to another, their footsteps echoing through the vast passage. No one seem

felt. The secretary behind the desk, a blonde woman with a sharp bo

r fingers already mov

. Vivia

her brows knitting together as she glanced at the screen in fron

"I don't need an appointment.

vian called Nicholas as though they were close, takin

intment," she said coldly. "Now, if you

in Vivian's chest.

tone dripping with sarcasm. "Now, if you don

Without another word, she pulled out her phone and dia

as low, smooth, and u

ying to keep her voice calm. "

then a low, amused chuckl

retary, oblivious to the situation she'd just

olas stepped out, his presence immediately commanding the attention of

rd the front desk, which didn't go unnoticed

, but he silenced her with

cold. "Who gave you permis

nce crumbling under his icy

eely but audible for everyone to hear. "She doesn't need an

w louder, eyes darting betwee

red, humiliated. "I-I

ur final warning. If it happens again, you'

y, unable to meet h

Vivian and, to her surprise, g

t pull away. As they walked toward the elevators, the whispers

esk, her face twisted with jealousy as sh

g them in silence, Nicholas's

vian said quietly, guilt gnawing

is expression unreadable. "I

ut she quickly shook it off. "I'm not yo

he replied, his eyes darkenin