A Marriage Signed In Power

y stepped fully into the penthouse light. Her

fter all the chaos of the gala. But Vanessa wasn't smiling, and there was no warmth in

utiously, yet her tone carried somethi

voice shaking. She backed toward the sofa instinct

t the contract." She paused, studying Lena like she was a puzzle. "And I

d. "I don't understan

He has enemies, Lena. People who will use this marriage as a weapon. And you

Derek's threat were the worst of it. But now, Vanessa's words m

just the contract? The

and you've just become a pawn. They'll try to manipulate you, twist your mistakes, and if you aren't

mily. The fragile thread that had held her lif

is?" Lena asked, strugglin

yourself," Vanessa said. "And because... I owe you. We used to be

that Vanessa wasn't just a messenger, she was a warning bell, a

thing immediately. The gala, the contract, Ethan himself it's all part of a game. And in this gam

t all over again, not just as a legal document, but as a l

e. She handed it to Lena without another word. "Open it when

, her heels echoing down the hallway, leaving Lena alone with

and tore open the envelope. Inside was

etray you. Be vigilant. Trust no o

words felt like a poison, creeping i

, then she realized it was just the wind ratt

, watching her with intent. A soft smirk ghosted across t

n. A message appeared, c

na. Make your move wise