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They actually got married there. Luc surprised Autumn with the wedding of her dreams on the island’s white sand beach that included their families and closest friends.
Although they haven't known each other for long, I knew the moment Luc met Autumn that she'd be his wife.
“I’m sure you two will also have babies soon.” Asher grins with mischief. The two of us have a bet going that Autumn will be pregnant before the year ends.
“We’re working on that part now.” Luc laughs.
How strange that of the three of us, he was the one who didn't need to find a wife but did. Luc and Autumn also have the real crazy-in-love kind of relationship my parents have.
Now Asher and I are lumbered with the task of fulfilling a business marriage to get our legacy. It’s that or nothing, and there’s no exit clause. No six-month or one-year stipulation.
If we get divorced or our wives die, we either have a year to find a new wife or we must renounce our position in the company and take on a subordinate role.
Getting married was the one thing I loathed most when Father told us the time had come to change the company structure. If I had things my way there would be no marriage at all, and I would quite happily live my life as a bachelor.
I’ll play by the rules but I’m twisting them a little for my benefit. I will marry Luna, but the moment I destroy her father I’m done with her too. Then I’ll take the year to find another wife. Someone more fitting to be a Le Blanche and not my enemy’s daughter.
“Well, things look like they’re off to a promising start.” Father looks pleased, but when he focuses on me and the shadow of seriousness touches his expression, I know he’s going to ask about Dominic. “What’s going on with our rogue senator?”
I was right. And the deeper tone in his voice displays his suppressed rage.
I gave Father a brief update the other day, and I’ve spoken to Luc and Asher, but this is the chance to lay the cards out on the table while I’m face to face with everyone.
“Everything is in hand.” The firmness in my voice amplifies my words. “Dominic Bianchi and I will sign contracts at lunchtime today. Then it’s all go from there.”
My answer gains everyone’s undivided attention. We’re used to all sorts of shit happening in our world but the scandal last year was the first in a hundred years that could have destroyed us.
Because of me.
Regardless of being set up by Dominic, I fell into his trap because I trusted Kane—as if life hadn’t taught me enough times not to trust people.
We’d worked with Kane several times before for years, so I bypassed certain vital checks and protocols we use with everyone we do business with.
When I discovered the truth about Dominic, I wanted to deal with him personally as retribution for myself and to restore my father’s faith in me.
“The timing of your marriage is perfect in terms of the business plans to transfer leadership, but are you sure you want to marry Dominic’s daughter?”
“Yes. It’s the first step in destroying him. Marriage to me will mean he can’t use her to rebuild himself once I destroy him.” I thought about my strategy in depth before I decided to carry out the plan. I wanted to attack Dominic from all sides and even come up with counterattacks for all the things he might do to get himself out of trouble.
“Be careful with this man, Hunter. Dominic Bianchi has proven to be manipulative and therefore incredibly dangerous to us. If what we know so far about him is bad, what we don't know will be so much worse.” He pauses for a beat and I can see the depth of his concern. He already hates the idea that I found a wife I don’t plan to stay married to, but the dangerous side of my plan has made everything that much worse. “Now that you know his secrets, it will make you a target. He's not going to like that you have such leverage hanging over his head or that you've taken his daughter.”
“Please don’t worry about me,” I assure him. “I’m quite aware of who I’m dealing with and what I’m up against.”
“Okay. I’ll allow you to deal with him in whatever way you think is best but I’m here if you need me.”
“Thanks.” I appreciate his support but I will handle this myself.
The tension leaves Father’s face and he straightens. “That’s it from me today, unless you guys have any more questions.”
“No more questions from me,” Asher says.
“Or me,” I add, and Luc nods, agreeing.
“Very well, then. Meeting adjourned until next time.” Father smiles and gathers the documents before him.
Moments later he and Luc leave together, talking heartily about the upcoming hockey season.
The moment they walk through the door Asher looks at me and loosens his tie as if he’s done for the day.
