Page 30 of The Billionaire’s Contract Bride

She picked up the tablet and dialed Dr. Patel. Her mother remained sedated, but her vitals were strong. The next twelve hours would determine if the improvement held.

“Can I see her before the ceremony?” Aria asked.

Dr. Patel hesitated over the line. “The medical wing is surrounded by press, Aria. Mr. Blackthorne recommended restricting visitors until security controls the perimeter.”

Recommended. Aria was learning what that word meant when attached to Damien’s name.

“I’m her daughter.” The words were beginning to lose their meaning, she could feel it.

“You can visit immediately after the ceremony. She will likely remain unconscious until then anyway.”

Aria ended the call to find Damien standing in her doorway. No one had announced his arrival.

He wore a tailored black suit and a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar without a tie. His gaze moved past her to the armchair beside the door.

“Furniture is an inefficient security mechanism,” he noted.

“It warned me if someone tried to break in.”

“Did anyone?”

“No.”

“Then the lock worked.” She tried very hard to not roll her eyes and tried again with a new tactic.

“You released news of our marriage to the press.”

“Our upcoming wedding.”

“We aren’t married yet.” Aria reminded him coldly.

“By the time the financial markets open, we will be.”

“Is everything about business to you?”

“No.” His gray eyes settled on her. “Business is simpler.”

The preparation team went dead silent behind her.

Aria folded her arms over the sleep shirt his personal shopper had provided. “I want to see my mother first.”

“The press is blocking the main entrance.”

“You own the building. Use a private exit.”

“The ceremony cannot be delayed.”

“Why?”

“Because my grandfather moved the succession board meeting to noon.”

“And if we aren’t married by then?”

“Control of Blackthorne Global passes to my uncle Victor.”

There it was—the first glimpse of his desperation.

“You could lose your company,” she said.