Page 73 of The Billionaire’s Contract Bride

Aria took a step back, her eyes narrowing. “When did you speak to her?”

“Four years ago. Outside the church.”

The missing surveillance file.

The envelope in Augustus’s hand.

“You knew about that meeting,” she whispered.

“I knew she met someone. I did not know it was Augustus until you discovered the photograph in the library.”

“Another half-truth.”

“Yes.”

The admission no longer sounded like a confession—it sounded like a habit.

Back at the penthouse, Aria locked herself in the private study with the original prenuptial agreement, a legal pad, and the direct line of an independent attorney recommended by Marisol.

Damien waited outside in the gallery. He did not enter once.

Three hours later, Aria opened the double doors and placed a newly drafted document onto the glass coffee table in front of him.

“What is this?” he asked.

“The price of my return.”

He read the terms silently:

Complete Financial Independence: Unrestricted control over her personal accounts and assets.

Medical Oversight: Evelyn Vale’s care handed over to two independent physicians with zero ties to the Blackthorne Foundation.

Autonomy of Movement: The right to travel without prior clearance and to select her own security detail.

Full Disclosure: Unfiltered access to all corporate and family records involving Elias and Evelyn Vale.

Absolute Veto: Her trust vote could not be overridden, transferred, or coerced under any circumstances.

Unilateral Termination: The right to dissolve the marriage at any point without forfeiting the primary escrow payment.

“This renders the original contract completely meaningless,” Damien said, his voice level.

“Good.”

“You could leave tomorrow with half a million dollars.”

“Yes.”

“You could use these records to send members of my family to federal prison.”

“If they belong there.”

“You could destroy the firm.”

“If the firm deserves to burn.”

Damien looked up from the paper, his dark eyes searching hers. “And if I refuse?”