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“Does it matter?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if it didn’t.”
Mr. Montgomery chuckled, bringing our attention over to him.
“I like her determined spirit, Chance. To answer your question, Belle, there’s only so much either of our organizations can take over with both of us constantly competing for that number one spot. It’s easier to finally unite forces. Do you imagine the press when we announce our merger? Not to mention our other competitors. They’re going to be blindsided, having to go back through their yearly schedules to see how this will affect their corporations. I couldn’t ask for a better surprise to drop on them. Just thinking about it makes me so damn excited.”
My heart sped up. I had to dig my nails into the palms of my hands under the table as I desperately tried to keep my emotions in check, willing myself to stay as calm as possible.
Including Tristian.
The room was spinning, closing in on me inch-by-inch.
“You know I love you,” Grandfather reminded. “I’d never put you in a situation you couldn’t handle. Ultimately, your decision will affect everyone in this room. A lot is riding on you to say, ‘I do.’”
I swallowed hard, digging my nails deeper into my skin.
“On top of that, publicizing your marriage and then pregnancy. Well, let’s just say, it’s going to be a great year for us all,” Mr. Montgomery added.
“And if I file for divorce after you hand over—”
“Page five.” Grandfather nodded to the contract in my hands. “There’s a clause in there for that.”
I opened the contract, coming face-to-face with their stipulations. They really did think of everything.
“As you can see, if either of you file for divorce, the contract is null and void.”
My eyes locked with Tristian’s, who still showed no emotion whatsoever as he confirmed, “Meaning we’d get nothing.”
“So you’re saying this arranged marriage of convenience has to last forever?” I questioned, although I already knew the answer.
I. Was. Fuming.
Pissed beyond belief.
I resisted the urge to scream and run, holding my ground.
“You’re looking at the glass half empty when you should be looking at it half full. It’s not like we’re asking you to marry a complete stranger, Belle.”
“Up until an hour ago, I hadn’t seen Tristian in twenty years. That doesn’t count as a stranger to either of you?”
“Kitten…”
My stare connected with Tristian’s.
“He has a term of endearment for you, Belle. That doesn’t seem very unfamiliar to us, now does it?”
“You both are being unreasonable.”
“If you ask us, we’re doing you both a favor.”
“A favor?” I exclaimed. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Quite the contrary, Miss Montgomery. We’re as serious as a heart attack. I see what the press calls you—a workaholic, a woman who is all business and no play. Is that the kind of life you want to continue leading? No husband? No children? You want your grandfather to leave you his legacy with the possibility of no heir? Come on, Belle. You’re smarter than that.”
“This isn’t fair.”
“Life isn’t fair. It’s not like my grandson isn’t quite the catch. You couldn’t ask for a better partner. He’s wealthy, successful, determin—”
