Chapter 5 - THE PRICE OF A NAME
The next morning, the city woke to photographs of Adrian and Mara dancing beneath the Ashford chandelier.
The headlines were merciless.
BILLIONAIRE’S BIZARRE MARRIAGE BET.
MAID CHALLENGES ASHFORD DYNASTY.
IS ADRIAN ASHFORD LOSING CONTROL?
Vivienne had made sure every society editor received the story.
At eleven, she arrived at the estate without calling.
She found Mara in the breakfast room, sorting the documents from the archive into protective sleeves.
“You’ve enjoyed your little performance,” Vivienne said. “Now it’s time to disappear.”
Mara continued working. “Good morning.”
Vivienne slammed a glossy magazine onto the table. “Do you understand what you’ve done? Adrian’s board is furious. His investors are calling. You’ve made him a laughingstock.”
“He made the wager.”
“He was being sarcastic.”
“He should have chosen his words more carefully.”
Vivienne leaned forward. “You think he’ll marry you? You think a man like Adrian wants a woman who smells of floor polish?”
Mara finally looked up. “You seem very concerned about whom he marries.”
“I’m concerned about the company.”
“No. You’re concerned about losing your place beside it.”
Vivienne’s eyes flashed.
She reached for the blue folder. Mara pulled it away.
“Give it to me.”
“No.”
Vivienne’s hand struck the table. “You have no idea what you’re holding.”
“I know exactly what I’m holding. That’s why you want it.”
Before Vivienne could answer, Adrian entered.
“What’s happening?”
Vivienne straightened instantly. “I was trying to explain that Mara’s presence is damaging your reputation.”
“Then you’ve explained it. You can leave.”
“Adrian—”
“Now.”
Vivienne’s face hardened. “You’re choosing a housemaid over me?”
“I’m choosing not to be managed.”
She walked out, but not before giving Mara a look that promised the conversation was unfinished.
Adrian sat across from Mara.
“The board has called an emergency meeting. Charles is demanding that I withdraw the wager and issue a public apology.”
“Will you?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t make promises in front of three hundred people and then pretend I didn’t.”
Mara set down the folder. “You made a reckless promise. I don't want to be used as a symbol in a fight between you and your uncle.”
“You won’t be.”
“Then what exactly did you mean when you said you would give me your name?”
Adrian considered the question.
“At the time, I meant it as a challenge. I expected you to refuse. That was arrogant.”
“And now?”
“Now I know you deserve the chance to decide what happens next.”
Mara looked away.
“I don’t want to marry a man because he feels guilty.”
“Neither do I want to marry someone because I made a bet.”
“Then we agree.”
Adrian nodded. “The wager will be honored in the only way that matters. I’ll transfer the disputed shares into an independent trust, pending a full audit. You’ll have a seat on the oversight committee if you want it.”
“I want the records made public.”
“That could destroy the company.”
“It should destroy the parts built on lies.”
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then he said, “All right.”
Mara had expected resistance. Instead, she saw something in his expression she had not expected: relief.
His phone rang.
Daniel’s voice came through. “We found Dr. Hargrove. He agreed to meet, but he says we have to come alone.”
Adrian stood.
“Where?”
“An old church outside Burlington.”
May you like
Mara closed the folder.
“Then we leave now.”
