The Groom’s Secret Contract
Chapter 04 - The Groom’s Secret Contract
Lucas reached for the deed, but Nora pulled it away.
“You knew about the amendment,” she said.
His shock seemed genuine, but Nora had learned that surprise did not equal innocence.
“I knew there might be an ownership claim,” Lucas admitted. “Grandmother said it was based on forged papers.”
“That’s why you wanted the prenuptial agreement.”
“It was standard.”
Nora took another document from the tube. “This was not.”
It was a private contract between Lucas and Margaret. If Lucas married Nora and obtained her signature on the prenuptial agreement, he would become chief executive of Vale International and receive twenty percent of the company.
The contract had been signed six months earlier.
The crowd erupted in whispers.
Lucas looked toward Margaret. “You said this was to protect the company.”
Nora’s voice remained steady. “And you said you loved me.”
“I did love you.”
“Did?”
He flinched.
Camille stepped in front of him. “Nora, you were never suited for this family. Lucas tried to give you a place here.”
Nora turned to her. “You mean the place on the floor?”
Camille’s face hardened. “You came from nothing.”
“My mother built half of this.”
The auditor opened the foundation records. Over twelve years, more than fourteen million dollars had been routed through consulting companies controlled by Camille’s brother. Lucas had approved three of the largest transfers.
He shook his head. “I signed what finance put in front of me.”
Nora stared at him in disbelief. “That is your defense?”
“I trusted Camille.”
“And you distrusted me.”
The simple truth silenced him.
Detective Park asked Lucas to remain in the ballroom for questioning. His expression shifted from shame to panic. He looked toward the locked doors, then at the guests who had once admired him.
“Nora, please. We can discuss this privately.”
“You chose an audience when you put me on my knees.”
Margaret stepped forward, her voice sharp enough to command the room. “This wedding will proceed. Nothing has been proven in court.”
Nora removed the diamond ring from her finger.
“No, it won’t.”
She placed it inside the empty velvet necklace case.
Margaret’s composure finally broke. “Without this marriage, you have no protection.”
Nora smiled through tears.
“You still think marrying into your family was protection.”
At that moment, the ballroom screens flickered to life.
A woman’s face appeared—older, tired, but unmistakable.
Elaine Bennett looked directly into the camera from a recording made twenty-two years earlier.
“If my daughter is seeing this,” she said, “then Margaret has already tried to make her ashamed of my name.”
May you like
Margaret turned toward the control booth.
“Shut it off!” she screamed.
