Chapter 2 - The Contract and the ChildBy 8:00 AM
Kevin sat beside his daughter’s bed, holding her small hand. He hadn't slept a wink. The black credit card sat in his pocket like a hot coal.
A gentle knock sounded at the door. Victoria walked in, stripped of her sharp boardroom attire, wearing a simple cream silk blouse and tailored trousers. Behind her stood an imposing man carrying a leather briefcase—Julian Vance, her head of personal security and trusted legal counsel.
Leora stirred, blinking up at the tall woman. “Daddy? Who is that lady?”
Kevin swallowed hard, looking from his daughter to Victoria. “Leora, this is... Miss Victoria. She’s helping us stay in Chicago.”
Victoria paused at the foot of the bed. For a fraction of a second, the icy demeanor faltered as she looked down at the fragile child. She didn't offer a fake, overly sweet smile; she simply bowed her head respectfully. “Hello, Leora.”
“You look like a queen,” Leora whispered, her voice raspy from the oxygen mask she had used earlier.
A subtle flush colored Victoria’s cheekbones, but she quickly masked it. She motioned to Julian, who opened the briefcase on the small bedside table, revealing a forty-page prenuptial and marital agreement.
“Five million total,” Julian summarized quietly so Leora wouldn't hear. “Two million transferred to an escrow account the moment the marriage certificate is filed. Full custody remains exclusively with Mr. Carter. No physical intimacy is required, though public displays of affection appropriate for a married couple are mandatory in front of media and board members.”
Kevin skimmed the pages, his mind racing. “And my cousin Richard?”
“Richard Hayes is a ruthless parasite,” Victoria said, her voice dropping to a cool whisper. “He will hire private investigators. He will watch our home. He will look for any crack in our story to prove this marriage is a sham before Friday's board vote. If he finds one, I lose the company, and you lose the funding.”
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Kevin looked at Leora, who was happily coloring in a book the nurses had brought her. He picked up the pen and signed his name at the bottom of every page.
“Pack your things from your apartment,” Victoria said, taking the signed contract. “My car will pick you up at three. Welcome to your new life, Mr. Carter.”
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