Contract Marriage with Billionaire

Mrs. Montenegro

Trapped in Christian's strong arms, I defiantly looked into his eyes and spoke.

"Let go of me. What do you think you're doing?" As I struggled to free myself from his grip, he held me even tighter.

Christian: "Hush, calm down little bird. I won't hurt you." He slowly released me, and I quickly pulled away.

"Don't you dare touch me again, Christian Elrod."

"Is that a threat, Miss Grace?" he asked mockingly and leaned in even closer, continuing, "Believe me, Grace, you don't want to threaten me. You couldn't even begin to imagine what I could do to you. Whether the Montenegro family stands behind you or not, if I wanted to, I could destroy your precious company in a matter of hours."

"We both know you won't gain anything by doing that, Christian. This deal is as important to you as it is to us. We're offering you the chance to dominate the European market."

After laughing sarcastically, he stared deep into my eyes.

"Do you think I care about that damn deal, Grace? If you knew the extent of my wealth and power, I swear you wouldn't have stepped foot in this city. So don't provoke me, or force me to do things you'll regret."

"I'm not here to provoke anyone. I came to sign a deal, and after that, I will return home." I emphasized the word 'home'. After my statement, his eyes darkened even more. After one last piercing gaze, he stormed back to the table in a fit of anger. I took a moment to compose myself in the restroom, splashing water on my face.

When I returned to the table, Amy addressed me.

"Is something wrong, Grace? Your face seems a bit pale, and you lingered in the restroom," she said.

"I'm fine, thank you. I'm just trying to get used to New York's air and, of course, the fatigue from the journey." She nodded understandingly just as our desserts arrived.

Throughout the night, I did everything I could to avoid making eye contact with Christian. I had come here for a small act of vengeance, not to become a victim. In truth, it wasn't even about revenge, but merely proving to them that I didn't need any of them and was happy without them. And I was determined to prove that before I left. But none at the table knew of the plans fate had for us.

****

After dinner, as everyone dispersed, only Scott, Christian, and Amy remained. Waiting outside for the valets to bring their cars, my vehicle approached with one guard car in front and another behind. I knew this spectacle caught everyone's attention, but this was necessary when associated with the Montenegro family.

Just as Liam was about to open the door for me, I heard Amy's voice.

"Grace, I don't know if you'll accept, but I'd really like to spend some time with you, even if it's not like before," she said, pausing briefly. "Nothing too elaborate, just visit where you're staying and we can have coffee."

Before I could reply, Liam interjected, "Unfortunately, due to security reasons, we cannot disclose Miss Montenegro's location. This information is strictly confidential by Mr. Alexander's orders for her safety."

Her expression changed instantly. I had told Liam countless times not to refer to me as 'Miss Montenegro' in public. Now, they'd surely think I was romantically involved with Alex. It wasn't a problem that they thought that, but there was no such relationship between Alex and me. The fact that I was constantly surrounded by a phalanx of guards, protected like Queen Elizabeth, was another layer to the story.

Amy approached slowly, giving me a gentle hug for a farewell. Whispering so no one else could hear, she said, "For God's sake, Grace, who are you involved with? If you, who was once afraid of Christian's dealings, are with the son of one of the biggest Italian mafias?"

"It's better than being with a cold-hearted devil," I replied, and quickly got into my car.

I knew I had left behind three confused individuals. The Grace they knew was a weeping, innocent, and pure girl. Wasn't that the very reason they had cruelly abandoned me? To them, I could never be the true queen fit for the Eldor family. I wasn't the strong woman Christian needed by his side, supporting him unconditionally.

Yet, when Alex and I met, we were both utterly broken. Together, we grew stronger and rebuilt this empire. Alex's father, even though Alex refused to see him, wanted to leave his entire fortune to us. I was well aware of his admiration and affection for me. Simply for turning Alex into the man he became, he was eager to have me as his daughter-in-law. But what no one knew was that Alex's heart would forever belong to a dead woman. We had found solace in each other, forgetting our pains, and would remain best friends for eternity.

*******

Christian, while observing the view from his balcony, was deep in thought. Grace had reappeared in his life after all these years, completely transformed. There was something different in her eyes, a challenge. She was no longer the weak, fragile girl he had abandoned years ago.

"She's changed," he murmured to himself. "Changed a lot." He was confounded. He had chosen this lonely, cold life, and had never regretted it once. If he was as powerful as he was today, it was because he had no weaknesses. But now, his past's greatest weakness stood before him. And for the first time in his life, he didn't know what to do.