Chapter 19
“What do you mean she’s back?” Austin's voice was a low growl, each word carved with steel. His thumb pressed harder into the marble counter, as if holding his exploding temper together by sheer force alone.
“Boss… I’m sorry,” Caleb stammered on the other end of the line. “The woman I arranged before, the one for the contract marriage, she’s in the city. She’s demanding what she thinks she’s owed. If you don’t act fast”
Austin cut him off, his voice striking like a whip. “You’re the one who arranged her. Pay her off. She’s not needed anymore. We have someone else now.” His tone darkened, turning deadly cold and final. “Did you hear me, Caleb? I don’t want noise. I don’t want whispers. Give her whatever astronomical amount she asks for, because I will not have a scandal destro
