His Contracted Wife

Chapter 4: A Deal Wrapped in Blood and Gold

Mrs. Sinclair’s words landed like a bomb.

Anthony shot to his feet so abruptly that the chair screeched loudly against the marble floor. The sudden movement startled Gianna, forcing her to stand as well, her heart pounding violently in her chest.

The fury blazing in Anthony’s eyes was unmistakable. “You called me here for that?” he snapped, his voice sharp with barely restrained rage. “You’re wasting my time.”

He turned on his heel, clearly intent on leaving, but Mrs. Sinclair spoke again, desperation lacing her voice.

“Listen to me first, Anthony!” she exclaimed. “I’m doing this for the sake of your company.”

That stopped him.

Anthony turned back slowly, his expression cold and dangerous. “For my company’s sake?” he asked icily. “Or for your own?”

“What are you saying, my son?” Mrs. Sinclair replied, forcing a soft tone. “Of course I’m doing this for your company. I’m helping you strengthen it.”

She stood from her seat and approached him, gently taking one of his hands. Her smile widened unnaturally, as if rehearsed.

“Can’t you see? I’m helping you because I care for you—”

“You don’t care about me,” Anthony cut in mercilessly. “You care about money and the wealth I have now. You couldn’t get anything from Dad anymore, so you came crawling to me instead.”

Gianna felt her breath hitch.

“And don’t think your acting works on me” Anthony yanked his hand away harshly. “While I still have even an ounce of respect left for you—don’t you ever interfere in my life again.”

Every word was sharp, deliberate—like knives meant to warn and wound.

Without another glance, Anthony turned his back on his mother and walked away.

Gianna followed immediately, fearing Mrs. Sinclair’s wrath might be redirected to her.

The moment they reached the car, the driver hurriedly opened the door. Anthony entered the back seat without a word, his expression unreadable. Gianna slid into the passenger seat, her body still tense from everything that had just happened.

“Where to, sir?” the driver asked as the engine roared to life.

“Home,” Anthony replied coldly.

The ride was long and silent.

Gianna stared out the window, replaying the restaurant scene over and over in her mind. She had always thought moments like that only existed in television dramas or novels.

But she had just witnessed it firsthand.

A parent interferes deeply in their child’s life.

She sighed inwardly.

In wealthy families, people like Mrs. Sinclair was almost inevitable—parents who believed power, money, and control justified every decision they made for their children. Arranged marriages, business alliances disguised as love, futures sold in exchange for profit.

Just like Mrs. Sinclair’s offer earlier.

A massive investment—at the cost of Anthony marrying a woman named Samantha.

***

When they finally arrived at Anthony’s mansion, Gianna felt the same familiar awe wash over her.

She had been here several times before, usually to deliver important documents. Yet no matter how often she visited, the size, elegance, and sheer grandeur of the place never failed to amaze her.

The house was enormous—far too large for one man. Though he had three maids, the place still felt cold and empty.

As soon as they entered, Anthony loosened his tie and collapsed onto the leather couch in the living area. He looked exhausted, burdened by anger and frustration.

Gianna remained standing, waiting for instructions.

After a moment, Anthony lifted his gaze and looked at her. His stare lingered longer than usual, intense enough to make her uncomfortable.

She cleared her throat softly, making Anthony move away from his intense gaze on her.

“Go back to the company,” he finally said, clearing his throat. “Retrieve the paperwork I didn’t finish. Have the driver take you so you won’t waste time. When you return, go straight to my office upstairs.”

“Yes, sir,” Gianna replied immediately.

Anthony stood and ascended the grand staircase without another word.

Gianna exhaled deeply and headed back outside, asking the driver to take her to the company.

During the drive, her thoughts wandered again to what had happened earlier. It's something she couldn't shake off.

Only then did she fully realize—those dramatic confrontations weren’t just fiction. They existed in real life, hidden behind luxury, power, and polished smiles.

Upon arriving at the company, Gianna went straight to their floor. The first person she saw was Anne, busy typing away at her computer.

When Anne noticed her, she immediately looked up. “So?” Anne asked eagerly, like she's been waiting for Gianna to return. “What happened? Where did you go? And where’s Sir?” She asked one after another.

“He went home,” Gianna replied. “Bad mood.”

Anne raised an eyebrow. “Really? Why?”

“His mother,” Gianna answered honestly. “She offered a massive investment for the company—on the condition that he should marry a woman named Samantha.”

Anne nodded knowingly. “Ah. That explains everything.”

Gianna hesitated before asking, “Do you know Samantha?”

Anne smirked. “I was wondering when you’d ask. Samantha is the daughter of a powerful business tycoon. Their family is well-known for their wealth and countless enterprises. And from what I know… she’s been hopelessly in love with Sir Anthony for a long time.”

Gianna nodded slowly.

After retrieving the unfinished paperwork, she immediately returned to Anthony’s mansion. Time was precious to him—wasting even a minute could cost someone dearly.

***

Back at the mansion, Gianna headed straight for Anthony’s office as instructed.

She knocked.

No answer.

Assuming he was inside, she slowly opened the door and stepped in.

And froze.

The documents slipped from her hands and scattered across the floor.

Anthony entered through the adjoining door—fresh from the shower, water still trailing down his bare torso. A thin towel was wrapped low around his waist, clinging dangerously to his hips.

Gianna swallowed hard.

Water glistened along the defined lines of his chest, sliding down his abs. Her gaze betrayed her, drifting lower—far lower—until it stopped at the unmistakable bulge beneath the towel.

Her breath caught.

“F*ck!”

Anthony’s sharp sh

out snapped her back to reality.

Flustered, Gianna immediately turned away, her face burning as her heart raced wildly in her chest.