Contracted by the billionaire

chapter 10

Roman's Pov

Three weeks ago I ran a billion-dollar empire without complications. Now everything circled her. The contract. The threats. Her impossible story that made more sense each day.

I slipped out of bed and checked my phone in the next room. Security update: Margaret met with another set of lawyers overnight. Victor Crane’s arrest made the news this morning. Good. It tied the financial crimes to the Ashworth name. My team already prepared statements.

Carter found me in the kitchen. “You look different. Relaxed almost. Never thought I’d see it.”

“Don’t start,” I said. “Any word from Mom?”

“She’s coming around. Slowly. The Crane arrest helped. She hates scandals that touch our deals.”

I poured coffee. “Good. Because I’m not changing course. Vivienne stays. The wedding happens with her name on the contract.”

Vivienne walked in wearing one of my shirts. It looked better on her. “Morning. Did I miss anything?”

I handed her the second cup. “Crane’s arrest is public. Iris says it strengthens the hearing. Seven days left.”

She nodded, sharp as always. No panic. “Margaret will try something before then. Clarissa too.”

Delia arrived soon after with fresh documents from Iris. “Your sister’s people leaked more rumors. I shut down three accounts. Also, Nathaniel sent over a sworn statement. He’s fully backing you now.”

I read the statement quickly. Solid. It admitted the identity switch and his role. “This goes to our lawyers today. Copy Iris.”

We worked at the dining table for hours. Vivienne listed more details from her memories. Account numbers, exact conversations. I cross-checked them against our records. Every match built my trust further. Time travel still sounded insane, but her information stayed too accurate to ignore.

My phone rang. Diana. I answered on speaker.

“Roman, I reviewed the files you sent. The original contract is clear. Vivienne’s name. I won’t fight it publicly. But expect questions at the hearing.”

“Expect me to answer them,” I replied. “No wavering, Mother.”

She paused. “You’ve become protective of her. Fast.”

“She’s mine,” I said simply. Vivienne glanced up, a small smile on her lips.

We ended the call. Carter whistled. “Smooth. Delia and I are grabbing lunch. You two need anything?”

“Privacy,” I told him.

Once they left, I pulled Vivienne close. “You okay after seeing your father yesterday?”

She leaned into me. “Better. He’s finally choosing right. But Clarissa won’t. She called again this morning. I didn’t pick up.”

I tightened my arms around her. Possessive didn’t cover it. Once I decided, nothing changed my mind. “She gets near you again, I handle it personally.”

The slow pull between us grew stronger every day. I kissed her, firm and unhurried. She responded without hesitation. No games. No shrinking. When we broke apart, her eyes stayed steady on mine.

“In my first life, this never happened,” she said. “You stayed distant.”

“I see you now,” I answered. “Fully.”

We reviewed more files after that. Iris called in. “Margaret’s trying to un-freeze two major accounts. Judge denied it. But Griffin posted new bail and disappeared. Watch your backs.”

I ended the call. “Security doubles. No one leaves without guards.”

Vivienne didn’t argue. Smart. We ate a quick lunch together. Simple. No small talk needed. I liked that about her. She noticed everything and spoke only when it mattered.

Sable Wren tried calling the penthouse line. I picked up. “Wrong number for games. Tell Clarissa to stop.”

Sable’s voice turned catty. “Vivienne’s lying about everything. The family knows it. You’ll regret choosing her.”

I hung up. Not worth more words.

Later, I took Vivienne to my private office downstairs. Better security. She sat across from me while I handled Steele business calls. She listened quietly, then pointed out one detail I missed in a contract. Sharp. Her input improved the deal.

“You’re good at this,” I told her after.

“I watched from the background for years,” she replied. “Now I use it.”

My hand found hers across the desk. “No more background. You stand beside me.”

The possessive feeling hit stronger. I didn’t fight it. She was contracted to me originally. Now she chose to stay. That mattered.

Evening came. We returned upstairs. Delia and Carter cooked something basic. We ate and talked strategy. Nathaniel confirmed he would testify. One more ally.

Vivienne pulled me aside after dinner. “Roman, if something happens to me before the hearing—”

“It won’t,” I cut in. “I protect what’s mine. You. The estate. Our future.”

She kissed me this time. Deeper than before. The slow burn built heat, but we kept control. Not yet. Not rushed. When we stopped, I rested my forehead on hers. “I believe enough of your story. The rest will come. For now, we win this fight.”

My security chief called. “Sir, one of Margaret’s men approached the building. Turned away. But they’re testing.”

“Triple checks,” I ordered. “No gaps.”

Vivienne heard. “They’re desperate. Victor’s arrest shook them.”

“Good,” I said. “Let them be. We stay ahead.”

We worked late into the night. She fell asleep on the couch reviewing notes. I carried her to bed. My bed. Her place now. I lay beside her, arm around her waist. Possessive. Steady.

This woman changed everything. From quiet observer to fighter. Her second chance became mine too. No more lies from the Ashworths. No more weak decisions.

I closed my eyes. Hearing in six days now. We would walk in ready. Clarissa’s smile wouldn’t save her. Margaret’s plans would break.

Vivienne shifted closer in her sleep. I held her tighter. Once decided, I don’t waver.