Contracted by the billionaire

chapter 13

Roman's Pov

I sat next to Vivienne in the courtroom, my hand resting on the back of her chair. The judge called the session to order. Margaret sat across the room with her lawyers, face tight but still elegant. Clarissa was beside her, eyes locked on us with that familiar hollow smile. Nathaniel took the stand first.

He spoke clearly. “I allowed the identity switch twenty years ago. I signed the forged documents. Vivienne is the rightful heir. I take responsibility for my weakness.”

The judge noted it. Iris presented the original birth records and the betrothal contract with Vivienne’s name. Margaret’s team objected, but the evidence from Crane’s deal shut them down fast. Victor testified next via video. He named Margaret and Griffin in the fraud and the attempt on Vivienne’s life.

“Margaret paid me to keep the switch quiet,” he said. “She wanted Clarissa in the Steele marriage for control.”

Whispers filled the room. Clarissa’s smile slipped. I squeezed Vivienne’s shoulder. She stayed calm, sharp as always.

My turn came to speak on the contract. “The arrangement was always with Vivienne. I was lied to about her stepping aside. The documents prove it. I stand by the original terms.”

The judge reviewed the files. “The inheritance freeze holds. The betrothal contract is valid. Forgery charges will proceed separately.”

Margaret stood suddenly. “This is a family matter. Vivienne is unstable. She’s making up stories about death and rebirth.”

The room went quiet. Vivienne rose. “I don’t need to explain my survival. The evidence does the talking. You tried to kill me to keep what was never yours.”

Clarissa jumped in. “She’s delusional, Your Honor. I only wanted to help my sister.”

Iris countered with the police reports on the crash and the shooters’ statements linking back to Griffin and Margaret. The judge ordered Clarissa to sit. Nathaniel spoke again. “My wife orchestrated it all. I won’t cover for her anymore.”

The hearing moved quickly after that. Asset rulings favored Vivienne. The estate was hers. The contract stood. Margaret’s face paled as the judge announced pending criminal charges for fraud and conspiracy.

I watched Clarissa. Her charm cracked. She glared at Vivienne with pure threat. “This isn’t over,” she mouthed.

It was for me. I stood as the session ended. “Security, keep them away.”

We walked out together. Reporters waited outside. Carter and Delia handled them with short statements. Diana stood nearby, nodding approval. “The right decision,” she told me quietly.

Vivienne stayed close. “We did it.”

I pulled her into the car. “You did it. I just backed you.”

Back at the penthouse, the mood lifted. Delia hugged Vivienne hard. “Told you. No more cold revenge mode. You won.”

Carter poured drinks. “Mom’s throwing a small family dinner next week. No Ashworths invited.”

I took Vivienne to our room. The door closed. I held her face. “No more threats. You’re safe.”

She kissed me first. Deep and sure. The slow burn we had held back finally broke. My hands moved possessively over her back, pulling her tight. She didn’t shrink. She matched me. Clothes came off slow. I took my time, noticing every reaction. She was mine. Contract, choice, everything.

Afterwards, we lay together. Her head on my chest. “In my first life, none of this happened,” she said. “I died thinking I was alone.”

“You’re not,” I answered. “I don’t waver. This is real now.”

We dressed and joined the others for dinner. Simple celebration. Nathaniel called to congratulate. His voice held real regret and relief. Iris sent final papers. The estate transfer started.

Later that night, I watched Vivienne on the balcony. She looked different. Stronger. Not hiding. I stepped behind her. “What now?”

She turned. “Real life. Us. No more looking over my shoulder.”

I kissed her again. Possessive but softer. “We built it. The empire. The family. Whatever you want.”

Delia and Carter left after more laughs. The penthouse felt ours. I carried her back to bed. We talked quietly about details from her memories. I believed every word now. Her second chance was ours.

Morning brought more good news. Margaret’s bail was denied. Clarissa under investigation. Griffin in custody. Victor’s deal is finalized. The revenge arc closed its main chapter.

Vivienne smiled over coffee. “Feels strange. Winning.”

I pulled her onto my lap. “Get used to it. You’re the hidden heiress no more. You’re my wife by contract and choice.”

She rested against me. “I like the sound of that.”

We spent the day handling loose ends. Lawyers, statements, asset reviews. She stayed sharp, but lighter. I noticed the change. My attention never left her. Obsessive? Yes. But right.

In the evening, we walked the city block with heavy security. Just to feel normal. Her hand in mine. No enemies left to fight today.

Back home, I held her close. “Tell me one more thing from before.”

She did. I listened. Then I showed her again how steady this was.