Contracted by the billionaire

chapter 14

Vivenne's Pov

Days after the hearing, I stood in the lawyer’s office signing the final transfer papers for the Ashworth estate. Iris watched with a small nod of approval. Everything officially belonged to me now. The forgeries were thrown out. Margaret faced full criminal charges. Clarissa stayed under investigation but out on bail for now.

I stepped out into the hallway where Roman waited. “It’s done,” I told him. “The estate is mine. The contract too.”

He took my hand. “Good. No more fights over what’s already yours.”

We drove back to the penthouse. Delia met us at the door with a bottle of wine. “Finally. I ordered real food to celebrate. None of that sandwich nonsense today.”

Carter lounged on the couch. “Mom sent flowers. Actual nice ones. She wants dinner next week. Just us and Nathaniel if he shows.”

I sat down and accepted a glass. The weight from three years of memories felt lighter. “I never thought it would end this clean. In my first life, they won everything.”

Roman sat beside me, arm around my shoulders. “This life is different. You made it different.”

We ate dinner together. Simple steak and sides. Conversation stayed easy. Delia teased Carter about his obvious interest. He didn’t deny it. I watched them and felt grateful. Real friends had pulled me through.

Later, Roman and I went to the bedroom. He closed the door and looked at me. “You’ve been quiet since the signing.”

“Just processing,” I said. “I spent so long planning revenge. Now it’s over and I get to live.”

He pulled me close. His kiss started slow, then deepened with that possessive certainty I had come to need. My hands moved over his chest. We had crossed the line after the hearing and it still felt new every time. He took his time, hands steady and sure, noticing every breath I took. I gave back the same intensity. No shrinking. No hiding. Just us.

Afterward we lay tangled in the sheets. “I believe your whole story now,” he said quietly. “The waking up, the memories, the fear. You came back and chose to trust me with it.”

“I had to,” I whispered. “You saw me when I stopped hiding. That changed everything.”

He held me tighter. “You’re not dying again. Not ever. I protect what’s mine.”

We talked into the night about small things. Future plans. The Steele business. How to handle the remaining Ashworth assets. He listened without rushing. His obsessive side showed in the details he remembered from my stories. It felt safe.

The next morning I woke up first. Roman still slept beside me. I slipped out and made coffee. Iris called early. “Clarissa tried to contest one small account. Denied immediately. Margaret’s trial date is set. You don’t need to testify unless you want.”

“I don’t,” I said. “Let the evidence finish it.”

Roman joined me in the kitchen. “Everything okay?”

“Fine. Just loose ends tying up.”

We spent the day at Steele Tower. He included me in meetings. I offered input on one investment tied to old Ashworth deals. He nodded and adjusted the plan. His team treated me as part of the decisions now. No background role.

Delia met me for lunch nearby. “You look good. Less sharp edges. Revenge done?”

“Mostly,” I admitted. “I still watch my back but it’s lighter.”

She grinned. “Carter asked me out properly. I said yes. Don’t tell Roman yet. He’ll get all brotherly.”

I laughed. “He’ll be fine. You two fit.”

Back at the office Roman pulled me into his private suite. “Missed you at lunch.”

I kissed him. “Delia kept me busy.”

His hands settled on my hips. The slow burn between us stayed constant but comfortable now. We didn’t rush. Just steady heat and connection. “I want you here every day,” he said. “Not just safe. Part of everything.”

“I want that too,” I replied. “No more stepping aside.”

Evening brought Nathaniel to the penthouse. He looked tired but clear-eyed. “I transferred my personal shares to you, Vivienne. It’s the least I can do.”

I accepted the documents. “Thank you for testifying. It mattered.”

He hugged me awkwardly. “I love you. I failed before. Won’t again.”

Roman stood nearby, watchful but not interfering. After Nathaniel left, he said, “He’s trying. That’s something.”

We walked to the balcony later. City lights stretched below. “No more threats,” I said. “Feels strange.”

He stood behind me, arms around my waist. “We make a new normal. Marriage soon. The real one. Then whatever comes next.”

I turned in his arms. “Yes.”

The kiss led us inside again. Clothes dropped slowly. His touch stayed possessive and attentive. I matched him fully, empowered in every way. Afterward he held me close. “Mine,” he said simply.

“Yours,” I agreed. “And you’re mine.”

The following days blurred with good things. Diana visited and spoke to me without feeling cold. She even asked about my plans for the Ashworth properties. Sable and Clarissa faded from the news. Griffin took a plea deal. Victor stayed locked away.

One evening Delia and Carter joined us for dinner. Laughter filled the penthouse. I looked around the table and felt anchored. My best friend, Roman’s brother, and the man who chose me without wavering.

Roman found me later in our room. “Happy?”

I nodded. “This second chance worked. I claimed the estate, the contract, and you.”

He smiled, rare and small. “You did. And I’m keeping all of it.”