The Billionaire's Contract Bride

Chapter 16

Sarah's POV

Carla Ruiz was just leaving when I entered the sitting room, adjusting the strap of her sleek leather briefcase near the doorway. Our eyes met, and she offered a brief smile.

“Sarah,” Carla said smoothly, nodding once. “Good to see you again. I was just finalizing some details with your family.”

I managed a small smile. “Thank you for coming by. I hope everything went well.”

“Absolutely,” she answered. “We’ll be in touch.” With that, she slipped past me toward the foyer, her footsteps fading quickly down the hall.

I turned fully into the sitting room, the late afternoon light filtering through tall windows and casting long shadows across the antique furniture. Eleanor sat on the velvet settee like a queen holding court, a teacup poised elegantly in her hand. Adrian stood near the fireplace, reviewing papers on a side table, his suit jacket draped over a nearby chair.

Eleanor faced me. “Sarah,” she called. “Come sit. There are matters we need to discuss regarding Canvas Renewal.”

I approached slowly, lowering myself onto the edge of an armchair across from her. My hands folded tightly in my lap. “I saw Carla leaving. Did she bring the term sheet?”

Adrian glanced up from the documents. “She did. We’ve reviewed it thoroughly.”

Eleanor set her teacup down. “And we’ve made a decision. You’ve been removed from anything concerning the project, Sarah. Effective immediately. Carla has been informed that the Moretti Foundation and Adrian’s cultural investment arm will handle coordination directly. Your involvement ends here.”

The words hit like cold water. I stared at her, dumbfounded, my chest tightening painfully. A burning pressure built behind my eyes, and I had to blink rapidly to keep the tears from spilling. My voice came out small and shaky. “Removed? Why? I brought this to the table. I attended the meetings. I did everything you asked…”

Eleanor smiled. “Because certain behaviors cannot be overlooked, dear. You met with your father privately today. Without informing anyone. Without seeking permission. We have eyes and ears, Sarah. Did you really think such a meeting would go unnoticed?”

I felt blood drain from my face. Someone had seen us. “I... it was just coffee,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “He heard about the proposal and wanted to talk. I didn’t think it's important, that was why I didn't tell you.”

“You didn’t think,” Eleanor interrupted smoothly, leaning forward. “In as much as you're married into our family, your father still remains our competitor in the business world. Meeting your father in secret to discuss shifting leadership of the project? That is disloyalty, Sarah. It undermines Adrian’s venture and the family’s image. I suggested your removal to Carla, and she agreed it was best for clarity and professionalism.”

Tears welled up fully now. I couldn’t stop one from slipping down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, humiliated by how easily I crumbled. “Please. This project means something to me. It’s not just about business. I promise, I was not planning anything against you…”

Adrian finally spoke. He adjusted a cufflink, not quite looking at me directly. “Mother is right, Sarah. Appearances matter here. Meeting your father without transparency raises questions. We can’t afford complications during this project. It’s cleaner if the foundation handles it internally. You’ve done good groundwork, but this keeps things streamlined.”

I turned toward him, my voice trembling. “Adrian, you encouraged this. You said my connection to Carla would help your fund. Now I’m just... cut out? After I did everything like you asked? Don't tell me you used me.”

He sighed, rubbing his temple lightly. “Mother suggested the adjustment, and after reviewing the situation, it makes sense. You can still attend events as my wife. Support from the sidelines. That’s valuable too.”

Eleanor’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Exactly. Sidelines, Sarah. That is your proper place. Your little private meeting with Marko today proved you cannot be trusted with autonomy. He’s clearly pressuring you about the Moretti contracts, yes, we know about that angle too. Trying to reroute the project for his benefit. You should have come to us immediately instead of sneaking off. This removal protects everyone, including your family. Or would you rather risk the entire contract collapsing because of your impulsiveness?”

The argument built slowly but intensely. I felt the familiar pull to shrink back, to apologize and accept my place, but the hurt pushed words out anyway.

“I wasn’t sneaking,” I said softly, though my hands shook in my lap. “Or am I not allowed to meet my dad?” I faced her fully. “Why are you doing this to me? Why are you bent on seeing me cry? Haven't you done enough? Ever since I stepped foot into this house, it has been one rule or the other. Tell me. What did I do to make you hate me so much? Talk!!!”

Eleanor laughed softly. “Awwn… you're trying to make me feel like a bad person, but it's not going to work. And why are you so bent on working on this project with Adrian? What is your plan? See darling, as far as I'm here, you won't be able to have your way.”

“I looked at Adrian again, pleading with my eyes. “Adrian, please. Say something. This was our chance to work on something together. Don't say no. Please…”

He shifted his weight. “Of what difference will it be? Whether you're there or not, the outcome will be the same thing. So let us just move forward with it. Because Mother’s judgment on family dynamics has kept us strong for years. You need to trust the process. Fighting this will only create more tension. Focus on being supportive at home.”

Adrian stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on my shoulder. The touch was comforting in gesture but hollow in feeling. “It’s for the best. You’ll see that eventually. Mother means well. She always does.”

I wiped my tears.

At this point, I'll just rest without doing anything. I've tried my best, but it seems like it's not enough. I'll just swallow everything and stay calm like I've always done. Maybe this will start getting easier for me.

Maybe this is my destiny after all, and I'll have to accept it.