BOUND TO THE BILLIONAIRE BY CONTRACT

A PROMISE OF PROTECTION

Chapter 23 – A Promise of Protection

Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Carter Manor, but the warmth it brought couldn't erase the tension lingering from the previous day's events.

For the first time since their marriage, Ethan had barely slept.

He had spent most of the night reviewing security reports, surveillance footage, and every piece of information Daniel's team had gathered about Victor Hayes.

One thought kept replaying in his mind.

Victor had involved Olivia.

And that was something Ethan could never forgive.

---

Downstairs, Olivia walked into the dining room expecting another peaceful breakfast.

Instead, she found Ethan already seated at the table with several security files spread before him.

His coffee had gone cold.

He hadn't touched his breakfast.

She walked over quietly.

"Good morning."

Ethan immediately looked up.

"Morning."

She noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes.

"You didn't sleep."

"I'm fine."

She smiled gently.

"No, you're not."

Taking the chair beside him, she closed one of the files.

"You need to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

She pushed his untouched plate toward him.

"I wasn't asking."

For a moment, Ethan simply stared at her.

Then...

To the surprise of everyone in the room...

He obediently picked up his fork.

William, who had been reading the newspaper, lowered it with a grin.

"Well."

"I've finally found someone who can tell Ethan Carter what to do."

Olivia laughed.

"I didn't tell him."

"You absolutely did," William replied.

Even Ethan couldn't hide a small smile.

---

After breakfast, Daniel entered carrying another report.

"Sir."

Ethan stood immediately.

"What did you find?"

"We traced the fake medical documents."

"And?"

"They were printed through a shell company connected to Hayes International."

Ethan's eyes hardened.

"So we have proof."

"Not enough for court."

"But enough to know who's responsible."

Daniel nodded.

"Yes, sir."

Olivia listened quietly.

"So Victor really planned everything..."

Ethan turned toward her.

"I don't want you going anywhere alone for a while."

She blinked.

"Ethan..."

"I'm serious."

"I'll have security with you at all times."

She sighed softly.

"I don't like feeling guarded."

"I don't care."

His answer came faster than he intended.

The room fell silent.

Realizing how harsh he sounded, Ethan softened his voice.

"I just..."

He looked directly into her eyes.

"I don't want anything to happen to you."

Olivia saw the genuine fear behind his words.

Instead of arguing...

She smiled.

"Alright."

"I'll cooperate."

Relief flashed across Ethan's face.

"Thank you."

---

Later that afternoon, Olivia decided to bake cookies for the children at the community center.

Anna watched as Olivia carefully mixed the ingredients.

"Mrs. Carter..."

"Aren't you supposed to be resting today?"

Olivia smiled.

"I promised the children I'd bring them homemade cookies."

Anna laughed.

"They adore you."

"I adore them too."

Just then, Ethan walked into the kitchen.

He looked at the trays lined across the counter.

"You're baking?"

Olivia nodded proudly.

"Would you like to taste one?"

"They're not finished."

"I'll wait."

She smiled before placing another tray into the oven.

"You know..."

"I've never seen you spend this much time in the kitchen."

Ethan folded his arms.

"I've never had a reason to."

She laughed.

"Maybe I'll change that."

He looked at her for a moment.

"I hope you do."

Olivia froze slightly.

His words had been so natural...

So sincere...

That she couldn't stop smiling.

---

Across the city...

Victor Hayes stood inside a private conference room overlooking downtown.

His assistant placed another file on the table.

"Our first plan failed."

Victor calmly opened the folder.

"No."

"It succeeded."

"Ethan has doubled security."

The assistant frowned.

"Isn't that a problem?"

Victor smiled.

"Not at all."

"The more protective Ethan becomes..."

"...the more predictable he'll be."

He tapped Olivia's photograph.

"And predictable people..."

"...make mistakes."

He looked toward another man seated quietly in the corner of the room.

A handsome man in his early thirties stood and adjusted his expensive navy suit.

"Are you ready?"

The man smiled confidently.

"I've studied Mrs. Carter's schedule."

Victor nodded.

"You won't hurt her."

"You'll simply..."

"...become someone she trusts."

The man smiled.

"I understand."

Victor extended his hand.

"Good."

"It's time for the second move."

The two men shook hands.

Outside the conference room window, dark clouds slowly gathered over the city once again.

This time...

Victor's game was becoming far more dangerous.

The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies soon filled the entire kitchen.

Olivia carefully removed the last tray from the oven and placed it on the cooling rack.

Ethan, who had remained nearby under the excuse of reading emails, looked up from his phone.

"Are they finally ready?"

Olivia laughed.

"I didn't know billionaires could be so impatient."

"I'm only making sure they're safe to eat."

She raised an eyebrow.

"So you're volunteering to be my taste tester?"

"I suppose I am."

She picked up a warm chocolate chip cookie and handed it to him.

"Careful, it's still hot."

Ethan took a bite.

For a few moments, he remained silent.

Olivia folded her arms.

"Well?"

"They're..."

He paused deliberately.

"...better than the ones from the bakery."

Her face lit up.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"I wouldn't lie about cookies."

Anna and Chef Martin exchanged amused glances.

It was becoming increasingly obvious that Mr. Carter's cold exterior only disappeared around Olivia.

---

Later that afternoon, Olivia packed the cookies into decorative boxes.

"I'll have the driver take these to the community center tomorrow," she said.

Ethan looked up from the sofa.

"I'll go with you."

She blinked.

"You don't have to."

"I know."

"I want to."

She smiled warmly.

"The children are going to be very excited."

"I've never been there."

"Then you're in for a surprise."

---

Meanwhile...

Across the city...

Victor Hayes sat inside his office while the man from the conference room stood before him.

His name was Adrian Brooks.

A successful businessman with a charming smile and a spotless public reputation.

Victor slid a folder across the desk.

"Everything you need to know about Olivia Carter."

Adrian opened it.

Inside were pages detailing her volunteer work, favorite charities, and daily routine.

He looked up.

"You've certainly done your research."

"I don't leave things to chance."

Adrian flipped through another page.

"So what's my role?"

Victor smiled.

"Coincidence."

"I'm sorry?"

"I want every meeting between you and Olivia to appear completely accidental."

Adrian nodded slowly.

"And Ethan?"

Victor's eyes narrowed.

"Ethan must believe you're harmless."

Only then...

"Everything else will fall into place."

Adrian closed the file.

"I'll handle it."

---

The following morning, Ethan and Olivia arrived together at the community center.

The children rushed toward them the moment they stepped out of the car.

"Mrs. Carter!"

"You came back!"

One little girl suddenly stopped in front of Ethan.

She tilted her head curiously.

"Are you really your husband?"

The adults nearby burst into laughter.

The little girl's mother quickly apologized.

"I'm so sorry."

Olivia laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes.

"I think she means..."

"...are you really my husband."

Even Ethan laughed.

"I certainly hope so."

The little girl smiled brightly.

"Then you're very lucky."

Ethan looked at Olivia.

"I know."

Olivia lowered her eyes, unable to hide her smile.

---

Inside the center, Ethan watched Olivia spend time reading stories, handing out cookies, and playing simple games with the children.

She seemed completely at ease.

One little boy climbed into her lap while another tugged gently on her sleeve to show her a drawing.

She gave each child her full attention.

Ethan quietly stood near the doorway.

A staff member approached him.

"Mr. Carter."

"Yes?"

"I've worked here for nearly fifteen years."

"I've never seen the children smile as much as they do when Mrs. Carter visits."

Ethan looked toward Olivia.

She was laughing as several children proudly showed her their paintings.

Without realizing it...

He smiled.

"I can believe that."

---

As they prepared to leave, Olivia accidentally dropped one of the boxes of books near the entrance.

Before Ethan could bend down...

Another man quickly stepped forward.

"Allow me."

He picked up the books and handed them back with a friendly smile.

"You must be Mrs. Carter."

Olivia smiled politely.

"Thank you."

"My name is Adrian Brooks."

"I volunteer here from time to time."

"It's nice to meet you."

Adrian nodded respectfully before turning to Ethan.

"Mr. Carter."

Ethan shook his hand politely.

"A pleasure."

Adrian smiled warmly.

"Your wife has done wonderful things for this place."

Ethan looked proudly at Olivia.

"I know."

After exchanging a few more polite words, Adrian excused himself and walked away.

Olivia smiled.

"He seems kind."

Ethan nodded.

"He does."

Neither of them noticed Adrian glancing back once before leaving the building.

Outside, he climbed into a waiting black sedan.

Victor Hayes was already inside.

"How did it go?"

Adrian smiled confidently.

"Exactly as planned."

"Mrs. Carter trusts people very easily."

Victor looked out the window as Ethan gently opened the car door for Olivia.

A satisfied smile spread across his face.

"Excellent."

"The second move has begun."

Far ahead, the Carters drove away completely unaware

That the friendly volunteer they had just met...

Had never been there by accident.