Chapter 4

Alexander leaned back in his leather chair, the heavy mahogany desk between them feeling like a vast divide. He slid a sleek, silver pen across the polished surface toward Lily.

"The terms are simple," he said, his voice as cold and professional as if he were negotiating a multi-billion dollar merger. "You will be my wife in name, and you will fulfill the requirements of my grandfather's will. Specifically, the clause regarding the continuation of the Kane legacy."

Lily looked down at the document. Her eyes scanned the words 'Securing the Inheritance' and 'Legal Heir Requirements'. It wasn't just a marriage; it was a strategic alliance built on the foundation of a legacy she barely understood.

"You mean... a child," Lily whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"I mean an heir," Alexander corrected, his expression unreadable. "The will is ironclad. To retain control of the Kane empire, there must be a clear line of succession. According to the contract, our union will last for eighteen months. During this time, we will maintain the appearance of a devoted couple. We will reside in the same house, attend all family functions together, and work toward meeting the inheritance criteria."

He paused, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. "In exchange, you will receive the protection of the Kane name and the financial resources you need to settle your... personal debts. Once the requirements are met and the time is up, we will dissolve the marriage quietly. You will be free, and you will be wealthy beyond your imagination."

Lily felt a chill run down her spine. It was a cold, calculated arrangement. No love, no passion—just business. But as she thought of her sisters and the enemies closing in on her, she realized she had no other choice.

"And my personal life?" she asked, her voice gaining a bit of strength.

"As long as you do not bring scandal to the Kane name, I do not care what you do," Alexander replied dismissively. "We are partners in a contract, nothing more. Do we have an agreement?"

Lily picked up the pen. The weight of it felt like lead in her hand. She thought of the slums she had left behind and the justice she still needed to find. With a steady hand, she signed her name at the bottom of the parchment.

"We have an agreement," she said, her voice firm.

Alexander nodded, a look of grim satisfaction crossing his face. "Welcome to the family, Lily. Let’s hope you’re as resilient as you look."