Chapter 2

Nina's POV

I drove straight to the Blackwood family estate.

Pushing open the study door, I found Ethan kneeling on the floor.

When he saw me enter, his grandfather Jason's face turned iron-gray as he threw the agreement in Ethan's face.

"I've kept you by my side for seven years. Even a dog would have shown some loyalty by now!"

The papers sliced across Ethan's cold, handsome face. He didn't flinch, his tone resolute.

"Business is business. Nina wants the project, I want a child. It's mutually beneficial. Perfectly fair."

I stood in place, looking at Jason.

"Jason, the Stewart family may have fallen, but we're not so degraded as to bear children for our rival."

Ethan's head snapped up, thin fury flashing in his eyes.

"You agreed last night."

"That was last night."

I laughed coldly.

"Now, I've changed my mind."

I turned to Jason.

"Cancel the engagement. I'll repay the Stewart family debt with full interest."

"No!"

"No!"

Ethan and Jason spoke almost simultaneously.

Ethan didn't want to lose his perfect tool.

Jason couldn't bear to lose my talent or risk the Blackwood Group's trade secrets I held leaking out.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"The engagement can't be canceled. It affects Blackwood Group's stock price. But the groom can be replaced."

He pointed to the spread of Blackwood family photos on the desk.

"Aside from this bastard, choose any eligible Blackwood man. Whoever you choose, I'll support."

This was compensation for me, and a warning to Ethan.

Ethan stood, a mocking smile curling his lips.

"Nina's a smart woman. She knows which choice maximizes her interests."

He was certain I couldn't leave him.

"Stop this tantrum and sign. Next week's wedding proceeds as planned."

I ignored him.

My gaze swept across those photos-most of them mediocre men.

My eyes stopped on a file buried at the very bottom.

No photo, just one name: Adrian Blackwood.

Ethan's uncle in name only-in reality, the illegitimate son from Jason's affair.

I'd heard he was exiled overseas years ago, violent by nature, notorious on Wall Street for his ruthless business dealings, specializing in hostile takeovers and corporate dismantling.

But that was exactly what I needed.

Only a ruthless player would dare to savage a wolf like Ethan.

I extended two fingers and picked up that file.

"No need to choose. I'll take him."

The study fell deathly silent.

Ethan's pupils contracted violently, then he let out a derisive laugh.

"Nina, have you lost your mind? A madman disowned by the Blackwood family-you choose him?"

Jason also frowned deeply.

"Adrian hasn't returned to the country in years. If you choose him, this marriage may exist in name only."

"In name only is perfect. His name is all I want."

In front of Ethan, I removed the engagement ring I'd worn for seven years.

"You're right, Ethan. I am a smart woman."

I looked at Ethan's suddenly darkened face and smiled.

"So I've chosen a man who will force you to submit."

With that, I ignored Ethan's murderous gaze, turned, and pushed through the door.

Walking out through the mansion gates, my phone vibrated.

Adrian's text was concise, yet radiated raw intensity.

"Wait for me."

The next day, I went straight to the law firm to prepare asset trust agreements.

I was going to divide my assets.

Though I depended on the Blackwood family, I wasn't without my own safety nets.

The offshore shell companies I'd registered and certain patents held in my mother's name were my final trump cards.

I'd just finished when Ethan called, his tone commanding.

"Go pick up Isabella from the airport."

"Mr. Blackwood seems to have forgotten-we broke up."

"Adrian won't marry you. Pick up Isabella, clear up the misunderstanding, and I'll forget about today. Also, bring her that haute couture dress of yours."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Which one?"

"Isabella has her first media interview since returning tonight. She doesn't have anything suitable. That one you just bought will work perfectly."

That dress I'd won at auction in Paris-one of a kind in the world.

"Sure."

I agreed with unusual cheerfulness.