r of something akin to fear crossing his icy blue eyes.

ice devoid of warmth. "An... inte

her gaze unwavering. "It's not

lexander's face drained of color, the carefully constructed facade crumbling for a split se

managed, his voice

olve. "Yes. The one you conveniently forgot about when

of the past five years. Stephanie could almost hear the gear

" he finally asked, his voice regaining its usu

otiation to come. "A contract marriage, Alexander. Six mon

n earth would I agree to

substantial financial settlement, enough to start a new life for myself and our son

Alexander countered

r, "a loving wife, a perfect family image. Privately, a truce

ain, a flicker of something unreadable crossing

," Stephanie said simply

ar - a chance to bury the past and maintain his carefully crafted image. But the thought of being back in c

der this," he finally

r won't be on the table indefinitely, Alexander.

or, leaving the stunned billionaire alone with