When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 105

Ethan

Just as I was about to head out for work, Michael told me Robert was causing a scene in the lobby.

Last night, I overheard Amelia on the balcony taking a threatening call from her father by accident. I didn’t expect to see Robert again so soon after his pathetic attempt to blackmail Amelia at her apartment.

Robert's entire body visibly trembled, his face draining of color as he caught sight of me walking into the entrance. The man shrank back, his voice barely above a whisper as he mumbled, "Mr. Black."

The effect was immediate. The small crowd of neighbors waiting outside scattered like pigeons, creating a respectful distance around me. I noticed Amelia standing nearby, watching with a mixture of what appeared to be satisfaction and annoyance as I approached with my usual confident stride.

I kept my face impassive as I nodded to Michael, who immediately understood my silent command and moved toward her father. "Mr. Thompson," Michael said with practiced politeness, "perhaps we should continue this discussion somewhere more private. Family matters are best kept out of public view, don't you think?"

I locked eyes with Amelia for a brief moment. I couldn't help softening my expression slightly, hoping for some response, but she kept her face deliberately cold before turning away and walking briskly in the opposite direction.

---

In the underground parking garage, Michael shoved Robert against the concrete wall with enough force to make him wince. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across his face, highlighting the greedy desperation in his eyes.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Robert spat, struggling against Michael's grip. "You're nothing but Black's guard dog, doing his dirty work."

Michael's expression remained professionally detached. "Mr. Black values his privacy and the welfare of Mrs. Black. Your harassment needs to stop."

"Mrs. Black?" Robert's eyes widened in genuine shock. "Amelia and Mr. Black aren't divorced? She told me they were divorced years ago."

"Their relationship status is none of your concern," Michael replied coldly.

"The hell it isn't! She's my daughter—"

"A daughter you've been trying to extort money from," I interrupted, stepping out from behind a concrete pillar where I'd been observing. My footsteps echoed in the nearly empty garage as I approached, hands casually in my pockets but eyes focused intently on the pathetic man before me.

"Mr. Thompson," I said, keeping my voice deceptively soft. "I'm curious why you're so interested in the status of my marriage to your daughter."

Robert swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing visibly. "Look, I just need to talk to Amelia about a family matter. It has nothing to do with you."

"Everything about Amelia has something to do with me," I replied, stepping closer. "And I find it interesting that a man who's shown no interest in being a father for years suddenly has urgent 'family matters' to discuss that coincidentally involve large sums of money."

"She's my daughter," Robert insisted, his voice rising. "She doesn't deserve someone like you. You're too—"

I moved quickly, not allowing him to finish that sentence. In an instant, I had him pinned against the wall, one hand firmly gripping his collar.

"Let me be perfectly clear," I said, dropping my voice to a dangerous whisper. "If you approach Amelia again with demands for money or any other form of harassment, I will personally ensure you regret it. The next time you come looking for her, you'll end up in a hospital. Do we understand each other?"

Robert nodded frantically, his face pale with fear.

I released him with a slight push. "Good. Now get out of my sight."

He stumbled away, nearly running toward the exit.

---

Back in my sleek black Bentley, I loosened my tie and leaned back against the leather seat, closing my eyes. The image of Amelia walking away without acknowledging me played on repeat in my mind.

"That woman couldn't care less," I muttered to myself, rubbing my temples in frustration.

After a moment of brooding silence, I reached for my phone and dialed Noah's number. "Blue Note. Private room. Twenty minutes," I commanded before hanging up without waiting for a response. I needed to blow off some steam, and Noah was about to become my unwitting therapist.

---

The exclusive back area of Blue Note was eerily quiet as I strode directly toward the private boxing room. Noah was already there, dressed in workout clothes, his expression falling as soon as he saw my mood.

"What's with the face?" Noah asked nervously. "I thought we were just having drinks."

"Change of plans," I replied, removing my jacket and rolling up my sleeves. "I need to blow off some steam."

"Look, if this is about Olivia—"

"What about Olivia?" My head snapped up, eyes narrowing at the mention of Amelia's best friend.

Noah shifted uncomfortably. "Well, we've sort of... gotten back together."

"You what?" I kept my voice dangerously quiet, feeling my frustration build.

"I was going to tell you, but—"

"I asked you to get close to Olivia to help me win back Amelia," I interrupted, unable to hide my annoyance. "And now you've managed to rekindle your own relationship while I've made zero progress with my wife."

James leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Sounds like lover boy here prioritized his own happiness over your mission, Ethan."

Michael, standing silently in the corner, raised an eyebrow but maintained his professional silence.

Thirty minutes later, Noah lay sprawled on the boxing mat, groaning in pain while I stood over him, barely winded and feeling considerably more relaxed.

"Feel better?" Noah wheezed, attempting to sit up.

"Much," I replied, unwrapping the tape from my hands. "Now, about your new relationship status with Olivia... do you think it's going to last this time?"

"Who knows?" Noah shrugged, wincing at the movement. "Relationships are complicated."

"Tell me about it," I muttered, throwing a towel over my shoulder.

James approached, handing me a bottle of water. "Maybe you two should form a support group. 'Billionaires Trying to Win Back Women Who Are Too Good for Them.'"

I actually chuckled at that. "At least I have Lucas and Ella."

"It's really your kids? The twins are adorable," James agreed. "So, what's your next move with the good doctor? Any new strategies I should know about?"

My eyes gleamed with determination. "Tonight."