When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 161

Amelia

"Mommy, where are we going?" Ella asked from the backseat, hugging her beat-up stuffed unicorn that used to be white but was now more of a dingy gray.

I twisted around to smile at her. "We're going to see Grandpa George, baby."

Lucas was doing his usual thing—staring out the window like he was solving world hunger or something. That kid thought way too much for a three-year-old.

When we got to the Black Mansion, George was already waiting in the lobby, grinning like Christmas morning.

"There are my two favorite troublemakers!" he boomed, opening his arms wide.

Ella took off running and practically tackled him. Lucas walked over more carefully, but I could see he was excited too—he just didn't want to show it.

"Got something for you guys upstairs," George said, leading us to the elevator.

The second Lucas saw those wrapped boxes on George's coffee table, his whole cool-kid act went right out the window. When he unwrapped that engineering set, his face just lit up.

"This is really for me?" he whispered, like he couldn't believe it.

"Heard you're quite the little builder," George said, shooting a look at Ethan.

Next thing I knew, Lucas and Parker were tearing around the apartment playing hide-and-seek, with George "accidentally" pointing Parker in the wrong direction every time Lucas needed to find a new hiding spot. Ella was giggling behind the curtains, thinking she was invisible.

"Funny how the simple stuff makes them happiest," Ethan said, standing next to me.

I noticed Michael hanging back, watching everything with this wistful look. He even snuck a photo of the kids playing with George when he thought nobody was looking.

Mrs. Hopkins showed up with a tray of fancy-looking pastries. "Mrs. Black, I made those sugar-free ones you mentioned. Mind telling me what you think?"

Everyone was staring at me as I took a bite. It was actually really good. "Wow, Mrs. Hopkins. This is amazing."

She practically glowed. "I learned it from that chef in Manhattan—you know, the one with the crazy long waiting list? Mr. Black flew him in for a week just to teach our kitchen staff." She leaned in like she was sharing state secrets. "The Blacks don't mess around when it comes to quality."

I felt a little overwhelmed. Apparently, if I mentioned liking something around here, they'd move heaven and earth to get it for me. It was sweet, but also kind of intense.

"You'll get used to it," Ethan murmured in my ear, reading my mind like he always did.

Catherine walked in carrying a bowl of strawberries, looking effortlessly elegant in some beige dress that probably cost more than my car.

"Mrs. Black," I said politely.

"Catherine, please," she smiled, offering the strawberries to the kids. "I remembered these are your favorites, Ella."

Lucas grabbed a handful, clearly loving all the attention. Ethan was watching his mom with the kids, looking relieved.

"Lucas seems to like everyone except me," Ethan said, frowning a little.

George patted his shoulder. "Kid probably knows what you put his mama through," he said with a smirk.

Ethan groaned. "Great. So I have to win back Amelia AND her mini-me."

Lunch was actually really nice. They'd made all my favorite foods, including this incredible seafood spread. For the first time, it felt like we were actually a family instead of just people pretending to get along.

Then the elevator dinged and Laura's voice echoed through the room. "Hello? George? We're here!"

George's face went tight. "I thought I canceled our family lunch, Laura," he said as she swept in with Felix and Emily trailing behind her.

Laura waved him off. "Oh, but Felix is about to close this huge deal with Harrington Investments! We just had to come thank Ethan for all his mentoring."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Funny way of showing gratitude—showing up empty-handed."

Laura's smile flickered. "Well, we were just so excited..."

Emily locked eyes with me from across the room, giving me this smile that looked friendly but felt like a threat.

"Congratulations on finally going back, Amelia," she said with fake sweetness. "The temptation of the Black family is definitely better than being a doctor in Boston."

George cleared his throat loudly. "Emily, that was rude as hell. Maybe work on your manners before the next family gathering."

Catherine shot Felix a look. "Felix, quit staring at Ethan's wife. It's inappropriate."

Then David sidled up to Ethan with this casual tone that fooled nobody. "Since we're all family now, I was thinking maybe Emily could get a position at your company. Keep it in the family, you know?"

I almost spit out my water. The nerve of these people.

"Emily doesn't have the qualifications or experience for any position at my company," Ethan said flatly. "She should look for opportunities that match her actual skill set."

Laura wasn't giving up. She turned to me with this condescending smile. "Amelia, now that you're a Black, surely you'll reconsider this whole doctor thing. That schedule can't be good for family life."

I put my fork down carefully, feeling my face get hot. "My career as an obstetrician isn't something I'm 'reconsidering.' It's what I do. I bring babies into this world, and I'm going to keep doing it whether I'm married or not."

"Besides," I added, finding my voice, "I believe in supporting myself. My job gives me that, plus I actually love what I do."

George nodded approvingly. "Damn right, Amelia. And don't worry about the kids—we'll get extra help for when you and Ethan are both working."

Catherine surprised me by jumping in. "Ethan, why don't you take Amelia and the children upstairs? I'm sure they'd love to see the terrace view."

Ethan took my hand and squeezed. "Good idea, Mom. Come on, guys, let's go check out the view while the grown-ups finish their... conversation."

As we headed for the stairs, I could hear George starting what sounded like a serious lecture. I felt grateful that at least some of Ethan's family had my back.

"You okay?" Ethan whispered.

I squeezed his hand back. "Yeah. Just glad the good ones are on our side."

"They're your family now too," he said softly. "And the ones who matter already love you."