When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 26

Ethan

The morning after bringing Amelia back to the apartment, I was just finishing up some important transaction documents at Black Investment Group headquarters when I received a call from my grandfather. His tone was gentle as always, yet carried that unmistakable firmness: "Ethan, come home. I need to speak with you."

I walked into the familiar study to find Grandfather sitting in that antique walnut chair, holding a cup of hot coffee, his eyes as deep as the ocean. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, dancing on his silver hair, giving this Wall Street legend an unusually gentle appearance.

"Sit down," Grandfather gestured to the leather chair opposite him, then spoke slowly, "After half a month together, what do you think of that girl Amelia?"

I maintained my characteristically cool expression. "It's just a contract marriage, Grandfather. There won't be any feelings between us. That was clear from the beginning." I silently added: This is just an FBI investigation assignment.

Hearing this, Grandfather set down his coffee cup, his eyes flashing with an emotion I couldn't quite read. "No feelings?" He gave a soft chuckle. "Then tell me, if there truly are no feelings, why would you stand up to protect her in front of her father?"

It was to keep her close for better investigation, to confirm whether she was involved in her mother's money laundering activities.

"Feelings are things that can be cultivated," Grandfather continued, his gaze softening, "especially when facing difficulties together. You've already been through so much together—surely there must be some ripples in your heart?"

I remained silent for a long time. I couldn't express my true thoughts in front of my grandfather. Finally, I chose the most rational explanation: "Grandfather, don't forget her motive for accepting this marriage. She just wants to protect her mother's inheritance, nothing more. A woman who marries for money—is she worth trusting?"

As soon as I said this, I saw Grandfather's expression instantly grow complex. He sighed deeply: "Ethan, you're so shrewd on Wall Street, how can you be so clueless when it comes to emotions?"

He stood up and walked to the window, his back to me as he continued: "Do you really think she's only in it for the money? If that were true, why would she propose divorce after violating the confidentiality agreement?"

Grandfather sat back down, his gaze distant, as if traveling back through time to decades ago: "Ethan, there are some things I think it's time to tell you. The connection between the Black family and the Thompson family runs much deeper than you imagine. This is also partly why I agreed to let you use this marriage for your investigation."

I looked at him questioningly, waiting for his explanation.

"It was when I was young," Grandfather's voice grew heavy, "Black Investment was just starting out, and due to my youthful arrogance, I offended some people on Wall Street that I shouldn't have. One night, they set a trap, intending to completely destroy our business and reputation."

He paused, pain flashing in his eyes at the memory: "That night, your grandmother and I were forced to flee Manhattan. During our escape, your grandmother was severely injured trying to protect me."

Hearing this, my heart tightened. The family had never been willing to discuss the reason for Grandmother's early death; I had always assumed it was illness.

"When we were at our most desperate, it was William Thompson who saved us." Gratitude welled up in Grandfather's eyes. "He not only provided us with a safe haven but also brought in the best doctors when your grandmother was injured. Although they ultimately couldn't save her life completely, at least we made it through the most dangerous period."

I stared at Grandfather in shock, never knowing our family had such a history.

"Not only that," Grandfather continued, "as we rebuilt, William provided substantial financial support and Wall Street connections. It's fair to say that without his help, there would be no Black Investment Group today."

He looked at me, his gaze turning serious: "Back then, I promised that if the Thompson family ever faced difficulties, the Black family would assist with all our might. This isn't just about repaying a debt—it's about my basic character as a human being. So when I discovered you were investigating the Viktor Group, I immediately saw this opportunity."

"So," Grandfather's voice softened, "that girl Amelia isn't just your wife—she's the descendant of our family's savior. Her grandfather saved our entire family, and her character is absolutely trustworthy. I believe both she and her mother are innocent. Ethan, I hope you can treat her well, not just because of the contract, but because she deserves to be treated well."

After leaving the study, I paced slowly down the long corridor, Grandfather's words echoing repeatedly in my mind. So our two families had such a deep relationship, and Amelia's family had done our family such a great service.

If the Thompson family was truly as kind and upright as Grandfather described, would Amelia really be involved in illegal activities like money laundering? Or were she and her mother victims who had been kept in the dark? Or worse, was her mother silenced after discovering the Viktor Group's money laundering activities?

"Ethan." Grandfather's voice came from behind, interrupting my thoughts.

I turned to face him as he approached: "Is there something else?"

"I almost forgot to remind you," Grandfather smiled, "for this weekend's family gathering, remember to bring Amelia along. It's time for the other family members to formally meet your new wife."

I nodded, but more complex emotions surged within me.

Faced with the lack of substantive progress in my investigation, faced with my increasingly strong urge to protect Amelia, faced with the family history Grandfather had just revealed, I suddenly found myself in an unprecedented ethical dilemma.

Should I continue to treat her as a subject of investigation, or should I truly treat her as a wife? If the investigation proves her innocent, how can I explain to her the true motive behind our marriage?

If she truly is innocent, wouldn't my current actions be a betrayal of our benefactor's descendant? But if she really is involved, how can I face Grandfather's expectations and our family's debt of gratitude?

Standing in this familiar corridor, looking at the photos on the wall recording our family's rise on Wall Street, I felt lost for the first time. Perhaps it was time to reexamine this whole situation.

Perhaps it was time to truly get to know the real Amelia Thompson.