When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 54

Ashley

I scrolled through my phone with a satisfied smile, savoring the headlines splashed across every gossip site in Manhattan: "Black Family Heir Spotted with Opera Star," "Noah Randal's Step-Sister Ashley Returns to NYC," "Ashley Rumored to be Ethan's Ex," "Visible Lipstick Mark on Black's White Shirt."

Perfect. Exactly what I wanted. Let everyone know Ethan Black is mine.

I tossed my phone onto the plush sofa and stretched like a contented cat. The plan had worked flawlessly.

From the moment Ethan walked into that room last night, my hired paparazzi had been in position, cameras ready. I'd deliberately left that crimson lipstick mark on his collar, making sure the photographer caught the perfect angle.

The photographers had been hesitant at first. No one in Manhattan dares snap unauthorized photos of the Black family without serious consequences. But when I dropped the Randal name and flashed enough cash, they reluctantly agreed.

I'd strategically timed the release of the photos during Wall Street's lunch hour, ensuring everyone in the financial district would see them.

I knew Ethan wouldn't touch me—he never did, not even when we were dating years ago. He always maintained that frustrating distance, that cool reserve that drove me crazy. But nobody else needed to know that. The photos told the story I wanted told.

The door to my apartment swung open, and my father, Nathan, stormed in. His face was flushed with anger, but he quickly composed himself, smoothing his expression into one of paternal concern.

"Ashley, sweetheart," he said, his voice deliberately measured. "These things online... maybe we should take them down? I'm worried Black might—"

"Why would I take them down?" I cut him off coldly. "Did you get the land transfer contract signed?"

His shoulders slumped slightly. "Yes, it's signed. But he made it very clear, Ashley. This was the last time he'll overlook your behavior."

I waved my hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Dad. He's just saying that. He won't do anything to me." I smiled, confidence radiating from every pore. "I've still got the Randal name protecting me, don't I?"

I could see the worry lingering in my father's eyes, but I didn't care. Fathers always worry too much. Mine especially had always been pathetically cautious around powerful families like the Blacks.

My mind drifted back to five years ago, when Ethan announced he was leaving for the military. Nothing his family said could change his mind. My friends and my father had urged me to leave him then, whispering that with Ethan gone, Felix would take over Black Investments, and Ethan would amount to nothing.

I'd listened to them. God, what a mistake.

Now look at Felix—just a pathetic playboy. Even with George's best efforts to groom him, Felix never had what it takes. And Ethan? He returned and took control of Black Investments with an iron grip, turning it into Manhattan's most feared financial powerhouse.

I glared at my father, years of resentment bubbling to the surface. "It's your fault, you know. If you hadn't convinced me to break things off with him back then, would we be in this situation now?"

"Ashley," he sighed, "Ethan was young and impulsive back then. He even mentioned breaking up before he left—"

"Because I was crying non-stop!" I snapped, remembering how cold Ethan had been when I sobbed about his proposed breakup. The memory still stung. "He just wanted to make it easier."

"Ashley, we can't know what might have happened—"

The doorbell interrupted us. Someone with a FedEx delivery.

My father took the package, eyeing me curiously. "What did you order?"

I opened the package, my initial panic giving way to smug satisfaction as I examined the contents—photos of me meeting with that old woman, the one who had agreed to drug Amelia at the party. So Ethan had discovered my little scheme.

Of course he had. He was Ethan Black, Wall Street's most cunning investor. Finding this out was child's play for him.

I held up the photos triumphantly to my father. "See, Dad? I told you Ethan wouldn't do anything to me."

My father looked at the photos, his expression darkening. "Who is this woman? What have you done, Ashley?"

I tossed my hair back, standing tall. "That's Ethan Black's wife."

The color drained from my father's face. "Black is married? Ashley, you still drugged his wife? I warned you his patience had a limit, but this... this is madness!"

"The other woman?" I finished for him, laughing coldly. "No, Dad. She's the one who came between us. Ethan belongs to me. How could I possibly be the other woman?"

I couldn't help but sneer as I thought about her. "Why would Ethan ever be interested in some ordinary OB-GYN? It makes no sense."

My father's voice turned pleading. "Ashley, I may be greedy for business advantages, but I don't want you taking these kinds of risks."

I rolled my eyes. "I drugged her, and Ethan still let me walk away without consequences. He's even sending me evidence instead of using it against me."

I shot him a contemptuous look. "Don't pretend to be so righteous. You're no better than I am. If I succeed, you only stand to benefit."

With that final barb, I turned and walked to my bedroom, pulling out my phone to compose a text message to Amelia:

[Six PM, Four Seasons Hotel, third floor VIP room. I'd like to talk with you. — Ashley]

As I hit send, a smile spread across my face.