Chapter 7 07
IRIS QUINN
My mother was pleased.
That was the only word for the expression on her face when I told her what happened at the board meeting. One would think I’d just told her I’d won an award instead of sold myself into a marriage I didn’t want.
“Good,” she said. “Don’t chicken out now. We meet with the Laurents tomorrow night.”
“Father isn’t stable yet, so maybe we should wait—”
“We must hurry, especially now that they’re about to oust us completely.” She gathered her purse. “I have business to handle, stay with your father.”
“Where are you going?”
She paused at the door. “The VIP ward costs money, Iris, and someone has to make sure we can still afford it.”
Then she was gone.
The room fell quiet except for the steady beep of the heart monitor, and Naomi stood by the window, giving me space.
I walked over to my father’s bed and took his hand, which was still cold.
“Do you still think I’m immature?” I asked quietly.
The machine beeped.
That was the only answer I got.
I turned to Naomi. “How many people will be there tomorrow?”
“I’m only certain about Victor and Caesar,” she said.
I nodded and turned back to my father.
The boardroom played in my mind. James Kessler’s expression shifting from hostile to calculating in seconds, how quickly he’d agreed, how easily the vote had been tabled.
Eleven hands.
They’d all been pawns, and the Laurent Group had planned everything.
Caesar had forced my hand.
The room suddenly felt too small at the realization.
“I need to go home,” I said, standing.
“Iris—”
“Stay with him. Please.”
Naomi nodded.
I left before she could say anything else.
---
The house was dark when I arrived.
I climbed the stairs to my room and shut the door behind me just as my phone buzzed.
Unknown: Dinner tomorrow at 7. Laurent Estate. Don’t be late.
I threw my phone across the room where it hit the wall and clattered to the floor.
I slipped out of my clothes just as a feeling of frustration started to creep in, entering the bathroom to stand under the shower until the water ran cold. When I stepped out, I picked up my phone from the floor.
One new message.
Caesar Laurent: Velvet & Oak. 8pm.
I checked the time—7:47.
What did he want now? To gloat?
Still, I pulled out a black slip dress, combed through my hair, and did minimal makeup. By the time I grabbed my keys, it was past eight.
When I arrived, Velvet & Oak had dim lighting and soft jazz playing in the background.
I scanned the room. There was no sign of Caesar.
“Looking for someone?”
I spun around to find Caesar standing right behind me, and I stumbled backward, but his hand shot out, catching my arm.
“Careful,” he said.
I yanked my arm away. “Why did you ask me to meet you?”
He gestured toward a corner booth. “I’d prefer sitting to talk terms rather than standing.”
He didn’t wait for my answer. I followed and slid into the seat across from him as he pushed a white envelope toward me.
“Open it,” he said. “Read through.”
“What is this?”
“The terms and conditions of our marriage.”
I pulled out the papers inside.
MARRIAGE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CAESAR LAURENT AND IRIS QUINN
1. Duration of Marriage
The marriage shall remain in effect for a minimum of two (2) years from the date of the wedding ceremony. Early termination requires mutual agreement and approval from Victor Laurent.
I stopped. “Approved by your father?”
“My father doesn’t like loose ends. Keep reading.”
2. Public Conduct and Residency
Both parties are required to present a unified front in all public appearances. Iris Quinn shall relocate to the Laurent Estate within seven (7) days of the wedding ceremony. Separate living arrangements are not permitted.
“I have to live with you?”
“In the same house, yes.”
“That’s not what I agreed to.”
“You agreed to marry me, and this is what marriage looks like.”
3. Boundaries
This is a contractual arrangement. Both parties agree to maintain appropriate emotional distance. Physical intimacy is not required. Romantic expectations are not permitted.
I looked up. Romance? As if.
“It’s a business arrangement,” Caesar said as if reading my mind. “Not a love story.”
“Then why does it matter if we live together?”
“Appearances.”
4. Penalties for Breach of Contract
Any violation will result in immediate forfeiture of shares or assets promised as part of the marriage arrangement. Additionally, Quinn Enterprises will be subject to immediate acquisition by the Laurent Group.
My hands shook as I set the papers down.
“You’re trying to own me.”
“Yes.”
His bluntness caught me off guard.
“I want you to understand what you’re agreeing to,” he said. “No surprises.”
“And if I refuse?”
“You already agreed.”
“I can change my mind.”
“You can.” He tilted his head. “And then what? The board votes tomorrow, your father stays a criminal, and you lose everything.”
I hated how calm he sounded.
“This is insane.”
“I expect you to do what’s necessary, like you did in that boardroom.”
He crossed his legs. “You have two options, Iris. Sign the contract or walk away and watch everything burn.”
“Then change the terms.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Which ones?”
I looked down at the contract.
“This boundary clause. You felt the need to write down that physical intimacy isn’t required?”
“I don’t want confusion about what this marriage is.”
“There won’t be any confusion. Trust me.”
Something flickered in his expression.
“And what about my boundaries?” I continued. “What about what you can’t expect from me? Like obedience—you can’t expect me to just do whatever you say.”
Caesar leaned back, studying me. “You want me to add a clause that says I can’t tell you what to do?”
“Yes.”
“That defeats the purpose of a contract.”
“Then we don’t have a deal.”
He was quiet before pulling out his phone and typing something.
“Fine. I’ll add an amendment. You maintain autonomy in personal decisions that don’t conflict with Sections 1 or 3. Does that satisfy you?”
It didn’t, but it was something.
“Two years,” I said. “That’s a long time.”
“It’s the minimum.”
“What happens after two years?”
“We reassess.”
I set the papers down. “This is never going to end, is it?”
“Not if my father has his way.”
I looked up sharply. “What does that mean?”
“Read Section 5.”
I flipped to the last page.
5. Termination Clause
This marriage may only be dissolved after completion of all obligations as determined by the Laurent family legal council.
“That’s vague.”
“Intentionally.”
“So even after two years, I’m not free unless your father says so.”
“Correct.”
“You’re trapping me.”
“I’m making sure you don’t run.” He stood. “Sign the contract, Iris, or don’t, but decide tonight.”
“Wait. When do I have to sign?”
“Before the meeting tomorrow night.”
“And if I don’t?”
He looked at me. “Then you’d better hope your father survives prison.”
He walked out, and I sat there alone, staring at the contract.
My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Naomi: Your father woke up.
