Shadows of an old proof

She had to find a way to convince Theo tomorrow to marry her, but she knew it wouldn't be easy. Bianca’s eyes darted toward Rebecca, who was scanning the crowd after exchanging rings with Edward.

Her eyes landed on Theo, Talking to Bianca. Rebecca came walking in their direction after ignoring a guest who wanted to congratulate her.

She told Theo, “I will see you tomorrow, Theo, but please keep this conversation related to our marriage contract between us.” She exited the party hall and walked toward the garden to breathe.

Theo nodded courteously, and she rushed away. As Rebecca arrived, she had already seen her speaking to Theo and was wondering what it was about.

Bianca leaned against a tree far from the party, her mind racing.

“The thing she saw me…” she muttered to herself. “Karma is real.”

She knew Rebecca would be furious if she found out about her conversation with Theo. Bianca just hoped Rebecca hadn't overheard anything about the contract.

The next morning.

Bianca was full of anticipation. As she got ready to meet Theo, suddenly her eyes fell on the many documents her father had prepared for her after she came back from her business meeting in Paris.

She didn't feel the urge to open them until now.

A sudden wave of curiosity hit her, and she quickly opened one. Inside were documents like voting proxies for her company shares.

“Why would my father prepare such documents for me to sign?” she muttered.

Confused and with growing unease, she ripped open the remaining packages. She never could have imagined — not even in her darkest dreams — an agreement that stripped her of all assets.

Contracts giving Rebecca power of attorney over her affairs and papers, removing her from her father's company board.

“Perhaps this was their plan after Grandpa died,” she whispered to herself.

Her father had been hinting at his intentions, making her sign these documents without offering an explanation till now.

“I was blindly signing the documents offered by him, thinking that he was only building a safe nest for me.”

She gulped down the sorrow.

“Planning to hurt me, rip me off my powers in the company — all for Rebecca.”

She sighed deeply.

“I must get a marriage contract with Theo done soon. It is my only way out of this impending misery.”

Once they signed the marriage contract, Bianca would automatically gain the power to compete with North Corporation head-on and take revenge.

She couldn't wait for her life to change.

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

She went to open it.

“Good morning, sister.”

Rebecca said, without waiting for permission, as she appeared from the sidelines and hit the door hard on Bianca’s face.

“Did you have fun last night, Bianca?” she questioned.

Pain trickled up Bianca’s neck to her head when she was hit by the door. Rebecca continued furiously.

“Tell me. What did you discuss with Theo last night?” she demanded.

“Nothing, Rebecca,” Bianca replied. “He just wanted to know if he could smoke in the garden.”

“You are lying,” Rebecca accused. “You spent a long time with him.”

To answer one query, Bianca thought of an excuse.

“Theo told me last night that he wanted to marry you. Nothing more. He was dreaming of marrying you.”

Relief washed over Rebecca. She said with pride, “Of course he would want to marry me. Nobody can resist my charms.”

With a sly smile on her face, she muttered under her breath, “Not even my fiancé.”

Bianca looked up, anger burning in her eyes.

She wanted to tell Rebecca that she had caught her and her fiancé in a wild, dirty makeout session last night.

But she knew that would only make Rebecca furious, and Bianca only wanted to leave immediately without dragging the conversation out and meet Theo at his home.

While Bianca struggled to free herself and flee from her house, Theo sat patiently at the restaurant where they were supposed to meet.

He had booked a private room in the restaurant and waited for Bianca to enter.

Felix, his secretary, entered.

“Sir, your drink is here.”

Theo turned. “Place an order for your guest,” Felix asked.

“I’m honestly not sure. I hope a woman won't turn down my invitation,” Theo said anxiously.

“A woman visiting?” Felix said, surprised.

Theo frowned. “Not any random woman. She might become my wife.”

“What?” Felix said, shocked.

Theo stared at him, unamused. “Why are you acting like it's such a surprise that I would get a wife?”

Felix recollected himself. “Your exact words when your grandfather suggested you marry were: I am never fucking getting married. I would rather jump from the roof and die.”

“Maybe I misinterpreted those words. I apologize, Felix.”

“I am not interested in marriage,” Theo continued. “But the woman I met last night was intriguing — a perfect way to piss off my grandfather and ward off some people from around me.”

“I do not understand,” Felix said.

“It will be self-explanatory if she arrives today. Check the entrance. If a North steps in, bring her to me,” Theo added.

“Please tell me it's not Rebecca,” Felix asked softly.

“No. The other daughter. Rebecca North is the elder one,” Theo said.

“Thank goodness,” Felix sighed in relief.

“You are aware of the rumors concerning Bianca, right?” Theo asked.

“Anyone is better than Rebecca in my book. If Rebecca were to become your wife, I would jump out of the window and die.”

Theo chuckled on hearing this.

Felix added, “I have never seen her approach men except for business pursuits.”

“I am not so sure she will arrive for such an arrangement,” Theo said coldly.

“Start preparing to bankrupt the North Corporation. If that woman doesn't show up, I want them to bleed in the market.”

Felix replied calmly, “I'll deploy our finance team to California. They won't even see it coming.”

But over at the North mansion, Bianca was struggling to free herself from Rebecca’s accusations.

“Rebecca, I have to leave. Move.”

Bianca couldn't keep the frustration out of her voice.

That was when Bianca was saved by someone she never expected to come to her rescue.

It was her father, Noah North.

“Rebecca,” Noah exclaimed, “let her go.”

“But Father, she—” Rebecca trailed off, realizing there was no use denying what he saw.

“She spoke to Theo last night.”

Noah was taken by surprise. He looked at Bianca.

“Rebecca, I will take care of it. Leave.”

Rebecca stomped her feet and left, leaving Bianca in the hands of her father — but relieved.