Chapter Six The Rules of Marriage

The Billionaire's Contract Bride

Chapter Six The Rules of Marriage

The next morning, Blackwood Tower buzzed with unusual excitement.

Employees whispered in hallways.

Secretaries exchanged curious glances.

Even senior executives found themselves discussing only one topic.

Who was Claire Jacobs?

How had an unknown woman captured the attention of the untouchable Martin Blackwood?

Inside the CEO's private office, however, the atmosphere was completely different.

Martin sat behind his mahogany desk, reviewing financial reports as though nothing extraordinary had happened.

A gentle knock interrupted him.

"Come in."

Claire stepped inside.

She wore a navy-blue business suit that reflected both confidence and elegance.

Martin noticed something different.

Despite everything happening around her, she refused to look defeated.

He admired that.

"You wanted to see me?" Claire asked.

Martin closed the file before him.

"Yes."

He stood and walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window.

"The wedding will take place in five days."

Claire nodded.

"I know."

"It will be private."

"No unnecessary media."

"No interviews."

"No public statements."

She smiled faintly.

"I wasn't planning to become a celebrity."

For the first time, Martin allowed himself the hint of a smile.

"You surprise me."

Claire folded her arms.

"I've heard the same about you."

A brief silence followed.

It wasn't uncomfortable.

It was the silence of two people trying to understand each other.

Martin picked up another document and handed it to her.

"Our agreement."

Claire looked at the cover.

Rules of the Contract Marriage

She opened it.

Rule One:

Neither party shall interfere with the other's professional decisions.

Rule Two:

Neither party shall disclose the true nature of the marriage.

Rule Three:

Public affection may be necessary to protect appearances.

Claire raised an eyebrow.

"Public affection?"

Martin remained expressionless.

"If photographers are present, holding my hand shouldn't be considered a crime."

Claire laughed softly.

"You're more practical than romantic."

"I never claimed otherwise."

She continued reading.

Then she stopped.

Rule Seven.

Neither party shall enter a romantic relationship with another person during the contract.

Claire looked at him.

"So we're pretending to be a married couple while remaining strangers."

Martin nodded.

"Exactly."

She closed the document.

"I have one rule to add."

Martin waited.

"If either of us is in danger..."

"We protect each other."

Martin stared at her for several moments.

Finally...

He extended his hand.

"Agreed."

Claire shook it.

Neither realized that this simple promise would one day save both of their lives.

That afternoon...

Claire accompanied Martin to Blackwood Estate.

The mansion stretched across several acres, surrounded by perfectly maintained gardens, fountains, and towering oak trees.

"This place is enormous," Claire whispered.

Martin glanced at her.

"My grandfather enjoys his privacy."

The grand entrance doors opened.

Inside stood members of the Blackwood family.

Richard Blackwood, Martin's uncle.

Sophia Blackwood, his elegant but calculating aunt.

Lucas Blackwood, his ambitious cousin.

And seated in a wheelchair near the fireplace...

Edward Blackwood.

The family patriarch.

Despite his age, his sharp eyes still reflected wisdom.

A warm smile appeared on his face when he saw Martin.

"So..."

"My stubborn grandson finally listened to an old man."

Martin walked over.

"You look stronger today, Grandfather."

Edward chuckled.

"I've been waiting too long to meet the woman who changed your mind."

Claire stepped forward respectfully.

"It's an honor to meet you, sir."

Edward reached for her hand.

"My dear..."

"Raise your head."

Claire looked up.

The old man's smile grew wider.

"Beautiful..."

"But your eyes tell me you've cried more than enough recently."

Claire was speechless.

How had he noticed so quickly?

Edward gently patted her hand.

"Don't worry."

"No storm lasts forever."

Across the room...

Sophia Blackwood watched silently.

She leaned toward Lucas.

"I don't like her."

Lucas smirked.

"She's too ordinary for this family."

Sophia's eyes narrowed.

"Which is exactly why she won't last."

Dinner began an hour later.

Crystal glasses sparkled beneath the chandelier.

Servants moved quietly between guests.

Conversation remained polite.

Until Richard Blackwood asked the question no one expected.

"So, Miss Jacobs..."

"How much did Martin pay you to marry him?"

The dining room fell silent.

Claire slowly placed her fork on her plate.

Martin's eyes turned icy.

"Uncle Richard."

Richard shrugged.

"It's an honest question."

Claire took a slow breath.

Then she smiled.

"If I married for money..."

She looked directly at Richard.

"I certainly would have negotiated for more than insults at dinner."

Edward burst into laughter.

Even Martin struggled to hide a smile.

Richard's face darkened.

Claire had answered with grace...

Without surrendering her dignity.

Edward lifted his glass.

"Welcome to the Blackwood family, Claire."

Around the table, not everyone shared his happiness.

Sophia quietly exchanged a glance with Lucas.

Neither of them noticed that someone standing in the shadows outside the dining room had been recording every conversation.

The servant slipped a tiny recording device into his pocket.

He quietly sent a text message.

"The bride has been accepted by the old man."

A reply arrived almost instantly.

"Then proceed to Phase Two."

The servant looked toward Claire with cold eyes.

A dangerous smile appeared on his face.

The real game...

...had finally begun.