All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Contract Wife Can't Let Go: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Dana POV: The BanquetI sit at the round table near the back of the Wood and Ward banquet hall, the one tucked just far enough from the spotlight that I can pretend I’m only a guest. The chandeliers throw soft golden across white tablecloths and half-empty wine glasses.It’s night, late enough that the celebration feels looser with laughter. The sale closed at four this afternoon. My father’s name is the one on every document. Mine never appeared. That was the deal. Yet here I am anyway, wearing the black silk dress I bought the other day, feeling like an impostor at my own victory party.Ben Weathers sits to my right, nursing a bourbon. He’s the one who made this possible in record time. Tonight, he’s playing tour guide.“See the tall guy in the blue suit by the bar?” Ben murmurs, bending his head. “That’s Ethan Caldwell. He’s coming over as head of finance. He’s the numbers guy, but the kind who listens before he cuts. You’ll like him.”I follow his gaze. Ethan is laughing at someth

Alex POV: Is Dana Seeing Someone?The front door opens and Fanny sweeps in. I brace for the lecture, the narrowed eyes, the quiet judgment she’s perfected since my divorce. Instead, she heads straight for Jodie, her arms open.“Jodie!” Fanny pulls her into a hug that looks genuine. “I’m so glad you’re here.”Jodie blinks, surprised, then hugs back. “Hey, Fanny. Good to see you too.”Fanny steps away and reaches into her oversized tote. “I rushed out to grab this when Dad texted me you two were coming tonight. It’s nothing huge, just something small.”She hands Jodie a red box. Jodie opens it. Inside is a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny turquoise charm shaped like a wave. Her eyes turn into two big zeros. She looks from her to me and back, her mouth open.“Oh—this is beautiful. I love it. Thank you,” she cries.Fanny shrugs, pleased. “Figured a California girl needs a little ocean with her wherever she goes.”Mom watches from the doorway, hands clasped under her chin, happy. Dad c

Dana POV: Hello, First Love.I'm sitting on the front steps of the hospital, phone clutched between my thighs, squinting up at the clear blue sky hanging over Washington. The sun beats down, turning the concrete warm under me. I'm generally feeling good, but still numbed by the news that I'm carrying a baby. Cars pass on the street, their horns filling the midmorning air. People hurry by without glancing my way. I don't blame them. I probably look like someone who just got bad news. Hymar's rental car rolls to a stop at the curb and he steps out. “Hey,” he says, smiling. “How're you feeling?” “Better.” “Come on, let's get you home.” He helps me into the front seat, half carrying me like I'm made of glass. Once we're both buckled in, he starts the engine. "I could take you back to the hotel," he says, "but honestly? I could take you to the place I'm renting instead. Cook you a proper meal. Better than whatever sad room-service crap they've got."I stare out the window at the s

Dana POV: Derek Is CEO of Wood & WardMorning light slices through the hotel curtains in clear, accusing lines. I sit on the edge of the bed in my suite, Jack and Eddie are sitting on the sofa, waiting for me to speak.Hotel coffee steams between us.“I’ve decided,” I say. “And it has nothing to do with the pregnancy.”Jack leans forward. “Okay. We’re listening.”“I don’t want to be CEO of the new Wood and Ward. I’m stepping down. I want Derek to take it.”They look at each other, then at me, like I’ve just said something unbelievable.Then Eddie utters a short laugh. “You’ve lost it.”Jack just stares at me. “You’re serious.”“Completely.”Eddie throws both hands up. “You just closed the deal. You fought tooth and nail. Dad’s still in recovery and he’s already talking about handing you the keys. And now you want to—what? Hand it to Derek? The kid who’s been crunching numbers in a bank for six years?”“He’s not a kid anymore,” I say. “And yes. That’s exactly what I want.”Jack rubs hi

Dana POV: Meeting At The GalleryI’m curled on the bed in my old room, knees pressed to my chest, my face wet, when I hear a knock at the door. “Come in,” I call.The door opens and Mom walks in, still in her robe, her hair loose around her shoulders. She looks smaller than usual, her eyes uncertain. She closes the door quietly and walks to the bed, she sits on the edge.Neither of us speak for a moment.Finally, she asks, “Was it your father who told you I’m sleeping with Ben Weathers?”I wipe my eyes with the heel of my hand. “No. I saw you. At the country club. The way you laughed. The way he touched your arm. I put two and two together.”She shakes her head slowly. “It’s not what you think.”I wait, staring at the side of her face.“I was the one who asked Ben to meet you in Washington,” she says. “I’ve been working with him for months, quietly, without your father’s knowledge, to keep the company afloat. The merger was my idea, too. Ben’s been pushing the board behind the scenes