Billionaire romance · 声匠原创 · 3:21

The Wife They Mocked Owns Everything

At the last dinner of her contract marriage, Nora is seated with the kids and handed divorce papers. Then the butler bows to her: Madam Chairwoman.

NarratorNora QuinnJulian AshfordVivian AshfordSienna BlakeMr. Hale

NarratorFor one year, Nora Quinn had been Mrs. Julian Ashford. No ring she could keep, just a contract in a lawyer's safe. Julian needed a wife to inherit. Nora, as far as anyone knew, needed the money.NarratorTonight was the Ashford anniversary dinner. The contract expired at midnight, and Nora's place card sat at the far end of the table, with the children.Vivian AshfordNora, dear, since you're up, pour the wine. You've had a whole year of practice.NarratorHer mother-in-law, Vivian Ashford, said it loud enough for every guest to hear. A few laughed into their napkins.Sienna BlaketeasingIs that dress a rental? It's cute. Very temporary.NarratorSienna Blake. Julian's ex. Tonight she was sitting in Nora's chair, at Julian's right hand.Nora QuinnIt's not rented, Sienna. But you'd know more about temporary than I would.Vivian AshfordEnough. Divorce papers. Generous, under the circumstances. Sign before dessert and be out of this house by midnight.NarratorShe slid an envelope across the white tablecloth. Julian didn't look up from his glass.Nora QuinnJulian. Is this what you want?Julian AshfordcoldIt was a contract, Nora. You knew that the day you signed it. Don't make this harder than it has to be.Nora QuinnThen I won't.NarratorShe signed. One clean stroke. Vivian smiled like she had just won a war.Vivian AshfordGlasses up, everyone. At nine, the new majority owner of Ashford Group joins us. Larkmoor Capital saved this company three months ago, and tonight we thank them in person.Sienna BlakeexcitedI heard she's a total recluse. Nobody's ever seen her face!Vivian AshfordNora, take your coat and use the service door. I won't have you be the first thing our guest sees.NarratorThe clock struck nine. The doors opened, and Mr. Hale, who had served the Ashfords for thirty years, stepped inside.Mr. HaleThe representative of Larkmoor Capital has arrived, madam.Vivian AshfordWonderful! Show them in, Hale.Mr. HaleThat won't be necessary, madam. She is already at the table.NarratorHe walked past Vivian, past Sienna, past Julian, to the far end of the table, and bowed to Nora.Mr. HaleMadam Chairwoman. The board is waiting for your signature on the merger.NarratorA fork hit a plate. Nobody breathed.Vivian AshfordshoutingHale, have you lost your mind? She's nobody!Nora QuinnI'm Larkmoor Capital, Vivian. I bought your debt three months ago. You've spent a year making the owner of this house pour your wine.Sienna BlakeThat's impossible. She shops at discount stores!Nora QuinnI like discount stores. Nobody there asks who my father is.Julian AshfordNora. Why would you marry into a family that treated you like this?Nora QuinnBecause your grandfather asked me to. Before he died, he told me someone at this table was stealing from his company. He wanted me to find out who.NarratorShe turned and looked at Vivian. The wine glass in the matriarch's hand began to shake.Vivian AshfordpleadingNora, darling. Let's talk about this in private.Nora QuinncalmlyYou preferred an audience an hour ago.NarratorShe picked up the divorce papers and handed them to her husband.Nora QuinnRead clause nine before you sign, Julian. If you end this marriage, your shares come to me.NarratorJulian read it. Then, slowly, he tore the papers in half.Julian AshfordThen I'm not signing. I knew exactly who you were the day I proposed, Nora. Why do you think I chose you?

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