Chapter 4: The Agreement

Aurora stared out the window, her fingers lightly gripping a wine glass. She sat in the living room, her mind racing with thoughts about her next move. Dinner had concluded, and Francisco and Lucian were still engrossed in a private discussion.

Carmela had checked on her repeatedly, concerned for her well-being, but Aurora dismissed her worries with a practiced smile. She couldn’t falter now. Her father wanted her to prove her loyalty, and she needed the Lancaster wealth to accomplish her goal. Ethan had discarded her like trash, despite everything she sacrificed for him. Now that she was back, she would make him regret it.

“I see you’re still awake.”

Aurora flinched at the voice and turned to find Lucian approaching her. She cleared her throat and redirected her gaze to the window.

“I see you’re still here,” she replied coolly.

Lucian smirked, stepping closer. “I’ve been watching you, Ms. Lancaster. You seem… troubled.”

Aurora raised an eyebrow but kept her eyes fixed on the glass in her hand. “Well, it’s none of your business, Mr. Blackwood.”

Lucian blinked in surprise. Few women dared to speak to him that way. But considering Aurora’s status, he had expected a touch of defiance. Still, it amused him.

“Fair enough,” he said. “But I could help. I know you’ve just returned after years of being away from your family.”

Aurora frowned and finally met his gaze. “You’ve done your research, I see.”

“Of course,” he replied smugly. “I had to learn about my future wife.”

Aurora almost rolled her eyes. His arrogance was palpable.

“Well, it’s good you’re still here,” she said, setting her glass on the table. “We need to talk about us.”

“Why? Haven’t we already discussed everything?”

“No, that was just formalities,” Aurora said sharply, her tone firm. “I want to establish boundaries for this… upcoming relationship. Our marriage is purely for business. Nothing more, nothing less. But I could use your help.”

Lucian’s interest piqued, and he arched a brow. “Business only, you say? Interesting. And what help are you asking for?”

Aurora didn’t waver. She fixed him with a determined stare. “I can help you in return. I may have been away for years, but I’m still a Lancaster. I have connections and skills you could use. And let’s not pretend this union isn’t partially about that.”

Lucian smiled. “Confident, aren’t you, Ms. Lancaster? I like that.”

“Of course I’m confident. I’m offering you an alliance, and I need assurance in return. So, tell me—can you help me?”

“And what exactly do you need help with?”

Aurora took a steadying breath, downing the rest of her wine before answering. “If you’ve researched me as thoroughly as you claim, you know why I left my family.”

Lucian nodded, intrigued. “I won’t deny it. What do you want me to do?”

Aurora’s jaw tightened as her resolve solidified. “Help me take back what’s rightfully mine.”

Lucian studied her for a moment. “So, you want revenge?”

“Call it whatever you like,” she said, her voice cold. “But Ethan needs to pay for what he did to me.”

Lucian extended his hand, a smirk playing on his lips. “Deal.”

Aurora’s lips curved into a smile as she shook his hand. “Deal.”