Page 33 of Unbreakable Vow

“Since you’ll be the controlling decision, yes, you’ll be able to. So long as you get the majority of the board to agree to a sale. But understand, if you should divorce during the year, it will make things tricky. You’ll have to refund the money earned from the sale to the estate.” He nods. “I agree, it’s an odd stipulation,especially since she herself set up the review process. But it’s there.”

He pulls out another document. “The prenuptial agreement is set; it needs both signatures.”

I sweep my eyes over the document.

A full year.

She’ll be twenty-six. It gives her plenty of time to find someone to marry her and give her the family she wants.

She’s young. She has that going for her.

I read the prenuptial agreement again. There’s nothing in it about length of the marriage.

She’s under the impression this will only be for a few months. And it still can be; there’s nothing in my grandmother’s will that stipulates she needs to live with me.

I’ll see that she’s taken care of for the annoyance, and I’ll be able to move forward with my plan.

The Kustov businesses will be stomped out. The legacy my grandfather wanted to protect so badly he disowned his only daughter will die with it.

“Did you want to make any changes, given this new information?” His bushy gray eyebrows lift, like he’s a disappointed father urging a child to do the right thing.

If he had the memories I have, he would know I am doing the right thing. My mother was abandoned by her own family. She watched as my father’s mother fawned over me, enjoying her years of grandmother-hood. She did her best to hide it, but I could see the sadness in her eyes at not being able to have that same bond with her own mother.

When my father died, I was only seven years old. Still, they would not see her as their own blood. If it were not for my uncles, and the fierce loyalty of the Petrov family, my mother and I would have been cast to the streets in Russia. Instead, we found a new life here in Chicago.

“No.” I pick up a pen and scribble my signature. “And no talk of the will to Cora.” It’s not a request, and he nods silently in agreement.

There’s a gentle knock on the door.

Cora stands just inside the office. Her hair has been curled and she’s wearing a modest blue sundress. She’s the image of purity.

Something a man like me will destroy.

Nothing remains pure and sweet forever.

And she is no different.

“Uh, the judge is here.” She eyes the attorney.

“Good.” I hold out the pen. “Just sign here and we’ll get this over with.”

With soft steps, she makes her way to me and takes the pen from my hand.

“What is this?” She turns the paper toward her and begins to read over the agreement. “A prenuptial agreement.” She breathes out, as though it’s a relief. “We each leave with what we brought, is that right?” She looks up at the attorney.

Mr. Certucci’s eyes linger several inches south of her chin when she asks her question. He blinks, then darts his gaze back up and nods.

“Hmm, yes. Yes, that’s what it says.” His cheeks redden, but when he glances up at me, they drain of all color.

“That seems fair. It’s only for a few months anyway.” She grins and puts the pen to paper, carefully signing her full name. Even her penmanship is pretty.

“That’s all.” I snap the document from beneath her pen the second she finishes and shove it to Certucci. “Send the judge in when you leave.”

In his flustered state, he doesn’t put the paperwork in his briefcase before he leaves. He just wraps his arms around it all and hurries.

He’s lucky he’s leaving with his eyes.

“The money,” Cora says quietly after the lawyer leaves.

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