CH 25
His antics are more irritating than dangerous.”
Olivia’s brow lifted slightly, a knowing look crossing her face. She realized then that Ethan was much like her. Both were masters of concealment, adept at hiding their true capabilities beneath a calm exterior.
“Ethan,” she began, her tone laced with curiosity, “now that we’re married, shouldn’t you be able to claim the shares your grandfather left behind?”
Ethan shook his head, his voice laced with frustration. “I’ll have to wait three whole months before I can access the shares. After that, my grandfather’s proxy lawyer will call a shareholders’ meeting to officially transfer them to me.”
Olivia sighed, flicking her hair back with an air of resignation. “So, I’ve walked straight into a dangerous minefield, one where I could be eliminated at any moment.”
When she first agreed to the marriage, she had assumed the share transfer would be immediate—just a matter of days. Now, the extended three-month wait loomed ominously, leaving ample time for James and Smith to intervene. She knew they wouldn’t sit idly by.
“Are you scared?” Ethan’s gaze lifted to meet hers, his eyes carrying an intensity that spoke volumes.
Olivia chuckled lightly as she rose from her seat and strolled toward him. “Scared? Not really. But I am wondering—what compensation are you offering for dragging me into this extended debacle? Our agreement certainly didn’t account for it.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned abruptly and perched herself on his lap.
Ethan’s expression darkened, his body stiffening as a cold fury flickered in his eyes.
Olivia ignored the warning in his gaze, leaning closer to study his near-perfect features. Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “Why don’t you make it up to me—with yourself?”
“Olivia!” Ethan snapped, his voice edged with irritation.
“Relax, Ethan. You’re far too serious,” she cooed, pressing a finger gently against his lips to silence him. Her mischievous smile deepened. “After all, we’re legally married now. With looks like yours, I wouldn’t mind playing the role of a devoted wife.”
“You’re testing my patience,” Ethan growled, his eyes narrowing. “Do you really think I’d hesitate to end this arrangement right here and now?”
Olivia shrugged, unfazed by his outburst. “Go ahead, cancel it. But let’s be clear—you’d lose far more than I would.”
Ethan arched an eyebrow, her confidence catching him off guard. This woman was nothing like the timid figure his initial investigations had described. A suspicion stirred in his mind: was she really Olivia, or some cunning impostor skilled in manipulation?
“You’re awfully sure of yourself,” he remarked, his voice laced with intrigue.
“That’s because I know what I’m capable of,” Olivia replied, her tone low but resolute, her certainty unshakable.
Ethan’s lips quirked into an involuntary smile. “It seems you’ve been hiding your sharpness all along.”
Olivia lifted his chin with her hand, her eyes gleaming with a playful intensity. “The same could be said about you.”
She stepped back to the bed and reclined gracefully, her gaze never leaving his. “You’re quite the actor, aren’t you, Ethan? A master of disguise.”
“What are you insinuating?” Ethan’s voice hardened as a flicker of panic crossed his face.
Her smirk deepened as her eyes dropped to his legs. “Why don’t you stand up?”
The room fell into a heavy silence. Ethan stared at her, his skepticism evident, his mind racing.
Time seemed to stretch as the tension between them thickened, their locked gazes engaging in an unspoken duel.
Then, deliberately and without a word, Ethan gripped the handles of his wheelchair. With a steady motion, he pushed himself to his feet.
He stood.
Olivia’s expression remained unshaken, devoid of surprise or shock.
Ethan took measured steps toward her, his movements deliberate and controlled. Reaching her, he gently tilted her chin upward, his eyes searching hers. “How did you figure it out?”
