Lucas's eyes blazed with fury, his gaze fixed on Victor. "No Smith will ever bow to a Blackwood."
"Should I consider this the beginning of a war?" Victor asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ethan Smith's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "What are you talking about, Blackwood?"
Julian Smith stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. "Wait, our fathers had decided that to maintain peace between our families, our only sister, Ivy, should be married to Victor. We must think about our business and reputation, so this agreement will continue."
Lucas Smith's face twisted in disgust. "Brother, you can't be serious. You want Ivy to marry this...this..."
Victor's smile grew wider. "Watch your mouth, Smith. I'm not exactly thrilled about marrying your precious Ivy Elizabeth either. It was my father's decision, not mine."
Lucas sneered. "Since when do you follow your father's decisions, Blackwood?"
Victor's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with triumph. "I look forward to our union, Ivy Elizabeth."
Victor Blackwood's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he turned to Ethan Smith. "Now that we've settled the agreement, let's finalize the engagement date. Time is of the essence, and I have little patience for prolonged celebrations. Next week would be ideal. My bride, Ivy Elizabeth, will be arriving shortly. See that she's prepared, Ethan."
With that, Victor strode away, leaving Ethan seething with resentment. Ethan's fists clenched, his anger simmering just below the surface. "That scoundrel has been watching Ivy for years, and we were oblivious to it."
Victor's voice drifted back, his tone dripping with possessiveness. "I have every right to keep an eye on what's mine."

Ivy Smith is forced to marry Victor Blackwood, a ruthless and cunning man, due to a business agreement between their families. Despite her initial resistance, Ivy tries to make the best of the situation, but Victor's true nature soon reveals itself. He's cruel, manipulative, and has a hidden 

A Contract Not To Fall In Love

Victor lay motionless on the clinic bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he struggled to muster the energy to return to his penthouse. The soft beeping of the machines and the gentle hum of the air conditioning created a soothing melody, lulling him into a state of tranquility. But the serenity was short-lived as the door burst open and Liam strode in, his face etched with concern. 


"What happened?" Victor asked, his voice laced with a hint of irritation. As he slowly sat up, his movements labored. 


Liam's expression turned grave. "Ryder's been attacked." 


Victor's eyes snapped into focus, and he threw off the covers, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. He swiftly donned his coat, the fabric rustling as he moved with a sense of urgency. 


Liam placed a restraining hand on Victor's arm. "Look, your wound is still fresh. You don't need to go. Elijah and I can handle it." 


Chapter 32