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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

Liam pulled up to Ivy's building, the city lights casting a golden glow on the sleek glass facade. The silence between them was thick and heavy, like a fog that refused to lift. 


Ivy didn't speak until she stepped out of the car, the cool night air enveloping her like a shroud. She gazed up at the building, her eyes tracing the curves of the architecture. 


"Thanks, Liam," Ivy said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her words hung in the air like mist. 


Liam nodded, his expression neutral, his eyes reflected in the rearview mirror. The dim lighting accentuated the sharp angles of his face. 


Ivy hesitated, her hand on the door handle, her fingers drumming a slow rhythm. 


"Liam?" Ivy called out, her voice laced with concern. Her eyes locked onto Liam's, searching for answers. 


"Yes?" Liam replied, his voice low and even his gaze meeting hers. 


"What's Victor hiding?" Ivy asked, her voice firm, her words tumbling out like a river. 


Chapter 74