Chapter 7: The Hidden Clause

Chapter 7: The Hidden Clause

The morning sun filtered through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of Jason's penthouse, casting golden streaks across the sleek interior. Elena sat at the breakfast bar, fingers curled around a cup of untouched coffee. She had barely slept after last night's event, her mind replaying the staged kiss, the way Jason had effortlessly manipulated the narrative to his advantage.

She hated him for it. Hated the way he could twist reality with a smirk and a calculated move.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, breaking her thoughts. A message from her lawyer, Julian Carter.

We need to talk. Now.

Elena's pulse quickened. Julian had been reviewing the contract ever since she signed it, ensuring she wasn't walking into an even bigger trap than she already had.

Grabbing her phone, she slipped out of the penthouse and made her way to the small office space she had set up before this mess began. Within minutes, Julian was pacing in front of her, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.

"There's a hidden clause," he said without preamble.

Elena's stomach sank. "What do you mean?"

Julian set a document in front of her, tapping a section with a sharp fingernail. "This. If you break the contract—if you attempt to leave Jason before the one-year term—you forfeit everything."

Elena skimmed the legal jargon, her breath catching on the crucial words.

Jason Sinclair will assume full ownership of Vasquez Designs, including all associated trademarks, assets, and future earnings.

Her heart pounded in her ears. "He—he owns my mother's boutique if I walk away?"

Julian nodded grimly. "If you try to leave him before the contract expires, yes."

A sharp, cold fury settled in her chest. Jason had planned this. He hadn't just trapped her in a marriage—he had ensured she had no way out without losing the one thing that mattered most to her.

Elena shot to her feet. "I need to talk to him."

Julian caught her wrist. "Be careful, Elena. This man plays a long game. He knew you'd sign that contract in desperation."

She clenched her jaw. "Then it's time I start rewriting the rules."

The Confrontation

Elena stormed into Jason's office like a hurricane, the contract clutched in her hand. She didn't bother knocking. If he wanted to act like a king, she would be the rebellion he never saw coming.

Jason was seated behind his massive mahogany desk, exuding effortless control as he typed on his laptop. He barely glanced up when she entered. "Good morning to you too, wife."

"Cut the act, Jason." She snapped, slamming the contract onto his desk. "You planned this. You knew I'd never agree to this clause if I saw it."

He exhaled slowly, closing his laptop with calculated patience. "I didn't hide anything, Elena. You signed the contract."

Her hands curled into fists. "Because I didn't know you buried a clause that lets you steal my boutique if I leave!"

Jason leaned back in his chair, studying her with that infuriating calmness that made her want to throw something at his head. "You weren't paying attention. That's not my fault."

Elena's blood boiled. "You are unbelievable."

He stood, walking around the desk until he was inches from her. His presence was suffocating, a forcefield of arrogance and control. "You agreed to be my wife for a year. Not half a year. Not until you decide you're done playing house. One. Full. Year."

She swallowed hard, refusing to back down. "And if I don't?"

Jason's smirk was lethal. "Then I own everything your mother built."

The sheer arrogance, the calculated cruelty, sent a fresh wave of fury through her. But beneath it was something else—fear. Not for herself, but for her mother's legacy.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to think. "Fine," she said. "You want a battle, Jason? You've got one."

Jason's eyes darkened, his smirk fading slightly. "Careful, Elena. I never lose."

She tilted her chin up. "Neither do I."

The Vow to Outmaneuver Him

Elena spent the rest of the day in her office, poring over every inch of the contract with Julian. She was done playing by Jason's rules. If he thought he had won, he was about to get the shock of his life.

"There has to be a loophole," she murmured, scanning the document.

Julian hesitated. "There might be. A way to make him violate the contract first."

Elena's brows lifted. "I'm listening."

Julian pointed to a section near the bottom. "There's a clause about public perception. If Jason does anything to tarnish the image of this marriage, you can challenge the agreement."

Elena's mind whirled. "So if I can prove he's the one who isn't upholding the illusion, I can fight back?"

Julian nodded. "It won't be easy. He's careful. But if we find something, you'll have leverage."

Leverage. The one thing she desperately needed.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across her lips. Jason Sinclair had set a trap. But he wasn't the only one who could play for power.

She would find a way to beat him at his own game.

And when she did, he'd never see it coming.

The Start of a Power Struggle Neither Can Afford to Lose

That night, as Elena returned to the penthouse, she found Jason lounging on the sofa, a whiskey glass in hand. He looked up, one brow arched. "You're late."

She dropped her bag on the floor and crossed her arms. "Get used to it."

Jason smirked. "Something tells me you've been scheming."

She smiled sweetly. "Oh, you have no idea."

He took a slow sip of his whiskey, his gaze never leaving hers. "Good. I'd hate for this marriage to be dull."

Elena turned on her heel and walked away, but she felt his eyes on her back the entire time.

This wasn't just a marriage on paper—it was a battlefield where power shifted with every glance, every word, every carefully veiled threat. And Elena was done playing defense.