"I don't agree." Sterling rejected her flat out. Claudia stared at him, speechless at how he could have an entire conversation by himself and still think he'd won. He even looked thoughtful, as if considering her side for exactly half a second. "Feelings can be cultivated." Not that he thought it mattered. Interest and benefit—that was the bond that lasted. "I haven't agreed to anything," she said coolly. Her phone lit up on the table. Sterling stood, buttoning his cuffs. "I'm leaving in an hour. You've got time to think. Once you decide, call me. Love I can't promise, but in practice, I'll make sure to be a proper husband." "And if I don't agree?" "Then keep thinking," he said without turning. "I only accept one answer." From anyone else, it would've sounded arrogant. From Sterling, it was just a fact—he had the power to make it one. Claudia couldn't shake the feeling that she'd already walked straight into his trap. "Wait," she said suddenly. "You were leaving anyway. So why throw a fit when I asked earlier? You even turned it back on me." Sterling spread his hands innocently. "Leaving for business and being kicked out to make room for another man—those aren't the same thing." "I wasn't kicking you out. And what do you mean by 'another man'?" "A man who covets someone else's wife." “Mr. Romero, you're slipping into character way too fast."He bent down suddenly and brushed his lips against her forehead. "Just rehearsing early." Claudia froze, too slow to dodge, and caught it head-on. "Sterling!" she snapped through gritted teeth. "Be good," he said, smirking. "I'm going to pack." Sometimes, when he wanted to, Sterling could be completely, shamelessly deaf. As she stormed off and slammed the door behind her, amusement flickered in his eyes. He wasn't worried. The Lancaster idiots would push her right where he wanted her—straight into his arms. Her only support. Her only ally. Her closest partner. He was already looking forward to it, almost giddy with anticipation. At first, he'd chosen her for her boldness, her recklessness, that hint of madness that mirrored his own. But after nearly a month of living together, he had a feeling—Claudia Lancaster might bring him more surprises yet. This contract wife… he was very, very satisfied. ... The night Sterling flew abroad on business, Claudia finally let Whitney drag her out. After a month of staying home to nurse him back to health, she was starting to forget what nightlife even looked like. In the crowded bar, Whitney claimed a booth like she owned the place and glared. "You've been holed up so long you're practically sprouting mushrooms. Anyone else would think you've got a gold mine hidden in that apartment." No gold mine. Just a troublesome benefactor.Claudia said nothing. Because Sterling had been hunted, she hadn't dared to tell Whitney about him—didn't want to risk pulling her friend into danger. She'd used work deadlines as an excuse to keep Whitney away. Now that he was gone, there was no reason to hide anymore. She told her everything. Whitney's commentary was nonstop. "Holy crap! So that's why you've been ghosting me—you've been busy with something huge!" Her eyes sparkled. "Girl, you've got the Romero family's golden boy in your hands. You could walk sideways across Liberty City and no one would dare say a word!" Claudia's fingers traced the rim of her glass. "I haven't decided yet." Whitney's teasing vanished in an instant. "All that 'crush them all' talk is for jokes, Claudia. Lydia's not worth your whole life. If you really want to deal with her, just wait. When I take over my old man's company, I'll use the Sawyer family to go after the Lancasters myself. You've already done enough. You don't need him." Her voice dropped, serious now. "Sterling's powerful, sure. But the Romero family's a snake pit. They're always tearing each other apart. And Sterling—he's dangerous, Claudia. They say Henry Romero and his son both got wiped out recently. One's a vegetable, the other…" she hesitated, lowering her voice, "an eunuch. No proof, but everyone points to him. He's ruthless. Standing beside him is fine for now—but if one day you end up on opposite sides? He won't hesitate." Whitney clenched her glass. "You've already suffered enough. Jasper was a scumbag. You deserve someone who actually treasures you." She meant it. When the whole world had turned its back on her, it was Claudia—infamous, untouchable Claudia—who'd reached down and saved her life. Whitney would never forget that. But Sterling Romero… wasn't a man you could just say no to. Claudia didn't mention his so-called determination. Instead, she smiled faintly and leaned against her friend's shoulder. "Then I'll count on you to feed me for the rest of my life." Whitney snorted. "Relax. When old man Sawyer croaks, we'll split the inheritance fifty-fifty." Claudia laughed. "He'll be so mad he might actually drop dead." "Better sooner than later," Whitney said cheerfully. They joked about the Sawyer family, her scheming stepmother and that useless stepbrother—until a cold, low voice cut through their laughter. "You two seem to be having a great time. How about joining me in the event room for another drink?" The man standing in front of them had icy blue hair and a sneer on his face. Quade. Ever since Lydia had been crippled by Claudia, he'd been burning with rage. And after the prank that left him cursed and humiliated for three straight days, mocked by his own crew, Quade had lost every shred of dignity. Now, seeing her laughing like nothing had happened—it sent fire up his veins.