Chapter 10 - The Contract Beneath the Contract
Nathaniel told Maya not to respond.
“This may be extortion.”
Ethan stepped closer.
“Lucas is bluffing.”
Beatrice snapped:
“You do not know that.”
Maya watched them turn on each other.
“What did Ethan sign?”
Neither answered.
The message contained a photograph.
A signature page.
Ethan’s name appeared beneath a clause Maya had never seen.
Nathaniel examined it.
“This is not part of the occupancy agreement.”
Beatrice looked away.
It was a private side contract between Ethan, Beatrice, and Lucas.
If Ethan obtained control of Maya’s property within five years of marriage, the land would be transferred to their development company.
Ethan would receive ten million dollars.
Beatrice would control the larger project.
Lucas would receive twenty percent.
Maya looked at the date.
The contract had been signed six days before her wedding.
Ethan’s face collapsed.
“Maya—”
“You signed a sale agreement before you married me.”
“I thought the trust would eventually transfer.”
“You planned my marriage around a deadline.”
“I loved you.”
“Then why did your love have a payment schedule?”
He had no answer.
Mrs. Sterling moved beside Maya.
Maya read the remaining clause.
If Ethan failed to gain control within five years, he owed Lucas personally for all development expenses.
The deadline was in nine days.
That explained the escalation.
The cold punishment.
The pressure.
The attempts to force Maya to sign documents she never fully read.
Ethan was running out of time.
May you like
He had not only wanted the house.
He was desperate.
