The temptation of my brother-in-law

Chapter Ninety-Eight

Malachi’s POV

I looked at Cecilia’s desperate face. At the weight of obligation pressing down on both of us. At the debt I owed her father.

"Six months," I said finally. "And we do this properly. With a contract."

Relief flooded her features. "Of course. Whatever you need."

"I mean it, Cecilia. This stays strictly business. No complications. No expectations beyond what’s written down."

"I understand." She reached into her bag and pulled out a folder. "I actually already drafted something. Just in case."

Of course she had. Cecilia was nothing if not prepared.

She slid the papers across the table. I picked them up and started reading. The contract was thorough. Detailed. Exactly what I’d have written myself.

Six months or until inheritance was secured, whichever came first. No physical intimacy required. Public appearances as needed to maintain the illusion. Complete discretion. Clean break at the end with no further obligations.

"You had your lawyer write this?" I asked.

"I wrote it myself. I know how these things work."