Chapter 3 - The Secret Contract
Vivienne rushed to her son’s side, helping him scramble back to his feet. Her eyes flicked from the Police Chief’s pale face back to the black-and-gold card still sitting in the wall scanner’s reader tray. The distinct seal of the Federal Oversight Committee was etched in raised gold filigree.
Vivienne’s hands began to shake violently, clutching her pearl necklace until her knuckles turned white. "Director... Director Reed?" she gasped in a trembling whisper. "Please... forgive my son!"
Three years ago, Claire Reed had met Preston Beaumont at a charity gala. Preston had pursued her relentlessly, claiming he loved her simplicity and quiet nature. Claire, believing in his sincerity, accepted his proposal six months ago. But Claire had never told Preston about her family. Her father, Marcus Reed, had served twenty-five years as the Director of the Federal Fraud and Anti-Corruption Bureau—a man who operated entirely in the shadows, holding file cabinets capable of dismantling entire industrial dynasties.
To protect Claire from opportunistic suitors, Marcus had allowed her to live as an ordinary schoolteacher, driving a modest sedan and living in a modest apartment.
The Beaumont family, desperate to secure funding for their failing maritime transport empire, had believed Claire was a penniless orphan with no connections. Tonight was supposed to be their engagement announcement—until Vivienne discovered Claire couldn't provide a multi-million-dollar dowry.
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"You called my daughter a beggar ten minutes ago, Vivienne," Marcus said smoothly, stepping forward as the red lockdown lights reflected off his polished leather shoes. "Let's review who is actually begging tonight."
👉 Read on as Marcus reveals the true motive behind Preston's fake engagement.
