Chapter 52
Chapter 52:
“I have something for you,” Jocelyn said. She produced the small blue box from her pocket.
She walked over and set it on the desk, directly on top of a blueprint marked Wolfe Hotel Expansion Phase 1.
Gaston looked at the box. Then at her.
“What is this p>
“Open it p>
He opened the box. The platinum band sat inside, gleaming softly.
He went still.
A𝖽𝗱𝗶𝘤tіv𝘦 𝘯o𝘷𝖾l𝗌 о𝗻 ѕ.𝖼𝗈𝗆
“It’s a prop,” Jocelyn said quickly, her nerve deserting her. “You know — for the act. You gave me the diamond, so I thought you should have something to show we’re married. For the optics p>
Gaston picked up the ring. He slid it onto his finger. It fit perfectly.
He looked at it for a long moment.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice rough. “It’s acceptable p>
“Just acceptable p>
He looked up at her. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received p>
Jocelyn’s heart did a small, traitorous flip. “Don’t exaggerate p>
“I’m not.” He held up his hand. “I won’t take it off p>
“Even when you’re with —” she hesitated, gesturing vaguely toward his chest “— J.W p>
Gaston frowned. “What p>
“Your tattoo. Your partner p>
Gaston let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Is that who you think J.W. is p>
“It’s okay,” Jocelyn said, already backing toward the door. “Rule number one. No questions about private lives. Goodnight, Gaston p>
She fled the room before he could answer.
Gaston looked down at the ring. Then he pressed a hand to the tattoo beneath his shirt.
“Jocelyn Wolfe,” he whispered. “You blind idiot p>
The Wolfe Estate living room felt like a courtroom.
Jocelyn and Gaston sat together on the loveseat. Gaston’s hand rested on Jocelyn’s knee, his thumb tracing slow circles on the silk of her lavender dress.
Robert and Elouise sat opposite them on the sofa, looking like naughty schoolchildren. They were fidgeting.
“So,” Gaston said, his voice filling the room. “We are here to discuss the merger. Or rather, the acquisition p>
“Acquisition?” Robert asked nervously. “We thought this was a family meeting p>
“It is,” Gaston said. “We are acquiring Jocelyn’s freedom p>
He slid a check across the coffee table.
Robert picked it up. His eyes bulged. “Ten million dollars p>
Elouise gasped, leaning over to see. “Ten million p>
“This is a gift,” Gaston said. “A thank-you for raising my wife. However, there are strings attached p>
He slid a document across the table.
“This is a legal severance of financial dependency,” Gaston explained. “A final settlement of Jocelyn’s trust, paid out now, in full. By cashing this check, you agree that you have no further claim on Jocelyn’s finances or her future earnings. You will never ask her for a loan. You will never ask her to bail out the hotel. This is a legally binding firewall. You are cutting her loose p>
Jocelyn held her breath. This was the test. Would they choose her, or the money?
Robert didn’t even look at her. He reached for a pen.
“Where do I sign p>
Elouise was already uncapping her own. “This is very generous, Gaston. Very generous indeed p>