Page 30 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

“In other words,” Hugo says as he closes his briefcase, “if you sign anything today, you do so under legal dispute. Ciphera Corp may be held jointly liable.”

I watch Wald lean toward his legal advisor and murmur something under his breath. The attorney replies quietly. Wald gives an almost imperceptible nod.

“You can’t do this,” Bianca says sharply. “This funding round has been negotiated for months. You have no—”

“Shareholders’ agreement,” I interrupt calmly. “Article seventeen, subsection three. Any funding round involving dilution of capital or transfer of technological licensing rights requires unanimous approval from all founding partners.” I tilt my head slightly. “You’re not part of the agreement, Bianca, but I did tell you about it once. Remember?”

Her gaze flicks toward Dante, searching for support.

But he isn’t looking at her.

His attention remains fixed on me, cold and focused, weighing every word.

I turn toward Wald and offer him a polite smile.

“Mr. Wald, I strongly recommend consulting your legal department before signing anything today. For everyone’s sake.”

He studies me for a moment, as though assessing both the risk and my determination.

Then he rises and gathers his documents.

“You’re right,” he concedes with a tight smile. “A transaction of this magnitude requires complete legal certainty.”

Then he turns toward Dante.

“I suggest we continue this discussion next week. That should give you enough time to resolve the internal situation and gain some clarity.”

He nods toward his delegation and heads for the door.

But when he reaches it, he turns back toward me.

“Ms. Delorme… don’t take too long. Our offer is exceptionally generous. Don’t let this opportunity lose value. There are dozens of companies like yours, and we’d be just as happy closing a deal elsewhere.”

“I’m sure you would,” I reply.

Peltier looks pale with fury.

I just jeopardized a funding round that would’ve made him a rich and powerful man.

Bianca is shooting murderous looks at me.

The attorneys remain silent.

And Dante watches me without speaking, like I’m a puzzle he’s trying to solve.

His expression is thoughtful. Almost analytical.

I understood his anger. This silence is far more dangerous.

9. What Do You Want?

Valeria

After Ciphera’s delegation leaves, silence crashes over the conference room like a lead blanket.

Dante rises from his chair. He walks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, hands in his pockets, staring out over the city for a few seconds before turning back toward us.

“Leave us.”