Page 162 of The Encore’s Crown

I consider that.

“Hm.”

Rithy narrows his eyes.

“What does ‘hm’ mean?”

“Maybe.”

His mouth falls open.

“She’d want a stupid-sized diamond, though. I’d have to plan ahead.”

I start taking the stairs two at a time.

“Kiri!”

“Probably something custom.”

“Are you serious right now?”

“She likes dramatic shit.”

“Oh my God.”

I hurry down the next flight, grinning despite myself. Behind me, Rithy breaks into a run. I push through the next stairwell door.

“Are you seriously talking about marrying her?”

“Keep your voice down. You brought it up!”

“As a warning!”

Rithy races after me, shouting words in a string of panicked Khmer.

I keep moving as a smile stretches across my face, so wide it almost aches.

Chapter 56

Especially Kiri

Natalia

The lawyer spends nearly forty minutes explaining every right I’ll be giving up. The right to pursue Julian in civil court. The right to speak publicly about what happened. The right to name him, the label, or anyone involved in the agreement. He explains the confidentiality clause twice, then the penalties if I break it—the money Julian could seek, the injunctions, the years of hearings if either side decides to make things difficult.

Stefan sits at the end of the conference table looking like he hasn’t slept. When the lawyer finally stops, he folds his hands over the document. “You understand that signing this closes the matter as far as any claim of yours is concerned?”

“Yes.”

“And that you’re not required to sign today?”

“Yes.”

“You’re entitled to take more time.”

“I don’t need more time.”

I pick up the pen. The lawyer glances at Stefan, then back at me. “Ms. Sawadzka, I need to be certain no one is pressuring you.”