“She’s My Wife on Paper, Nothing More” — The Crime Lord Laughed… Not Knowing She Heard Every Word
Chapter 4
Clara refused to believe him.
Her brother Thomas had always been her protector.
He had helped manage their father’s estate.
He had arranged the marriage with Lucian.
He had told Clara that Lucian was dangerous but necessary.
Now Lucian claimed Thomas wanted her dead.
“You’re lying.”
“I wish I were.”
“Why would my brother kill me?”
“Because your father left you something.”
“What?”
“A property deed.”
She stared.
Lucian explained that Clara’s father had secretly transferred ownership of several river warehouses to her.
Those warehouses controlled the most profitable shipping route in the region.
Thomas had assumed the property would pass to him.
But the deed named Clara.
“He tried to convince your father to change it.”
“My father refused.”
“Then your father died.”
Clara’s breathing stopped.
“You think Thomas killed him.”
“I know he arranged it.”
She stepped backward.
“My father died of fever.”
“No.”
Lucian handed her a sealed letter.
The handwriting was her father’s.
Clara recognized it immediately.
She opened it with trembling hands.
The letter contained only a few lines.
Clara,
If you are reading this, then I am gone. Trust no one who tells you the marriage to Lucian is merely a business arrangement.
Her eyes moved lower.
He knows what your brother has done. He agreed to marry you because he is the only man powerful enough to keep you alive.
Clara looked up.
Lucian stood silently.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Your brother had spies everywhere.”
“So you made me hate you.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because if Thomas believed you hated me, he would stop watching you.”
Clara’s voice broke.
“And you?”
Lucian looked away.
“I could survive your hatred.”
“But could you survive mine?”
He finally met her eyes.
“I wasn’t certain.”
For the first time, Clara saw the cost of his silence.
He looked exhausted.
Not powerful.
Not frightening.
Just tired.
She folded the letter.
“I need time.”
Lucian nodded.
“You’ll have it.”
Then he turned.
“Elias.”
“Yes?”
“Find Thomas.”
