Page 88 of The Contract

Margo smiles at her husband, touching his arm affectionately.

Adrian stays silent, barely masking his irritation.

“Well, I think this calls for a toast.” Calloway raises his glass higher.

“To Damien and Elena—two forces to be reckoned with. This is not just a match for love, but a match of prowess and power. A partnership that will shape our city in ways we’ve yet to see.”

He grins, nodding toward Damien and I feel him tense.

At something Calloway said? Or perhaps the toast in general, I’m not sure.

“New York better get ready.”

The rest of the table follows suit, glasses clinking together as they echo the toast.

I feel Damien’s fingers thread through mine again beneath the table, a small squeeze of approval.

He holds my stare and that tension eases away.

We clink our glasses together, our eyes never leaving each other as we take a sip.

And as I meet Adrian’s gaze across the table, the sour downturn of his mouth telling me exactly how much he hated losing this round, I can’t help the small, satisfied smile that curls at the corner of my lips.

“In fact,” Mr. Calloway stands and nods to the musicians who have been playing softly in the background of our meal. “I demand the first dance with the blushing bride-to-be.”

Calloway rounds his chair and holds his hand to help me up.

“Need to show these young ones how it’s done.” He teases, his words a playful jab at Damien as he pats his shoulder twice, escorting me to the dancefloor.

The music swells, the soft hum of a jazz standard filling the air as Mr. Calloway leads me effortlessly across the dance floor. His grip is firm but gentle, the kind of steady confidence that comes from years of practice.

I expected this to be awkward, but it isn’t.

He’s easy to talk to, his conversation lighthearted as he spins me with ease.

“You’re a natural,” he compliments, his voice warm with amusement.

I smile. “You’re a very good lead.”

“Decades of keeping up with Margo will do that to a man.” He grins.

“Speaking of which, I mean it when I say, you and Damien make quite the pair.”

I don’t let my smile falter.

“I’d like to think so.”

“True love can be rare for men like us,” he continues, guiding me into another smooth turn.

“A woman with beauty and brains? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. I knew Margo was the one the moment I saw her handle herself in a room full of men who underestimated her. She proved them all wrong.”

He eyes me with approval.

“And I suspect you’re no stranger to doing the same.”

The compliment is genuine, and I tuck it away like a small victory.

“That’s very kind of you to say, Mr. Calloway.”

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