CONTRACT MARRIAGE WITH EMOTIONLESS BILLIONAIRE

Episode 4: The Ice Begins to Crack

Sophia woke up to the soft sound of rain tapping against the windows. London’s skyline was hidden behind a gray mist, mirroring the uncertainty settling in her chest. She was officially Mrs. Blackwood—but in name only.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A message from Charlotte Hastings, her best friend.

Charlotte: "WTF, Sophia?! You got married and didn’t even tell me?!"

Sophia sighed, rubbing her temples.

Before she could reply, a knock sounded at her door. She opened it to find a maid standing there.

"Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood. Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in the study."

Sophia arched a brow. Mr. Blackwood requests? How formal.

"Tell Mr. Blackwood that his wife is still sleeping," she said dryly, shutting the door.

But before she could turn back to her bed—

Click.

The door opened again.

Sebastian stood there, leaning against the doorframe in a crisp white dress shirt, the top buttons undone, revealing just a hint of his toned chest.

"You’re ignoring my summons already?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.

Sophia crossed her arms. "I’m not your employee, Sebastian. You don’t summon me like a board meeting."

His lips twitched slightly, as if amused. "Then consider this an invitation."

She narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"

Sebastian studied her for a moment, then said, "We’re having dinner with my grandfather tonight. He wants to see his new granddaughter-in-law."

Sophia stiffened. Nathaniel Blackwood—the legendary founder of Blackwood Enterprises. A man known for his ruthless business acumen and sharp mind.

"And if I refuse?" she challenged.

Sebastian stepped closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Then I’ll carry you there myself."

Sophia’s pulse quickened.

She hated how he could unsettle her with just a look, just a whisper.

"Fine," she said, pushing past him. "But don’t expect me to act like the perfect little wife."

Sebastian chuckled, watching her walk away.

"Don’t worry," he murmured. "I never expected that at all."

Dinner with the Devil’s Grandfather

The Blackwood estate was even more intimidating at night, its dark corridors echoing with the weight of history.

Sophia walked beside Sebastian, her heels clicking against the marble floors. His hand rested lightly on her lower back—a touch so casual, yet it sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Inside the dining room, Nathaniel Blackwood sat at the head of the table, his silver hair neatly combed back, his sharp blue eyes—so much like Sebastian’s—assessing her.

"So," Nathaniel said, swirling his glass of scotch. "This is the woman who finally tamed my grandson?"

Sophia smiled politely. "I wouldn’t say tamed."

Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened with interest. "Good. A weak woman wouldn’t survive in this family."

Sebastian exhaled softly, as if this conversation was already exhausting him. "Grandfather, let’s not turn this into an interrogation."

Nathaniel smirked. "Relax, boy. I’m just making sure she knows what she signed up for."

Sophia met his gaze, unflinching. "I know exactly what I signed up for, Mr. Blackwood. The question is—do you?"

A moment of silence.

Then, Nathaniel let out a deep, rich laugh. "I like her."

Sebastian hid a smirk behind his glass of wine.

For the first time, Sophia realized—she wasn’t just in a marriage of convenience.

She was in a battle of power.

And she had every intention of winning.