The next threat came from within the family.
Isabella summoned both Emily and Alexander to the family estate.
This time, no elegant dinner.
No formal pleasantries.
Only business.
In the private library, Isabella handed them a sealed legal file.
Alexander opened it.
His expression darkened immediately.
Emily looked over his shoulder.
It was a clause in the Moretti inheritance trust.
A brutal one.
If Alexander failed to produce a legal heir within two years—
Control of a major voting block in the company would transfer to a family trust committee.
Including Isabella.
Emily looked up sharply.
"You're serious?"
Isabella's voice was calm.
"The clause has existed for generations."
Alexander shut the file.
"This changes nothing."
"It changes everything," Isabella replied.
She turned to Emily.
"If this marriage is real, prove it."
Silence filled the room.
On the drive home, neither Emily nor Alexander spoke for nearly an hour.
Finally Emily said quietly:
"Do you want children?"
Alexander's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
"With the right woman."
Emily turned toward the window—
Trying not to let that answer affect her.
But it already had.